Aircell First to Bring Global SwiftBroadband Connectivity to Business Aviation in Brazil

Aug. 10, 2011
Two members of its global dealer network have received separate installation certifications for AVIATOR 300 and AVIATOR 350 systems from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL [LABACE 2011] – August 10, 2011 – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of in-flight connectivity for business aviation, announces that two members of its global dealer network have received separate installation certifications for AVIATOR 300 and AVIATOR 350 systems from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). A significant milestone in the worldwide proliferation of in-flight connectivity for business aviation, these new certifications represent the first-ever approvals of SwiftBroadband-based communications systems in Brazil.

Aircell’s AVIATOR-series products, powered by Thrane & Thrane, enable global email, light Internet and voice capabilities via Inmarsat’s satellite-based SwiftBroadband service.

“Aircell is proud to be bringing the productivity-enhancing benefits of SwiftBroadband to Brazil for the very first time,” said John Wade, Aircell’s executive vice president & general manager. “The diversity of these two new installations – one in a light jet and the other in a transportcategory aircraft – are shining examples of SwiftBroadband’s capability, the flexibility of the AVIATOR equipment packages, and the expertise of Aircell’s global dealer & distributor network. The customers are thrilled to have the very latest technology aboard their aircraft,” concluded Wade. Following are details of the two recent system certifications in Brazil.

• An AVIATOR 350 system was installed and certified aboard an Airbus ACJ319 in VVIP configuration by Avionics Services of Sao Paulo. AVIATOR 350 incorporates a High Gain Antenna (HGA) that enables near-global coverage and connection speeds up to 432 kbps. Incorporating an exclusive Iridium/Inmarsat filter solution, the system was fully integrated with the Aircell Axxess cabin system and included cockpit data capabilities. Joao Batista Vernini, Director and CEO of Avionics Services, said, “This VVIP customer is one of the most demanding we’ve ever worked with and the AVIATOR system met all of their expectations. The system has performed flawlessly and they are very happy with the connectivity & communications benefits it provides them,” he concluded.

• An AVIATOR 300 system was installed and certified aboard a Cessna Citation CJ3 by TAM Aviação Executiva at its Sao Paulo facility. AVIATOR 300 incorporates an Intermediate Gain Antenna (IGA) that enables near-global coverage and connection speeds up to 332 kbps. Roberto Fajardo, GM & Director of Maintenance at TAM Aviação Executiva, said, “The customer is a traditional corporate flight department and they are very pleased to have a system that is affordable, small enough to fit on their aircraft, and capable of giving passengers access to Internet and e-mail in flight. Demand for Aircell’s SwiftBroadband products is rising – more quotes are being requested and we’re about to begin an installation for another customer.”

In addition to the aftermarket, the AVIATOR 300 system is also very popular in the OEM market. The system has now been selected for 12 factory airframe programs, including those at Bombardier Aerospace, Cessna Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation and Gulfstream Aerospace.

Aircell is displaying its in-flight connectivity range at LABACE 2011 in Sao Paulo this week, Stand #2025. There are a significant number of aircraft in the show’s static display that have one or more Aircell connectivity systems aboard, allowing attendees to see them up close. Aircell will also be tweeting from the show.

About Aircell

Aircell, a Gogo company, is the world’s leading provider of in-flight connectivity for business aviation. Through a full range of services including voice, high-speed Internet, cockpit data and more, Aircell increases the productivity, safety, and enjoyment of the business aviation travel experience. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, USA, Aircell is an AS9100-certified company serving a global customer base with an authorized dealer/distributor network that spans 6 continents. The most trusted brand in airborne communications, Aircell is a factory option at every major business aircraft manufacturer and installed on the world’s largest fractional ownership fleets. The only company to offer all three of the industry’s most popular network technologies – Iridium Satellite, Inmarsat SwiftBroadband and Gogo Biz™, Aircell provides unbiased advice and solutions addressing any customer need, aircraft type, or geography.

A Collier Trophy nominee and the recipient of several dozen awards for innovation, Aircell is widely credited with many of the industry’s most influential historical achievements, beginning with the groundbreaking airborne cellular concept that launched the company in 1991. Connect with us www.aircell.com