Cessna Selects Aircell Connectivity for Citation CJ4
Full Internet Capabilities Will Break New Ground in Business Aviation's Light Jet Category
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- [NBAA 2011] -- Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity for business aviation, announces that Cessna Aircraft Company will offer Gogo Biz(TM) high-speed Internet capability as a factory option for the Citation CJ4 beginning in the first quarter of 2012. Cessna's efforts to engineer and certify the system on the CJ4 platform are already well underway and are slated for completion in January.
Gogo Biz enables passengers and flight crews to enjoy high-speed Internet capabilities above 10,000 feet in the continental U.S. and portions of Alaska, using their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops, tablets, EFBs, smartphones and other mobile devices.
In addition to the new Internet capabilities being announced today, the CJ4 already includes global Iridium voice capabilities from Aircell as standard equipment. With integrated cabin handsets, passengers and crews can place and receive voice calls to or from anywhere in the world and enjoy call waiting, call forwarding, and conference calling features.
"We're pleased to debut Aircell's wireless, high-speed Internet capability for the first time ever as a factory-installed option on a light jet. We're giving customers complete freedom and control of their travel time," said Don Beverlin, who formerly headed up Cessna Aircraft Company's supply chain operations and is now Business Leader for CJ series products. "Whether checking email, connecting to the company network, catching up on the latest news, accessing ebooks and magazines, or just surfing the web - we're stepping up the possibilities. We've worked with Aircell for many years and we continue to believe in their vision. Their ability to give us a complete range of connectivity solutions, network services and equipment packages across Cessna's diverse range of business aircraft is exactly what we need."
The CJ4's standard equipment package currently includes the Aircell Axxess cabin communications system for worldwide voice capabilities. The new high speed Internet option will add an ATG 4000 high speed internet transceiver, a Cabin Telecommunications Router (CTR), and dual antennas mounted beneath the fuselage.
"Today's announcement highlights two significant trends in the business aviation market. First, connectivity plays an increasingly central role in all of our lives today, and business aircraft operators fully expect those services to be available when they fly," said John Wade, Aircell's executive vice president and general manager. "Second, Cessna's decision to offer a full complement of voice and high-speed internet services aboard a light jet is another clear sign that in-flight technology has become smaller, lighter and more affordable."
Aircell is displaying its entire range of in-flight connectivity and communications systems at NBAA 2011 this week in Las Vegas, Booth N3527. Attendees can visit Aircell's special NBAA 2011 landing page at http://www.aircell.com/nbaa for a variety of show-related news, attendee and exhibit information, and other resources. Aircell will also be tweeting from the show and visitors can follow the company by visiting http://www.twitter.com/aircellbizav.
About Aircell
Aircell, a Gogo company, is a 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. A 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(TM), Aircell provides 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 http://www.aircell.com and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/aircellbizav.