Aircell Debuts New ATG 5000 High Speed Internet System

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Aircell, the world's leading provider of airborne communications, announces that the first installation of the company's new ATG 5000 High Speed Internet unit is now complete aboard a California-based Gulfstream G200 operated by FlightWorks, Inc. The ATG 5000 began shipping last month, and the first installation was performed by Gulfstream Aerospace Corp's Dallas Service Center.

The ATG 5000 provides standalone Aircell® High Speed Internet capabilities for customers that don't require the integrated voice and narrowband data features of Aircell Axxess®. The ATG 5000 can easily be installed alongside existing equipment, saving downtime and reducing installation costs. The system's combination of features, light weight and small antennas make it an excellent fit for virtually any business aircraft, including light business jets and turboprops. The ATG 5000 is part of Aircell's diverse, global family of communications solutions.

John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell, said, "As we begin 2010, the demand for Inflight Internet continues to accelerate. Our new ATG 5000 offers a new segment of aircraft operators the opportunity to increase their company's productivity by keeping executives fully connected in flight."

A complete ATG 5000-based High Speed Internet package is simple and extremely lightweight. It includes an ATG 5000 High Speed Internet LRU (11 lbs, 3 MCU), two belly-mounted blade antennas (1.25 lbs each) and an optional cabin telecommunications router (4 lbs). Wired or wireless (Wi-Fi) in-cabin connection options are available.

The Gulfstream G200 that received the first ATG 5000 is operated by FlightWorks, a diversified aviation services firm with burgeoning worldwide aircraft management and charter operations. Ron Smith, Chief Sales Officer, FlightWorks, said, "We're pleased to bring the very latest technology to our customers. Especially in this economy, the owner of the G200 sees a full Internet connection as an essential productivity tool in meeting the demands of their business. They're thrilled with the system's performance and are already in the process of installing it on their other aircraft."

Aircell High Speed Internet is the only solution in business aviation that provides a true high speed Internet experience that equals what passengers are accustomed to on the ground, while being small and light enough to fit on virtually any business aircraft. It is up to 56 times faster than a traditional dial-up connection.

In addition to the Aircell High Speed Internet system for the continental U.S., Aircell is offering its satellite-based SwiftBroadband solution for global service. Aircell's SwiftBroadband product is powered by Thrane & Thrane.

New Feature – Managing Multiple Networks Automatically

Aircell also announces that beginning in December 2009, all Aircell ATG 4000 and ATG 5000 High Speed Internet systems include a built-in feature that automatically manages multiple data networks installed aboard an aircraft. Called WAN Management, it enables the aircraft to automatically switch between Aircell High Speed Internet and Aircell's SwiftBroadband solution according to the operator's pre-set preferences. For example, a typical configuration is to have Aircell High Speed Internet set as the aircraft's preferred network with an automatic default to SwiftBroadband when the aircraft travels outside the continental U.S. Aircell's WAN Management function emulates how the latest multi-network consumer devices operate on the ground.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• A high-res photograph accompanies this announcement and is available for download at the following link: http://www.aircell.com/files/graphics/Aircell-ATG5000.jpg.
• Photo caption: "Aircell's new ATG 5000 High Speed Internet system offers a true high speed Internet experience on a standalone basis."

About Aircell

Aircell is the world's leading provider of airborne communications and a single-source, turnkey provider of equipment, service, and technical support. With a global sales and support presence, its products are offered by virtually every fixed- and rotor-wing airframe manufacturer in business aviation, and are installed aboard the world's four largest fractional ownership fleets. As winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license in 2006, Aircell has built a revolutionary new mobile broadband network for commercial and business aviation. In 2008, the Aircell® Network and its inflight portal, known as Gogo®, revolutionized the commercial airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. The Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to Business Aircraft operators. Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois. Aircell's vision is to give everyone the ability to stay In Touch, In Flight®. For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.

© 2010 Aircell. All rights reserved. Aircell, Aircell Axxess, Gogo and In Touch, In Flight are registered trademarks of Aircell Business Aviation Services LLC or its affiliates. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Aircell