Doug Murri, Formerly of Southwest Airlines, Joins Row 44

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Row 44, Inc., provider of the world's leading in-flight broadband platform, announced today that the company has hired longtime Southwest Airlines operations-technology professional and innovator Doug Murri.

In his 16 years with Southwest, Murri designed, led and implemented several key business-system and technology initiatives. The recipient of Southwest's 2005 President's Award, Murri led the airline's implementation for mission critical aircraft messaging (ACARS), including both airborne and ground systems. He designed and deployed Southwest's first remote server infrastructure at airport locations. Murri was also instrumental in developing and implementing Southwest's Onboard Performance Computer, an early electronic flight bag (EFB). 

Murri is an influential member of such airline industry committees as the Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee (AEEC), the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) and the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).

"In his technology role at Southwest, Doug Murri helped spearhead integrating Row 44's in-flight broadband system into Southwest's planes, so he has seen our system from the viewpoint of one of the world's most successful airlines," said Row 44's COO/CFO John LaValle. "We've been working with Doug for years, and he will fit in seamlessly with the Row 44 team."

LaValle continued: "Doug Murri also represents the latest example of Row 44's ongoing campaign to hire world-class talent, as we continue to grow into a truly global, market-driven company."

"As I worked with the Row 44 team from within Southwest on the passenger Wi-Fi initiative, I became convinced that this company's in-flight broadband platform is the most innovative and robust on the market," said Murri. "I am eager to help push Row 44's technology into new uses for our airline customers around the world."

About Row 44, Inc.
Row 44, Inc. provides the world's leading in-flight broadband connectivity services platform for commercial airlines. The company's flying Wi-Fi hotspot — which delivers the world's fastest aviation broadband speeds to passengers — provides airlines with an unmatched selection of revenue-generating and experience-enhancing entertainment, shopping and destination services. The company is partnering with airlines around the world, including world-renowned Southwest and 2009 Market Leadership Award recipient Norwegian Air Shuttle, to deliver a series of truly remarkable products to improve the commercial flying experience. For more information, visit www.row44.com.

SOURCE Row 44, Inc.