American Airlines Becomes First Airline to Launch AirCell's High-Speed
Broadband Internet Service on Aircraft Flying Over U.S.; Conquering the
Last Frontier for Internet Access
ITASCA, Ill., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, AirCell, the leading
wireless data and voice communications provider in business aviation,
announced it is teaming with American Airlines to test broadband services
with passengers across the U.S. beginning in 2008. AirCell's new Broadband
Internet service will allow business and leisure passengers to check
e-mail, surf the Web, tap into an office network and stay current on the
latest news, using their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops, PDAs, iPhones(R),
BlackBerrys(R) and portable gaming systems -- while in flight. Passenger
testing will be conducted on American Airlines fleet of Boeing 767-200
aircraft that primarily fly transcontinental routes. As the first to launch
in-flight broadband capabilities, American and AirCell are pioneering the
last frontier of domestic Internet service.
This high-speed broadband Internet service is made possible by
AirCell's unique air-to-ground network, which uses the latest technology to
transmit and receive data between the ground and the aircraft. American
Airlines customer testing will incorporate the following features and
capabilities upon initial rollout:
-- Nationwide in-flight broadband Internet service
-- Coast-to-coast, border-to-border, U.S. coverage, extending from the
Atlantic to the Pacific and the Canadian to the Mexican borders -- day
-- Usable by passengers equipped with 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi enabled devices
Real-time access to the Internet (using the passenger's own browser,
bookmarks, etc.)
-- An array of context and destination-related content
"We understand that broadband connectivity is important to our business
customers and others who want to use their PDAs and laptops for real-time,
in-flight broadband communications," said Dan Garton, Executive Vice
President - Marketing for American Airlines. "This is part of our
continuing effort to take the lead in enhancing the travel experience for
our customers and meet their evolving needs."
"Travelers are already bringing their own Wi-Fi enabled devices onto
planes," said Jack Blumenstein, AirCell CEO. "Bringing broadband access
onto domestic flights at an everyday, affordable price provides travelers
the opportunity to recapture time. Making productive use of the time in the
air will give them time back on the ground with family or just relaxing."
"Airline customers across the U.S. list broadband access in flight as
one of their top wishes," continued Blumenstein. "As the first airline to
deploy broadband access, American is demonstrating its commitment to the
business traveler and to its industry-leading position in technological
innovation."
The cost of the service on American Airlines will be announced at the
time of service roll-out. For information about AirCell and its broadband
Internet service visit http://www.aircell.com
About AirCell
AirCell(R) is the leader in global airborne telecommunications for the
Business Aviation market. 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. A
single-source, turnkey provider of equipment, service, and technical
support, AirCell simplifies airborne communications and keeps you In Touch,
In Flight(R).
The 2006 winner of the FCC's exclusive broadband frequency license,
AirCell is also pioneering a revolutionary new wireless broadband system
for North America. Available only from AirCell, it will include robust
Wi-Fi hotspots that enable airline passengers to surf the Internet, use
e-mail, and log on to their corporate VPN's using their personal
802.11a/b/g-equipped Wi-Fi data devices. The system will also offer airline
operational communications capabilities and provide a path to a wealth of
future cabin services.
Set for introduction in 2008, the new broadband service will also be
available to business aircraft operators, offering a similar set of
features. Customers that currently have an AirCell Axxess(TM)
communications system aboard their aircraft can easily add the new AirCell
broadband link by installing the appropriate radio and a small,
air-to-ground antenna. AirCell (http://www.aircell.com) has facilities in
Louisville, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois, USA.
About American Airlines:
American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American
Eagle and the American Connection(R) airlines serve 250 cities in over 40
countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet
numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site,
AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus
personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a
founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance, which brings together some of
the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer
their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on
its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140
countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle
Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. American Airlines,
American Eagle, American Connection, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered
trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).
AirCell is a registered trademark of AirCell LLC. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective owners.
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