Story ID: 511BeechcraftGetsWi-FiNBAA2013.doc
Beechcraft Offers Wi-Fi Connectivity
By: AIN Staff
Caption: 
Word Count: 295
Beechcraft announced that it has certified and begun installations on a range of wireless in-flight connectivity equipment to fit low- and high-occupancy aircraft.
  
Aircell’s ATG 2000, which provides Gogo Biz in-flight Internet and Text & Talk voice services, is available with certified Wi-Fi as an upgrade through Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) for most Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft. According to the Wichita-based OEM, HBS is offering introductory incentives to operators who purchase an ATG 2000 system through the end of 2013.
  
“The ATG 2000 bundles connectivity and voice service features in a perfectly sized and priced package,” said senior v-p of Global Customer Support Christi Tannahill.
  
The ATG 2000 allows users to connect up to three personal devices to the system including smartphones, tablets and laptops for Web browsing and e-mail using Aircell’s Gogo Biz air-to-ground network.
  
The optional Text & Talk voice service gives passengers the ability to call and text in flight using their own smartphones and mobile numbers. It permits up to two simultaneous voice calls and as many as two devices for text messaging. 
  
Because the ATG 2000 doesn’t enable streaming video/audio services and it supports a limited number of user devices, data consumption is controlled, helping manage monthly service costs.
  
For aircraft that require more advanced features or the ability to connect a high number of user devices, Beechcraft has also certified installation of Aircell’s ATG 4000 and ATG 5000 systems in new King Air 250 and King Air 350i models. HBS is also offering upgrades on in-service King Air and Hawker aircraft.
  
“Our HBS team is the most capable and knowledgeable in the industry with more than 50 installations in the past six months, including 25 ATG 2000 installations,” said Tannahill.