Story ID: 476GlobalAircellG650NBAAOct2011
Gulfstream Picks Global Aircell for G650
By: AIN Staff
Caption: Aircell will provide Gulfstream the Aircell Axxess communication system for the new large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650.
Word Count: 417
In-flight connectivity specialist Aircell (Booth No. N3527) has been selected by Gulfstream to provide the Aircell Axxess communication system for the new large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650.
Aircell Axxess provides global voice service and narrow-band data capabilities via the Iridium Satellite network. Integrated cabin handsets allow passengers and crew to place calls to, and receive calls from, anyplace in the world.
“Since Aircell Axxess is also offered on several other Gulfstream aircraft, fleet commonality will help passengers feel right at home as they communicate with family, friends and colleagues as they fly,” said Aircell v-p and general manager John Wade. Aircell is displaying its entire range of in-flight connectivity and communication systems at its exhibit (Booth No. N3527).
Meanwhile, Cessna Aircraft has announced that it will offer Aircell’s GoGo Biz high-speed air-to-ground Internet capability as a factory option for the Citation CJ4 beginning in the first quarter 2012.
Cessna’s efforts to engineer and certify the system on a CJ4 platform are already well under way and scheduled for completion in January.
GoGo Biz enables broadband Internet access by passengers and crews at altitudes above 10,000 feet in the continental U.S. and portions of Alaska, using their own Wi Fi-enabled laptops, tablets, electronic flight bags, smartphones and other mobile devices.
In other Aircell news, the Broomfield, Colo.-based company’s Aircell Axxess and Data Interface Unit (DIU) have received approval in SITA’s validation, assessment and qualification (VAQ) program.
As FANS-over-Iridium (FOI) technology continues to emerge, explained an Aircell spokesman, “this qualification is a critical milestone because it validates that Aircell’s satcom equipment meets all the performance requirements for operation in a FANS [Future Air Navigation System] environment.”
Aircell has published a new technology brief for the business aviation market titled, “Understanding FANS Over Iridium (FOI).” Aircell describes the brief a plain-language “must-read” for any aircraft operator conducting certified, non-VHF safety services messaging. The document is available on Aircell’s website.
Elsewhere, repair station MSP Aero at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport has received Wi Fi certification for installation of GoGo Biz in the Gulfstream G200. MSP Aero notes that GoGo Biz is “up to 56 times faster than dial-up connections and significantly faster than most satellite-based solutions.” According to director of business development Jon Ness, MSP Aero plans to target additional airframes with plans to develop installation kits to provide a seamless solution for additional cabin completion jobs.