Aircell Receives Critical FAA Approvals to Launch Inflight Mobile Broadband Over Its Nationwide Network in 2008
Following the company's historic coast-to-coast flight last week with fully operational Internet and email connectivity over its national network, Aircell(R) announced today that it received two critical FAA approvals. These FAA approvals bring inflight mobile broadband connectivity one step closer to the flying public, who have consistently requested this service.Aircell is now the first and only communications operator to receive approvals from the FAA to provide air-to-ground (ATG) inflight mobile broadband for U.S. domestic flights. The two FAA approvals received include a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), permitting installation and operation of the company's ATG network on commercially operated Boeing 767-200 aircraft. The second FAA approval is a Parts Manufacture Approval (PMA). This approval authorizes the manufacture of aircraft parts at the company's Bensenville, IL facility. With its manufacturing facility fully operational and approved by the FAA, Aircell is producing the equipment needed to bring its inflight Internet service to American Airlines(R) and Virgin America(R) in 2008. Enough manufacturing capacity is in place to accommodate rapid service introduction to all future partners as well. 'Having received these critical approvals from the FAA, we now have the ability to rapidly expand to the rest of American's 767-200 fleet,' said Joe Cruz, SVP and CTO of Aircell. 'Initially we will provide passengers flying between Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Miami inflight Internet, which research indicates passengers want and need,' continued Cruz. 'Working collaboratively with the FAA to receive the initial STC helps pave the way for future certifications on additional aircraft used by our airline partners.' 'Many critical milestones were announced today and last week,' said Cruz. 'Collectively, with the network milestones and legal approvals, we confirmed Aircell's Broadband System is here now, it's proven, it is cost effective and it can work for all U.S.-based airlines |
