US gets first high speed internet on Challenger 605 from Aircell

Aircell, confirmed today that it has received full FAA certification (STC and PMA) for its new High Speed Internet system in the business aviation market and that shipments have commenced three months ahead of schedule. The system’s first installation has been completed by Midcoast Aviation aboard a Bombardier Challenger 605 operated by a Midwest-based flight department.

The Aircell High Speed Internet system allows passengers and crews to use their own Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, to surf the Web, send and receive e-mail with attachments, Instant Message, access their corporate VPN and much more – all in flight at full mobile broadband speeds.

The Aircell Network utilises the latest 3G mobile wireless technology, but at the moment is only operational on continental U.S. over an advanced network of ground stations and Aircell’s exclusive broadband air-to-ground spectrum.

“We’re very pleased to debut the Aircell High Speed Internet system in the business aviation market. By providing a true high-speed connection, it greatly transforms the travel experience and allows everyone aboard the aircraft to be more productive,” said John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell. “During the acceptance flight for the first installation, there were several passengers surfing the Internet, sending and receiving e-mail with attachments and downloading files simultaneously – and everything worked flawlessly. With certification in hand and the continued overwhelming acceptance of the system, today’s milestone paves the way for thousands of business aircraft installations in the coming years,” concluded Wade.