AirCell cuts Web deal with Virgin America
Prices not yet set for broadband in-flight services
Jeff Smith, Rocky Mountain News
Published September 14, 2007 at midnight
AirCell has signed a deal with Virgin America to offer broadband wireless Internet services to passengers traveling in the continental U.S. starting next year.
The company announced a similar, though more limited, deal with American Airlines last month.
AirCell has facilities in Louisville but recently moved most of its corporate staff and some operations to Itasca, Ill.
Prices for the in-flight Internet services haven't been announced. AirCell CEO Jack Blumenstein has previously said wireless Internet services could be offered at around $10 a flight.
AirCell last year won an exclusive license to provide the services on planes in the U.S. after bidding $31.3 million at a Federal Communications Commission auction. The services will let Virgin America passengers check e-mail and browse the Internet through a number of different devices, including wireless-enabled laptops, personal digital assistants and Virgin America's Red in-flight entertainment system.
Virgin America plans to launch the service for its entire fleet, while American said it would first test the service on 15 Boeing 767-200 aircraft that primarily fly transcontinental routes. The potential values of the deals weren't disclosed.
Blumenstein said AirCell was proud to partner with Virgin America, and both companies praised each other's innovative attitude.
"AirCell's broadband service is the obvious choice to add to our guest experience," Charles Ogilvie, Virgin America's director of in-flight entertainment and partnerships, said in a statement.
Company at a glance
• Facilities: Louisville and Itasca, Ill.
• Business: Communications, data services for private and commercial jets
• Exclusive license: In-flight wireless broadband services for commercial airlines traveling in the U.S.
• Customers: American Airlines, Virgin America
• Launch date for services: 2008
• Cost of in-flight Internet services: To be determined
• Devices: Will work on Wi-Fi-enabled laptops, personal digital assistants, other devices
smithje@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5155
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