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

Text size  

• 0 Comments
• Email
• Print

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

Featured

• Through Your Lens

  

  Submit your photos or see the Editor's Choice slide show here.

• Rocky Multimedia

  

  The news comes alive in our videos and slide shows. Catch up on what's happening today.

• Holiday Lights

  

  Is your house the jolliest on the block? Submit your holiday lights display.

• Holiday Gift Guide

  

  Looking to get a jump-start on the holiday shopping season?

• Mount Crushmore

  

  Which four Broncos greats should be immortalized on Mount Crushmore? Vote here.

• Bronco Dean's rant

  

  Listen to Bronco Dean's midweek rant on the Chiefs.

• Broncos Video

  

  Get the latest from Dove Valley as the Broncos prepare for Sunday's matchup.

• Calendar wallpaper

  

  Download this month's desktop wallpaper calendar

• Sam Adams' Open Mic

  

  Open Mic: Stirrin' the Soup with Matt Iseman