Cessna will offer Aircell’s Aviator 300 connectivity system as an option on new Citation XLS+, Citation Sovereign and Citation X business aircraft beginning in 2012. The companies made the announcement Monday at the European Business Aviation Association (EBACE) annual conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
Aircell said the Aviator 300 integrates with its Axxess cabin system, allowing those on board to send and receive e-mails and surf the Web, using their own Wi-Fi-enabled laptops, tablets, electronic flight bags, and smartphones. They can also place and receive voice calls using integrated cabin handsets.
“The demand for in-flight connectivity continues to increase rapidly – it’s quickly becoming a vital element of the travel experience,” said Mark Paolucci, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Cessna Aircraft Company.
“The Aviator 300 is an ideal solution for affordable, global connectivity,” said John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President & General Manager, Business Aviation Services. “Aircell products are now available on nearly every aircraft in Cessna’s turbine product line, and we’re proud to extend our longstanding relationship with this agreement."
Other Aircell systems available as options on Cessna aircraft include the Axxess System, which provides dual channels of global voice service via Iridium Satellite; and the Aircell ATG 4000 System, which provides high-speed Internet service via Gogo Biz in the continental U.S. and portions of Alaska.