Hawker Beechcraft business jets to feature Aircell connectivity

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced it has selected two new Aircell connectivity systems for its line of midsize Hawker business jets. HBC is the first business jet manufacturer to offer its customers a choice in connectivity solutions – one that operates via satellites and the other that uses air-to-ground technology. Beginning in 2010, customers taking delivery of new Hawker 750 and 900XP aircraft can select either Aircell® High Speed Internet or Aircell's SwiftBroadband systems to provide passengers with on-board e-mail and Internet access.

"The availability of high speed Internet on-board our Hawker 900XP and 750 makes the aircraft an even more powerful business tool," said HBC executive vice president Shawn Vick. "Our customers will benefit from the Aircell systems, which provide lightweight, affordable and exceptional performance and speed."

Either installation will permit passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and laptop computers to send and receive e-mails, surf the Web, watch streaming video, or access a corporate Virtual Private Network (VPN) to download files, just like they would in an office or Internet site on the ground. Both are available to Hawker customers as modular add-ons to the Aircell's Axxess cabin system. Monthly data usage charges are applicable.

A Hawker 750 demonstrator is currently flying with Aircell High Speed Internet and another Hawker 750 demonstrator with Aircell's SwiftBroadband solution will enter service in November. Production systems for the various Hawker models will be available after the first of the year. HBC and Aircell have a longstanding relationship with Aircell products being offered on HBC's entire family of turbine-powered business aircraft, from the King Air C90GTx through the Hawker 4000.

Hawker Beechcraft Services will also have the capability to install Aircell equipment on current Hawker 900, 850, 800XP and 750 business jets. The installation will be identical to the standards for the new aircraft.