Hawker Beechcraft Offers Aircell Wi-Fi Upgrades for Fielded Hawker Jets

 Leading the way in offering enhanced airborne broadband productivity to in-service aircraft owners, Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) today announced two new Wi-Fi broadband solutions for in-service Hawker 4000 and Hawker 800XP aircraft equipped with Honeywell avionics. Both Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) feature Aircell ATG 4000 and ATG 5000 equipment that utilizes global communication towers to deliver the fastest airborne connectivity available today.

“Broadband connectivity significantly enhances the way corporate aircraft are used for businesses, governments and personal transportation,” said Christi Tannahill, HBC vice president, Global Customer Support. “We will continue to invest in these aftermarket technologies to provide our customers with the most advanced solutions available.”

Utilizing the latest 3G mobile wireless technology, both systems turn Hawker cabins into Internet hot spots, permitting passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and laptop computers to access the Internet. The Aircell ATG 4000 is designed for installation, along with the company’s Axxess voice communication system, while the ATG 5000 is designed to be installed as a stand alone broadband system. Airborne Internet access enhances the flight experience for passengers and creates new opportunities for commercial and government operators in the areas of air ambulance, surveillance and air taxi.

HBS’s new broadband STCs complement the company’s existing Aircell and Thrane & Thrane international SwiftBroadband equipment in Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 equipped Hawker 900XP, 850XP, 800XP and 750 aircraft. HBS also has Thrane & Thrane international SwiftBroadband systems in development for Beechcraft King Air aircraft.

Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) is dedicated to improving the value of HBC aircraft by employing products and services to simplify aircraft ownership, reduce operating cost and increase resale value. GCS is comprised of four functional groups that include Support Plus (cost predictability/warranty programs), Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution (genuine factory parts), Hawker Beechcraft Services (factory-owned service centers) and Technical Support (Field Support Representatives, Hot Line specialists and Technical Publications).

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.