Pictured on the right: Todd Duncan (second from left) and Gary Harpster (fourth from right) participated in a flight to try out the latest air-to-gound technology with a small group of individuals from key companies in the industry.
Duncan Aviation Reps Given First Look At Broadband Technology
Aircell, a provider of airborne communications, invited a short list of representatives from business aviation companies on a flight in June to be among the first to try out their latest air-to-ground technology. Tom Myer, Director of Marketing for Aircell said, “We selected these companies because we felt they were highly respected in the industry, heavily involved in airborne technology and able to see the value in this service and act.” Duncan Aviation’s Chairman Todd Duncan and Gary Harpster, a Duncan Aviation Avionics Sales Rep, were among the invited.
Aircell’s new broadband technology allows passengers to use their personal laptops and smart phones at full mobile broadband speeds, just as if they were on the ground.
“Finally something for the passenger in the back,” says Todd. “A lot of the technological advances we’ve seen in business aviation have been for the benefit of the flight crew and flight safety. But this is a service the passenger in the back can get excited about.”
Gary agrees, “While in their offices, most customers are accustomed to high-speed internet with immediate performance. This system is capable of delivering that same speed and performance while in flight. Once operators get used to what can be accomplished with the internet at these speeds and altitude, we will all be amazed at the innovations that will follow. Just look at what’s happened with cell phones. This is only the beginning.”
Although this new broadband service isn’t expected to be available until the second quarter of 2009, Duncan Aviation is prepared now to answer customer questions and begin provisioning aircraft for this latest technology as early as first quarter 2009. “There are so many internet connection options available to customers,” Gary says. “We’re here to assist them in determining their needs and recommending a system.”
Aircell Broadband
Aircell won the FCC frequency bid that allows them the proprietary rights to develop and market a new high-speed data technology based on air-to-ground communications. Aircell broadband supports high-speed internet, e-mail and corporate VPN access in flight. Aircell broadband installation will typically include one or two lightweight bottom-mount antennas that will fit nearly every aircraft and the associated avionics units.
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