Clay Lacy Aviation selects Aircell High Speed Internet for fleet

Clay Lacy Aviation is to install Aircell High Speed Internet service throughout its fleet of charter and managed aircraft, becoming the world’s first fleet selection of the Aircell High Speed Internet system by a Part 135 charter operator.

System installations begin this month with the retrofit programme expected to be complete by mid-2010.

Brian Kirkdoffer, president of Clay Lacy Aviation, commented, “With the Aircell High Speed Internet system, Clay Lacy will deliver the most frequently-requested onboard service and become the first Part 135 charter operator in the world to do so. The system allows travellers to use personal laptops, PDAs and smartphones to surf the web, send and receive e-mail with attachments, transfer large files, stream video, use a corporate VPN, and access other internet-based services in flight.

"We recognize that business aircraft are an important tool for increasing productivity and full internet connectivity is a crucial element of that," Kirkdoffer added. "Everyone we’ve spoken to about this new system has reacted positively and we believe it is yet another example of Clay Lacy’s commitment to providing the highest level of safety, service and value to its owners and charter customers.”

Ed Hogan, a Clay Lacy customer and owner of the two Gulfstream 450s that will be first to receive the new system, remarked, “This is the same fundamental service that has become so popular with commercial airlines and their passengers. Its reliability and functionality has been tested and proven by literally thousands of consumers. Being fully functional with a laptop and BlackBerry turns the aircraft into a 500+ mph office. This service will significantly enhance productivity and should be extremely popular with owners and charter customers alike.”

“Being in an aeroplane with limited or no connectivity is quickly becoming as frustrating as being in a hotel without those services," noted John Wade, senior vice-president and general manager, Aircell. "Clay Lacy Aviation’s programme to make the Aircell High Speed Internet system available to passengers will set a new standard in the charter and aircraft management industry. We’re very proud to have our system selected by such a well-known and respected organisation.”

As part of each installation, the aircraft will receive an Aircell Axxess cabin system with an ATG 4000 High Speed Internet unit. This integrated, open architecture communications suite provides high speed Internet service via the Aircell Network, as well as multiple channels of worldwide voice and narrowband data service via the Iridium satellite network.

Photo shows Clay Lacy, founder and chairman, Clay Lacy Aviation (center holding laptop); Brian Kirkdoffer, president, Clay Lacy Aviation (front left); Ed Hogan, aircraft owner and Clay Lacy customer (back left); Jim Lauer, avionics, Clay Lacy Aviation, (back right); and John Wade, senior vice-president & general manager, Aircell (front right).”