Cabin Comforts
By Kirby J. Harrison - April 1, 2009
As the new century’s first decade winds down, we are “connected” in flight as never before. At 41,000 feet, we can exchange e-mails and text messages, watch satellite TV and instantly access all the resources on the Internet. But electronics are only part of the world of cabin comfort, which today means everything from seats that can be transformed into flat beds to luxurious shower-equipped bathrooms. So kick back and make a list of the new goodies you most want for your aircraft. To get you started, here are some of the hottest recently introduced products we’ve discovered.
In-flight Internet at DSL Speeds
Aircell’s in-flight Internet service debuted on airliners last summer and the company says it will be available this spring for business aircraft. Aircell Broadband will allow you to use your laptop and smartphone at full broadband speeds, just as you do on the ground, according to the Broomfield, Colo. company.
You’ll be able to choose from two pricing plans, both of which will provide an always-available link to the network. Monthly service for those who seek only e-mail access and “light” Internet access will run $895. Faster access–at speeds averaging around 2 mbps–will cost $1,995 a month.
Advanced Satellite Broadband Service Debuts
If you spend much time flying over oceans, you know how quickly you can lose the high-speed Internet connectivity that you enjoy on the ground. Enter two leaders in satellite communications, ViaSat and Satcom Direct, which have teamed to offer “Yonder” Ku-band satellite broadband service for business jets. The service allows you to send and receive cellphone calls, e-mails and more–even when you’re thousands of miles from land.
Using a lightweight, 12-inch antenna, Yonder provides download speeds in flight of up to 10 mbps. The service–with Satcom Direct of Melbourne, Fla. as the product reseller–is available over North America, the Caribbean, the North Atlantic, Europe, the North Pacific and the Arabian Gulf region. Expansion into other areas is expected in early 2010.
Satcom Direct now also offers satellite data service to Gulfstream aircraft operators flying with Broad Band Multi Link (BBML) equipment. The ViaSat BBML gear is currently flying in about 80 Gulfstreams.
The Gulfstream service, which provides download speeds of up to 3.5 mbps, was previously available only through Arinc Direct. ViaSat, based in Carlsbad, Calif., also provides the satellite link for Rockwell Collins eXchange air/ground broadband service.
Ovation Deserves Some Applause
Honeywell describes its completely redesigned Ovation Select cabin-management system as a way to integrate entertainment and connectivity technology seamlessly through an intuitive passenger interface. That interface simplifies in-flight connectivity, whether you’re using a BlackBerry, laptop, MP3 player or video-capable iPod; watching a Blu-ray DVD; or listening to satellite radio. Passengers have total control of the cabin environment via icon-based, touch-screen devices.
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