MARY KIRBY / SEATTLE
US inflight telephony specialist AirCell expects to trial its airborne security voice and data system on board two major US airlines by early next year.
AirCell has been working with the US federal government for 18 months to determine a plan for improving cabin safety by providing communication for air marshals over the AirCell and Iridium link. The company says air marshals could be equipped with wireless devices.
AirCell chairman and chief executive Jack Blumenstein, speaking at the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) conference and exhibition last week, says the company expects to trial the security system on up to six aircraft "late this year or early next".
AirCell's inflight telephone system uses cellular technology and wireless handsets, with services provided by 134 ground stations throughout the USA. It is already in use on 1,400 corporate aircraft, and AirCell recently installed it on a Frontier Airlines Airbus A319, with trials due to begin early next month.
Blumenstein says AirCell's security programme "ties in to all our airline activities", as the infrastructure can be used for other applications, including e-mail services, and paves the way for passengers to use cell phones inflight. AirCell has already test flown its e-mail solution on a Cessna Citation and the company is working with Tenzing Communications on joint marketing opportunities.
"Tenzing's interest is to have as many pipes for a customer to use their applications," says Blumenstein. "Our goal is to have as many applications running over our pipes." He adds that the company is working on similar partnerships with other companies.
Rockwell Collins' latest software release for its Airshow news and information service has the ability to connect with AirCell's inflight telephone system, for example.
Source: Flight International
