Piaggio’s customer base of Ferrari Formula One drivers will be able to keep in touch with the outside world thanks to the new interiors upgrade package unveiled at EBACE this week.
The P.180 Avanti II is already recognised for having the largest cabin of any aircraft in its class and reigning F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen was at the show to help promote the new interior, called Avanti II.
 |
|---|
| Champion driver Kimi Raikkonen signs autographs while his sponsoring company Piaggio signs up new customers for the upgraded cabin. |
“How is Piaggio Aero celebrating the success of the worlds most comfortable and efficient light business aircraft? By making it even better,” says vice-president commercial Giuliano Felten. “.it stands for ‘Italian technology’ and that is exactly what we have brought to the P.180 with this new option.”
An example of the new interior package is on display on the static park. It includes broadband access, allowing business travellers to stay connected. Passengers and crew can use their own 802.11b/g-equipped Wi-Fi data devices such as laptops, PDAS and Blackberrys.
Also included is a state-of-the-art entertainment system along with a worldwide moving map; a mood lighting system featuring intensity and colour temperature-adjustable LED lights providing a number of colour combinations; and futuristic electronic window shades allowing passengers to control/blind the light transmitted through the window by using a dimmer located next to the passenger seat.
The air-to-ground communications provider Aircell won the contract to supply the broadband connectivity to Piaggio. Those with operations focused in North America will be offered equipment capable of working with the cellular-based Aircell Mobile Broadband Network, which is due to enter service across the US later this year.
Housed in an enclosure less than 4MCU in size, the capability will be supplied as part of Aircell’s successful Axxess cabin communications system.
Owners who range outside the US will be able to select Inmarsat SwiftBroadband satellite equipment manufactured by Thrane & Thrane of Denmark (301). The system comprises two internal units - one 2MCU, the other about 1MCU – and an intermediate-gain antenna supporting data throughput speeds of up to 332kbit/sec. Hardware for both systems will be available to Avanti II buyers from the third quarter of next year.
The Piaggio commitment is the first by a business jet manufacturer since Aircell started taking orders for its broadband products and services less than a month ago.
Flight's ACAS Business Aviation
Flight's 2008 pocket guide to business aircraft
For blogs, video, pictures, and more news from EBACE 2008, click here.
More news from EBACE 2008
Source: Flight Daily News
