Cabin wireless networking took another big step towards regulatory acceptance yesterday when Kevin Hoffman, president of Montreal-based bizjet completions centre Aerospace Concepts, announced that his company had successfully managed the first installation and supplemental type certification of a WiFi wireless LAN in a Bombardier Global Express.
The aircraft has full Transport Canada certification and was delivered to a private operator in Dubai.
Hub
"This was the first Global Express to receive a wireless LAN, ethernet hub and high-speed server to permit the use of WiFi-capable laptops and PDAs during flight," said Hoffman.
Specialising in upper-end business jets, Aerospace Concepts has managed the completion of 40 large-cabin corporate aircraft, including a third of the Global Express fleet.
The WiFi facility is based on a wireless router and server added to Bombardier's own cabin management system (CMS) network. Other capabilities supported by the CMS include an Inmarsat Swift64 128kbit/sec satcoms terminal and a wireless printer, allowing passengers to access and print Internet material. The aircraft is also equipped with a DivX digital video system, controllable through the CMS, that can store 100 two-hour films and thousands of MP3 songs.
Other Aerospace Concepts news includes its introduction to the European market of an entry-into-service programme covering the supply of pilots, engineers, cabin crew and logistics to new business-jet operators.
Service
Available in weekly, monthly or longer increments, the service is designed to provide familiarisation and training following acceptance and delivery. Flight crews are also available for sales and demonstration activities, for ultra-long-haul flights, and to accommodate peak periods, illness and holidays.
Source: Flight Daily News
