Row 44 has hired long-time Southwest Airlines executive Doug Murri as director, airline solutions, as the California-based firm continues to fit the low-cost carrier's fleet with its Ku-band satellite-based in-flight Internet solution.
Murri spent 16 years with Southwest, most recently serving as senior manager, flight operations technologies. At Southwest, Murri led the airline's implementation for mission critical aircraft messaging (ACARS), including both airborne and ground systems, and designed and deployed the airline's first remote server infrastructure at airport locations.
He was also instrumental in developing and implementing Southwest's onboard performance computer, an early electronic flight bag (EFB).
"In his technology role at Southwest, Doug Murri helped spearhead integrating Row 44's in-flight broadband system into Southwest's planes, so he has seen our system from the viewpoint of one of the world's most successful airlines," says Row 44 COO/CFO John LaValle. "We've been working with Doug [Murri] for years, and he will fit in seamlessly with the Row 44 team."
Adds Murri: "As I worked with the Row 44 team from within Southwest on the passenger Wi-Fi initiative, I became convinced that this company's in-flight broadband platform is the most innovative and robust on the market. I am eager to help push Row 44's technology into new uses for our airline customers around the world."
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
