LAS VEGAS, Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- NBAA2013 - Aircell (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, announces that XOJET has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) with Aircell to deploy Gogo Text & Talk service across its entire charter fleet.
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Gogo Text & Talk is an exclusive new service from Aircell that allows passengers to use their own smartphones for calling and texting in flight – with their own mobile number. The service is easy to use because it mimics the native features and operation of the passenger's smartphone. Passengers can use their own contact lists and hands-free devices. Features like Caller ID and call histories are supported. Calling someone in flight is as simple as dialing their number.
Shari Jones, XOJET's Chief Marketing Officer, said, "Giving XOJET passengers the ability to use their own smartphones – and their own numbers – to call and text in flight is huge. We already have Gogo Biz service aboard every aircraft in our fleet and since Gogo Text & Talk doesn't require any additional hardware, adding it was an easy decision. The service will be available on all XOJET on-fleet flights beginning in December 2013," she concluded.
Gogo Text & Talk is a game-changing service because it operates over Wi-Fi technology (not cellular) and uses the passenger's own mobile number (not an auto-attendant, two-step dialing or call-forwarding protocol). Because the service is 100% software-based, it can be added to any standard Gogo Biz equipment package without additional hardware, weight or installation downtime. This makes Gogo Text & Talk practical for aircraft as small as light jets and turboprops – while being hundreds of thousands of dollars less expensive than traditional, picocell-based solutions, which offer similar capabilities.
John Wade, Aircell's Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, "We're pleased to extend our long-standing relationship with XOJET as they introduce Gogo Text & Talk aboard their fleet. We expect the service to be very popular in the charter market," he concluded.
This week, Aircell is displaying its complete range of in-flight connectivity and entertainment solutions at NBAA2013 in Las Vegas, booth C11243.
About Aircell
Aircell, a Gogo company, is a leading provider of in-flight connectivity and entertainment to the business aviation market. Through a full range of services including voice, high-speed Internet, cockpit data, in-flight entertainment and more, Aircell increases the productivity, safety, and enjoyment of the business aviation travel experience. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, USA, Aircell is an AS9100-certified company serving a global customer base with an authorized dealer/distributor network that spans six continents. A trusted brand in airborne communications, Aircell is a factory option at every major business aircraft manufacturer and installed on the world's largest fractional ownership fleets. The only company to offer equipment and service for three of the industry's most popular network technologies – Iridium Satellite, Inmarsat SwiftBroadband and Gogo Biz®, Aircell provides advice and solutions addressing any customer need, aircraft type, or geography.
A Collier Trophy nominee and the recipient of several dozen awards for innovation, Aircell is widely credited with many of the industry's most influential historical achievements, beginning with the groundbreaking airborne cellular concept that launched the company in 1991. Connect with us at www.aircell.com and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aircellbizav.
About XOJET
XOJET, a TPG portfolio company founded in 2006, has become one of the fastest-growing private aviation companies in history, serving more than 5,000 customers worldwide. Our unique business model combines flexible private jet programs, and fixed-price charter with a singular focus on providing the highest level of customer service at every point of the client's experience. XOJET's commitment to safety leadership has earned the highest safety ratings in the industry. XOJET is the only business aviation provider to rank either #1 or #2 in all twelve ARG/US Platinum safety rating categories. XOJET is the first and only private aviation operator to enable its entire fleet of Citation X and Challenger 300 jets with complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. For more information, please visit www.xojet.com.
© 2013 Aircell. All rights reserved. Aircell, Gogo and Gogo Biz, and In Touch, In Flight are trademarks of Aircell Business Aviation Services LLC or its affiliates. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Not endorsed by any smartphone device manufacturers or distributors.
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SOURCE Aircell