High-speed Internet Offers Increased Business Efficiency Case Study
The introduction of services such as Inmarsat SwiftBroadband has
meant that aircraft operators and passengers are now able to
benefit from the wide range of applications provided by high-speed
Internet.
Whether it's catching up with emails before the next meeting or
taking a conference call en-route to the next destination, the
business-class passenger is now able to stay connected as the
office-in-the-sky capability becomes a reality.
This has been the case for Jarltech CEO and Owner Ulrich
Spranger, who purchased a Cessna CJ1 model 525 aircraft with the
view to significantly improving business efficiency.
He explains: "We are frequently required to travel to other
office locations throughout Germany and the rest of Europe to meet
with business partners and customers.
"Due to the nature of our business, it's vital that our travel
does not impact productivity, so in purchasing the aircraft the
availability of satellite communications was a key
consideration."
Better Connected
Until the introduction of Inmarsat's SwiftBroadband 200 (SB200)
service, Ulrich's CJ1 525 now named 'D-INER', and aircraft of
similar sizes, would not have been suitable for installation of a
SwiftBroadband solution.
Designed specifically for compact and lightweight SATCOM
terminals the SB200 service offers a host of affordable in-flight
communications services to smaller aircraft.
Ulrich continues: "It makes a lot of business sense to be able
to work from the aircraft when travelling from one destination to
the next. While in the air, I find I have more time with minimal
interruptions, so I'm free to make calls and send emails as if I
was in my office on the ground."
Wi-Fi™ Capability
The SwiftBroadband system installed aboard Spranger's D-INER
aircraft is Cobham's AVIATOR 200, which was the first SB200 system
to be introduced to the aeronautical market.
Compact and lightweight, AVIATOR 200 provides data speeds up to
200 Kbps and a single AMBE 2 channel for voice calls. It also
features built-in Wi-Fi™ capability making it very easy for
aircraft owners and operators to offer wireless connectivity
aboard.
"Aside from the use of traditional devices such as laptops and
mobile phones, there is now also a growing trend for passengers to
use personal tablets and smart phones to quickly and efficiently
access the hub of information available online," explains Andy
Beers, Director of Aeronautical Sales for the Americas region,
Cobham.
"Similarly to all other SwiftBroadband services, SB200 provides
wireless connectivity enabling passengers to make use of iPads®,
iPhones and Blackberrys during the flight."
Endless Opportunities
The availability of high quality voice and IP connectivity to
support a wide range of communications applications also offers a
significant benefit to charter operators, adding value for their
customers.
For this reason, Ulrich Spranger is also making D-INER available
to charter through German-based operator MACH airlines. He
explains: "With the rise in demand for in-flight connectivity, we
believe the integration of the AVIATOR 200 will make the aircraft
extremely appealing to the charter market.
"In the same way that we benefit from in-flight connectivity,
charter customers will be able to take advantage of the wide range
of communications services provided aboard, whether it is for
business or recreational use."
Ulrich concludes: "Cobham's AVIATOR 200 is a great system for
smaller aircraft offering a communications solution at the right
performance and right price.
The system is very easy to integrate with the aircraft and has
the capability to improve productivity for business executives who
regularly travel which made it a deal maker in the decision to
purchase D-INER. Without it aboard our aircraft, I don't think I
would ever be able to leave the office!"