Row 44 has announced an exclusive agreement with Hughes Network Systems to bring broadband connectivity to North American commercial and business aircraft.
Testing of the service is scheduled for late 2005. According to Forrester Research Group, more than 700 million passenger boardings are expected for 2005, making Internet service in the air a multi-billion dollar market.
"HNS is proud to have been chosen by Row 44 and we are excited about bringing Direcway broadband services to the aviation community," said Paul Gaske, (Executive Vice President), North America Division of Hughes Network Systems.
"Direcway has proven its value in a variety of vertical market segments and will bring the same level of high quality service and value-added capabilities to customers when flying on commercial and corporate aircraft in North America."
The Federal Communications Commission has most recently stated that Internet Access aboard aircraft is a priority for them, citing the need to be connected in the air.
Row 44 will offer the most seamless and integrated service available and provide the highest speed connectivity in the market – up to 30 Mbps – cost effectively, to commercial and business aircraft.
Gregg Fialcowitz, Row 44's President, noted that "leveraging the successful Direcway broadband satellite service means Row 44 can deliver a uniform, high- quality service without having to develop a unique, expensive service offering."
Row 44 is in discussions with a number of major airlines and owners of business jet fleets.
