News
Clay Lacy Aviation to install wireless internet on private jets
For the longest time, private jets have not been installed with high-speed wireless Internet. While commercial aircrafts have adapted the technology, business jet manufacturers say that it is too expensive and it will tighten the weight capacity of their aircrafts.
But one private jet charter company is pioneering the installation of high-speed wireless Internet on its aircrafts—Clay Lacy Aviation Inc. The LA-based company says that it will be the first company to equip its fleet with wireless Internet.
Aircell LLC will design the Internet devices that will be comparable to the high-speed internet connections that most people use at home or in the office. It comes as a necessity, because the high profile private jet clientele are the people who want to remain connected to partners and business associates.
“It’s a business tool,” describes Clay Lacy, the company’s chief executive. “This equipment allows a guy to get in the plane and continue working the exact same way he was working in his office, all the way to his destination.”
Analysts also attribute the move to increasing pressure from commercial airlines that have invested on the high-speed Internet connection in their fleets. For example, Delta Air Lines Inc. has installed the technology in more than 100 of its planes.
“Really for business travelers, this is a must-have,” said Michele Merluzeau, a managing partner with G2 Partners, an aerospace and defense consulting firm. “Clay Lacy and all the other operators are feeling a little bit of pressure to equip their birds with what is becoming more common in premium and economy travel.”
Charter operators have provided to Internet access to clients before, but through satellite service which was slow and expensive. Now, Aircell LLC has designed a more compact and faster device that is more cost-efficient.
Clay Lacy will take advantage of this new technology. The company plans to outfit two Gulfstream G450s with the wireless technology this month. Executives said that they will complete the installation of these Internet devices in the company’s 70-jet fleet by 2010.
Source: Los Angeles Business Journal
