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NetJets Outfits Executive Planes With Iridium Gear

By Staff Writer | August 6, 2004

      Bethesda, Md.-based NetJets Inc., which offers executives the feel of owning a corporate jet at time-share prices, is ordering 50 AirCell ST 3100 Iridium satellite communication systems for its growing fleet of Raytheon Hawker 400XP light business jets. Passengers then will have access to voice and data services worldwide while they’re in the air. The satellite phone systems will be installed in the 400XPs prior to retail delivery at Raytheon Aircraft Services in San Antonio, Texas, during the next few months. No financial details were released.

      AirCell has equipped some 1,500 aircraft with airborne communications systems operating off the Iridium constellation. It also is working on developing next-generation products that could include allowing in-flight passengers to use their own cellphones to make and take calls.