New York, New York, USA; Paris, France, September 23, 2004 — AirTV has signed a launch services agreement with Arianespace to orbit its first broadband spacecraft, which will deliver a new level of in-flight entertainment and connectivity for airlines worldwide. The AirTV system will provide 60+ channels of live television (in multiple languages) and 40Mbps of Internet, e-mail and data services to aircraft.
The AirTV 1 satellite will be orbited by an Ariane 5 in 2007, and is to be positioned over the North Atlantic — initiating AirTV’s commercial operations with service for airline traffic flying between America, Europe and the Middle East. Additional spacecraft will follow to fill out the company’s constellation, providing coverage for aircraft flying nearly all of the commercial airline routes around the globe.
“Arianespace is very happy to support AirTV’s innovative project, and we are pleased to work with a company that is building the future of the airline in-flight entertainment industry,” said Jean-Yves Le Gall, Arianespace’s Chief Executive Officer. “At Arianespace, serving our customer involves more than just providing launch services: we also are ready to help them in the search of financing.”
AirTV’s purpose-built satellites will supply real-time television in multiple languages, with the ability to tailor the programming by individual aircraft and for the specific international route that it is flying.
“The great success of live television in the U.S. has confirmed our belief in the benefits of real-time TV as part of a competitive airline’s in-flight entertainment offering,” said John Larkin, AirTV’s Chairman and CEO. “We are convinced the future of in-flight entertainment will be driven by live television and Internet services, and that this future is soon to become a reality. We believe the AirTV system is the most efficient and effective way to deliver these services in terms of capacity, cost and coverage.”
AirTV has been — and plans to continue working — with an export credit guarantee agency to help secure debt financing for the launch of its initial satellite in 2007.
AirTV is developing its system with a European consortium that includes EADS as well as other leading suppliers.
Announcements regarding negotiations with other program partners to follow.
AirTV Web site: www.airtv.net
