Sit back, relax, and enjoy the…Internet. Today, people are so accustomed to always-on, high-speed Internet access that they want to stay connected no matter where they are—even while flying in an airplane. No longer considered a luxury, inflight connectivity is now a competitive amenity. That’s good news for Row 44.

California-based Row 44, a leader in airborne broadband communications and entertainment, offers commercial airlines a global, satellite-based inflight broadband entertainment platform and private-label broadband service. Powered by a Hughes satellite communications platform and broadband connectivity via Hughes teleport facilities, the Row 44 system enables airlines to offer passengers high-speed Web browsing, email, text messaging, live entertainment, and video-on-demand services using their Wi-Fi-enabled cellphones, PDAs, and laptop computers.

Best Inflight Connectivity and Communications

U.S. carrier Southwest Airlines has been equipping its fleet of Boeing 737 jetliners with Row 44’s onboard high-speed, wireless Internet system, enabling Southwest travelers to enjoy the benefits and convenience of inflight connectivity for the first time. Now, Row 44 has expanded into Europe and is supplying its platform and service to Norwegian Air Shuttle, enabling one of Europe’s most innovative airlines and Scandinavia’s second-largest airline company to offer both inflight Wi-Fi and device-based entertainment to passengers throughout its entire fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. The move is already paying off for the carrier, which was recently honored with the 2012 APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) Passenger Choice Award for “Best Inflight Connectivity & Communications.”

Expanding Worldwide

As part of its worldwide expansion, Row 44 has also signed agreements to supply its airborne connectivity and entertainment products to Icelandic Air, Russian-based carriers Transaero and UTair, and Allegiant Travel Company, which specializes in linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. Recently completing its 400th aircraft installation, Row 44 provides the world’s most widely deployed satellite-based inflight Wi-Fi service.

Powered by Hughes

As part of the satellite broadband communications solution underpinning the Row 44 inflight system, Hughes is providing Row 44 with its advanced HX System, as well as the uplink service, network operations, space segment, and maintenance services.

“Row 44 opens up a worldwide opportunity for Hughes to supply our advanced broadband satellite technology and services in this growing market, representing an emerging part of our global enterprise business,” said Peter Pardee, vice president, Business Development at Hughes.”

Today, with its inflight broadband service powered by Hughes, Row 44 is taking flight around the world, focused on enabling its customers to deliver an unparalleled broadband communication and entertainment experience with the world’s most advanced inflight broadband platform.