Acropolis Aviation secures EASA approval to offer upgraded Wifi broadband aboard its flagship ACJ319 G-NOAH

Thursday 5th November 2015

Acropolis Aviation, the Farnborough, UK-based VVIP charter operator, has received EASA approval for its upgraded internet and IFE system on board its flagship Airbus ACJ319 aircraft, G-NOAH.

The system, which delivers download speeds of 432 kilobytes per second, is provided by Rockwell Collins'  Skybox™ cabin solution.   With one terabyte of onboard storage capacity (equivalent to approximately 400 feature films) Skybox securely streams digital rights management (DRM) Hollywood-protected films to any iOS device brought on board, including tablet and smart phone.   Alternatively, DRM approved films can be accessed from the Aspinal leather-encased iPads, now offered to clients flying on G-NOAH.

Acropolis has complemented Skybox with the introduction of Satcom Direct's user friendly SkyTicket billing system.  This allows Acropolis to allocate each flight with a unique password so that the internet usage will always be accurately recorded.

Satcom Direct's SkyTicket enables passengers to log-on securely to browse the internet, use WhatsApp, update social media or simply manage emails.
"We have enjoyed a good working relationship with both Rockwell Collins on various aircraft avionics systems and with Satcom Direct on flight deck services, so it was good to extend the portfolio of activities with both companies," commented Acropolis Technical Director, Aidan Murphy.  "Satcom Direct is also right on our doorstep at Farnborough so we can call on them personally if we encounter a problem with the system."

Acropolis Aviation announced at EBACE in May this year it will be the launch customer for the first Airbus ACJ320neo. With the aircraft entering into service in early 2020 a decision on the cabin IFE and internet system will be taken much nearer to the delivery.

"The industry is changing rapidly.  We will see internet speeds increasing giving Acropolis the advantage of installing the latest technology on the ACJ320neo to benefit our clients," says Jonathan Bousfield, Acropolis CEO.  He and Charter Sales Executive, Andy West,

will be at the Dubai Air Show next week, opening 8th November, and they will be out a few days ahead of the show to meet with the region's charter brokers.  Acropolis enjoys good relations with a variety of established brokers including Air Charter Service, Chapman Freeborn and UAS in the region.

About Acropolis Aviation

Acropolis Aviation is a leading provider of luxury charter aviation and turnkey aircraft management services. Acropolis is based at TAG Farnborough Airport, the UK's premier business aviation airport, with a complementary sales office in Florida, USA.  Headed by CEO Jonathan Bousfield, the company employs 28 personnel.  Its flagship Airbus ACJ319 entered service in March 2010 and has gained a reputation for excellent service in the high-end charter market.  Acropolis holds Wyvern Wingman and Argus Gold-rated safety accreditations.

Its current ACJ319 G-NOAH is regarded in the industry as the ultimate luxurious charter aircraft.  Its cabin, designed by Alberto Pinto and outfitted by the Airbus Corporate Jet Centre, features an open plan forward lounge, intimate rear lounge, separated by a mid-cabin conference and dining room.  The private master bedroom features a king size bed, luxury en suite bathroom and a large, rectangular shower, the first to be installed in an ACJ.  Seating 19 passengers, the aircraft can accommodate up to 13 on fully lie-flat beds.

 www.acropolis-aviation.com