Acropolis Aviation gains EASA approval to offer upgraded WiFi

The aft lounge of an Acropolis Airbus ACJ319 (Photo: Airbus Corporate Jet Centre)

Acropolis Aviation has received EASA approval for its upgraded internet and IFE system on board its flagship Airbus ACJ319 aircraft.

The system is a Rockwell Collins Skybox cabin solution. Acropolis has complemented Skybox with the introduction of Satcom Direct’s SkyTicket billing system.  This allows Acropolis to easily marry the charter booking up with its unique flight number so that it can identify which charterer has used the internet, enabling recharging to be made accordingly.

Satcom Direct’s SkyTicket enables passengers to log-on securely to browse the internet, use WhatsApp, update FaceBook or manage emails.

The Wifi upgrade was completed recently coinciding with G-NOAH’s five year check by ATC Lasham in collaboration with Avionic Care. Both Rockwell Collins and Satcom Direct will provide ongoing technical support to Acropolis.

 “We have enjoyed a good working relationship with both Rockwell Collins on various avionics systems and with Satcom Direct on flight deck services so it was good to extend the portfolio of activities with both companies.”

Aidan Murphy, technical director of Acropolis said: “We have enjoyed a good working relationship with both Rockwell Collins on various avionics systems and with Satcom Direct on flight deck services so it was good to extend the portfolio of activities with both companies. 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 launch customer for the first Airbus ACJ320neo, but with the aircraft entering service in early 2020 a decision on the cabin IFE and internet system will be taken much nearer to the delivery time.

“The industry is moving really quickly.  We are seeing prices dropping and speeds increasing, which is all good.”

Jonathan Bousfield, CEO of Acropolis added: “The industry is moving really quickly.  We are seeing prices dropping and speeds increasing, which is all good.”

Bousfield and Andy West, charter sales executive will be at the Dubai Air Show next week.