Engineering news
A funding crisis has resulted in the developer of the world’s first operational in-flight mobile phone service going into administration.
West-Sussex based Aeromobile has been at the forefront of efforts to enable airline passengers to use mobile devices on-board aircraft. Both Boeing and Airbus has approved the technology for use in its aircraft, which enables passengers to make and receive calls, voicemails and texts whilst flying. The company has also recently announced a major deal with airline Lufthansa, which saw adoption of its services on the German carrier’s wide-bodied fleet.
However, Aeromobile, which employs 60 people at offices in Gatwick Airport, has recently had funding difficulties, and has been put into administration. Accountancy and management firm BDO are continuing to trade the business while they look for a buyer and ongoing contracts will be fulfilled as planned.
Partner at BDO, Malcolm Cohen, said: “To allow the business to grow to its full potential, there is a need to secure further funding. We will do all we can to secure a going concern sale for this business, and in the meanwhile, we will continue to trade as normal.”
Aeromobile’s parent company and 99% shareholder, Telenor, said it was committed to investing in the company.
It said: “As demand for connectivity solutions in the airline industry has increased significantly, interest from potential investors has been significant and offers have been received.”
“Telenor believes in the viability of the company after re-structuring and we have expressed our intent to put in a bid for the company.”
Aeromobile’s leading customer, airliner Emirates, said the service “had proved extremely popular” since it was launched in March 2008, and it had logged more a million users.