Global Eagle Entertainment to Deliver Inflight Connectivity on China’s Hainan Airlines and Beijing Capital Airlines
GEE Signs Deal With Shareco, HNA Group’s IFC Operating Firm, to Launch Internet Access, Live TV, AVOD, Destination Services, and e-Commerce
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Eagle Entertainment Inc., (Nasdaq: ENT) (“GEE”) a worldwide provider of aircraft connectivity systems, operations solutions and media content to the travel industry, today announced a milestone deal with Shareco to launch GEE’s AIRCONNECT inflight connectivity solution aboard ten aircraft operated by the HNA Group of China.
Shareco will lead the commercial and operational planning for the program. GEE will provide its Airconnect inflight connectivity solution aboard five 737NG aircraft operated by Hainan Airlines and five A320 aircraft operated by Beijing Capital Airlines, both of which are part of the HNA Group. Using the Airconnect connectivity platform, together GEE and Shareco will provide passengers on both airlines with a broad range of customized inflight entertainment and connectivity services, including onboard internet access, online shopping and payment, live television, interactive games, on-demand music, movies, TV shows, and destination city services such as connecting gate information, weather, and flight tracking.
GEE will also manage the STC certification process and provide ongoing IFEC technical support on behalf of Shareco and the HNA Group. Hainan Airlines and Beijing Capital Airlines passengers can expect to begin enjoying the advanced inflight entertainment and connectivity services in Q3 2016.
“As the first Chinese company to fund and operate a satellite-based IFC system, Shareco is honored and eager to lead the development of China’s inflight entertainment and connectivity industry with services delivered over Global Eagle’s well-proven, highly certified and flexible connectivity solution,” said Jason Sun, Shareco Chairman. “We are creating a highly unique, personalized passenger experience aboard Hainan Airlines and Beijing Capital Airlines through a collaborative effort with GEE that draws on the deep commercial and technical expertise of Shareco and GEE.”
“Global Eagle is proud to be playing such a key role in support of the HNA Group, Shareco, Hainan Airlines and Beijing Capital Airlines, as together we deploy one of China’s first and most innovative inflight connectivity solutions,” noted Dave Davis, GEE CEO. “GEE has made significant investments in China in recent years. We are beginning to see returns on these investments and there is tremendous future opportunity.”
About Global Eagle Entertainment (GEE)
Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq:ENT) is a worldwide provider of aircraft connectivity systems, operations solutions and media content to the travel industry. Through the industry’s most comprehensive product and services platform, Global Eagle Entertainment provides airlines with a wide range of in-flight solutions. These include Wi-Fi, movies, television, music, interactive software, as well as portable IFE solutions, content management services, e-commerce solutions and original content development. Serving more than 200 airlines worldwide, Global Eagle Entertainment delivers exceptional quality and value to its customers to help them achieve their passenger experience objectives. The company’s headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California, with offices and teams located in North America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Oceania and South America. Find out more at: www.geemedia.com.
About Beijing Shareco Technologies Co., Ltd. (Shareco)
Beijing Shareco Technologies Co., Ltd. has substantial experience in providing in-flight entertainment related services to Chinese and international commercial airlines. The company’s headquarters is located in Beijing, China, with offices and teams located in Shenzhen and Shanghai. Find out more at: www.xilehang.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
We make forward-looking statements in this press release. These forward-looking statements relate to expectations or forecasts for future events, including without limitation, our earnings, revenues, expenses or other future financial or business performance or strategies, or the impact of legal or regulatory matters on our business, results of operations or financial condition. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words "may," "might," "will," "will likely result," "should," "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "continue," "target" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date they were made, and should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those risks and uncertainties described in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as amended, and subsequently filed reports on Form 10-Q, as amended. As a result, our actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
Contact: Jenelle Benoit Director, Marketing & Communications +1 310-321-6612 pr@geemedia.com Kevin Trosian Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations +1 310-740-8624 Investor.relations@geemedia.com
Released December 17, 2015