LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: ENT) ("Global Eagle") today announced the appointment of Robert (Bob) W. Reding to the Company's Board of Directors as of January 31, 2013.  Mr. Reding is an independent director serving on Global Eagle's Compensation Committee.  His appointment brings the Company's board to eight members, including five independent directors.

"We are pleased to welcome Bob Reding to our board," said Ed Shapiro, Chairman of the Board of Global Eagle. "His knowledge and experience in the commercial airline industry is exceptional and he will be an invaluable asset to our company as we execute our strategic plan.  With the addition of Bob, we have assembled a first-class board with deep skills and relationships in every corner of our business including media, entertainment, technology, finance and commercial aviation. Working together, we will seek to fully maximize our platform to drive the most innovative content and connectivity products for our airline partners and the millions of passengers they serve, while building value for our shareholders."

"As passenger volume grows globally and the airline industry becomes even more competitive, there is a clear need for airlines to upgrade and differentiate the inflight experiences they offer," said Bob Reding.  "Global Eagle is well positioned to fill this need given the company's superior connectivity and content platform.   This is an exciting time for our industry and I look forward to working with Ed Shapiro and the rest of the Global Eagle board in helping to chart the Company's course."

Bob Reding has been a consultant in the commercial airline industry since January 2012. From September 2007 until December 2012, Mr. Reding was Executive Vice President — Operations for American Airlines and Executive Vice President of AMR Corporation. Prior to that, Mr. Reding served as Senior Vice President — Technical Operations for American from May 2003 to September 2007. Mr. Reding joined AMR Corporation in March 2000 and served as Chief Operations Officer of AMR Eagle through May 2003. Prior to joining AMR Corporation, Mr. Reding served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Reno Air from 1992 to 1998 and President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Regional Airlines from 1998 to March 2000.  Mr. Reding is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force pilot training program and served as an officer and pilot flight examiner with the United States Air Force from 1972 to 1979. He has an FAA Air Transport Pilot Rating for Douglas DC-9-MD-80 and Boeing 737 series aircraft and has accumulated over 10,000 hours as a commercial pilot. Mr. Reding is an honors graduate from the California State Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering and received his master's degree in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University. He is a member of the President's Council of the California State Polytechnic University and has served as a board member for numerous aviation, civic and charitable organizations.

About Global Eagle Entertainment
Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. is the only full service platform offering both content and connectivity for the worldwide airline industry. Through its combined content, distribution and technology platforms, Global Eagle provides airlines and the millions of travelers they serve with the industry's most complete offering of in-flight video content, e-commerce and information services. Through its Row 44 subsidiary, Global Eagle utilizes Ku-band satellite technology to provide airline passengers with Internet access, live television, shopping and travel-related information. Currently installed on more than 450 aircraft, Row 44 has the largest fleet of connected entertainment platforms operating over land and sea globally. In addition, through its AIA division, Global Eagle provides film and television content, games and applications to more than 130 airlines worldwide. Global Eagle is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and maintains offices and support personnel around the world. Find out more at www.globaleagleent.com.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release may include "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United Stated Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "estimate", "plan", "outlook", and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward looking statements with respect to the expected performance, strategies, prospects and other aspects of the businesses of Global Eagle, AIA, Row 44 and the combined company after completion of the business combination are based on current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by such forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) the inability of Global Eagle to continue to meet NASDAQ's listing requirements, including the minimum 300 public holders requirement; (2) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with suppliers and obtain adequate supply of products and retain its key employees; (3) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (4) the possibility that Global Eagle, AIA and Row 44 may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (5) other risks and uncertainties indicated in the definitive proxy statement filed by Global Eagle with the SEC in connection with the business combination, including those under "Risk Factors" therein, and other filings with the SEC by Global Eagle. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and Global Eagle, AIA and Row 44 undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Global Eagle Entertainment Inc.