LOS ANGELES and TYUMEN, Russian Federation, Jan. 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: ENT ), the leading international provider of satellite-based in-flight Wi-Fi and device-based entertainment for airlines around the world, and UTair Aviation, the fastest growing airline in the Russian Federation, announced today that UTair has expanded its contract for connectivity services by 60 aircraft, bringing the total to 69 aircraft to be installed with Global Eagle's satellite connectivity solution.
The additional installations will encompass 20 A321-200's and 40 B737NG aircraft. UTair passengers will benefit from Global Eagle's satellite-driven, broadband web access and leading edge inflight entertainment and media content.
"UTair is an innovative airline aggressively building significant traffic in Russia, Central Asia, and Europe and we are honored to be a part of that international growth," said John LaValle, Chief Executive Officer of Global Eagle Entertainment. "As a global provider, these markets represent key growth areas for our company as we capitalize on our Ku-band satellite technology and industry-leading media content resources. We look forward to delivering a robust content and connectivity platform to UTair's passengers, helping to differentiate the airline and build new revenue streams."
According to several polls conducted earlier this year, Internet usage in Russia has grown in the last decade and quite significantly in the past few years. Levada Center's poll found that over 80 percent of students, senior managers, directors and leading specialists regularly surf the Web. UTair recognizes the desire by travelers to be connected and entertained inflight and wishes to provide their passengers with an unparalleled inflight connectivity and entertainment experience.
Installation on the UTair fleet will begin in January 2014.
About Global Eagle
Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. is a leading full service provider of both content and connectivity to 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 500 aircraft, Row 44 has the largest fleet of connected entertainment platforms operating over land and sea globally. In addition, through its AIA subsidiary, Global Eagle provides film and television content, games and applications to more than 130 airlines worldwide. Global Eagle is headquartered in greater Los Angeles, California and maintains offices and support personnel around the world. Find out more at www.globaleagleent.com
About UTAIR Aviation
UTair Aviation is a modern, first-class, competitive Russian airline conducting its activities on market principles and striving towards maximum transparency while aiming to provide a whole new level of passenger service. As the core enterprise of UTAIR Group, UTair Aviation ranks among the top three Russian airlines. In 2013 UTair aircraft transported more than 10 million passengers. The airline operates more than 200 fixed wing aircraft and performs flights to 110 destinations in Russia and aboard. The airline maintains its central hub at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, from which it performs 100 flights daily.
For Press: Karin Pellmann Communications for Global Eagle Entertainment 646-515-6933 For Investors: Chris Plunkett or Brad Edwards Brainerd Communicators, Inc. 212-986-6667
