Aircell's new EVP of airline solutions, John Happ, will be in Washington DC during the last week of June to discuss "major news" about the company.

Happ, previously of Frontier and Continental, will hold press briefings about what is in store for Aircell, and how this will have a larger competitive impact on the airline industry.

Aircell intends to launch its connectivity solution, dubbed Gogo, this summer. "Aircell will launch the air-to-ground service on American Airlines first, followed quickly by Virgin America  - stay tuned for further partner airline announcements in the coming months," says Aircell.

Aircell's competition in the sector is also readying for launch. Satellite-based broadband connectivity provider Row 44 received a major vote of confidence today from investment firm PAR Capital Management, which led a round of financing that closed at over $21 million.

The funds raised will be used to expand operations and support the "global rollout" of Row 44's satellite-based connectivity system. Commercial trials are scheduled to begin this summer on Boeing 737s operated by Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines.