Future Operations to Sport End-to-End Internet Connectivity Throughout the Trip

Volato has opted to go with SmartSky for its future inflight connectivity needs, selecting the SmartSky LITE system for a pair of aircraft to start, with options for many more if all goes well.

It's just another flashpoint in the ongoing market war between internet providers in the world of in-flight internet. SmartSky has opted to flesh out its own proprietary air-to-ground network, but it's been getting increasing competition from similarly positioned AtG operators and Low-Earth-Orbit satellite constellations alike. SmartSky's results are indistinguishable from terrestrial internet to the average passenger, giving them streaming-level performance to keep the same pace of internet use they enjoy on the ground throughout their entire trip. That's a very big selling point for operators like Volato, where well-heeled consumers can afford to be picky about their ability to stay productive on the road. Volato has its hands in a few different parts of the market, operating as a charter, fractional, and jet card provider. That led to them selecting something that would fit everything with as little variation as possible, and the SmartSky LITE fits that bill. To start, Volato will get two of its HondaJets equipped with the system, with an eye to upgrade additional aircraft should they so choose.

“Outstanding customer experience is a critical point of differentiation for Volato, and in-flight Wi-Fi with streaming-level performance is a very important part of that overall experience,” said Mike Prachar, Chief Operating Officer of Volato. “After evaluating the available options for Wi-Fi for our fleet, SmartSky demonstrated the capability to deliver the high-quality connected experience our customers expect. We were also attracted to the fact that its software-defined features will allow us to keep up with new technology developments without requiring new hardware so we can keep our customers flying with no disruptions to service or the latest in-flight Wi-Fi speeds.”

“After evaluating the available options for Wi-Fi for our fleet, SmartSky demonstrated the capability to deliver the high-quality connected experience our customers expect,” said Mike Prachar, Chief Operating Officer of Volato. A fractional, charter and jet card provider, Volato offers highly efficient solutions in private aviation. This includes selecting aircraft models for their fractional fleet that offer the greatest fuel efficiency with the largest cabins in their class, so there is no need to compromise on luxury while minimizing environmental impact.

“Partnering with an operator like Volato is especially exciting because of the excellence and efficiency it demonstrates in all of its private aviation services. It is fitting for Volato customers to soon experience the kind of connectivity that makes flying more productive and enjoyable so that they land happy,” said Ryan Stone, President of SmartSky. “Whether on smaller airframes or larger cabins, SmartSky users experience the same streaming-level performance from the most advanced inflight connectivity ever built.”

FMI: www.flyvolato.com