Inflight Internet Provider Nabs 4th Largest Charter Operator from Segment Rival 

SmartSky Networks has announced its selection by flyExclusive as the company's choice for their inflight connectivity service provider. 

The charter operator runs the 4th largest private charter business around, making it a solid 'get' for the up-and-comer challenging the Gogo throne. As an added raspberry blown at their rival, SmartSky mentioned that their equipment would be replacing the Gogo-brand gear currently installed, making it the first notably major fleet to make the jump from one team to another. SmartSky filed suit with Gogo Business Aviation in late February, alleging that the company has integrated proprietary, patented SmartSky tech in their new 5G network without licensing agreements. The dueling inflight connectivity companies aren't just duking it out in court, judging from SmartSky's announcement regarding their new customer's selection. 

Corporate pres of flyExclusive Tommy Sowers, sees a bright future with the new provider. “In 2021, we invested heavily in modernizing our fleet to deliver the ultimate private aviation experience. As we grow, our partnership with SmartSky will ensure unparalleled connectivity inflight for our customers and crews. After a thorough evaluation of alternatives, SmartSky was the right choice. We expect entry-into-service of our first SmartSky equipped jets next quarter.” 

SmartSky's network is live, with full continental US coverage expected by the end of 2nd quarter 2022. With an array of STCs suited to many popular aircraft models ready to go, with many more in development, SmartSky feels confident in their position in the connectivity game. Their "office in the sky" experience has been winning over operators looking for high-performance internet service suited to their high-powered charter clientele, and according to SmartSky president Ryan Stone, they're just the ticket.

"We're honored to partner with flyExclusive and serve their customers and crews with our market-leading connected experience that makes real-time data transfer as accessible at 41,000 feet as it is on the ground. This marks another major SmartSky milestone as we continue down the path of delivering on the connected aircraft ecosystem," said Stone. 

FMI: www.smartskynetworks.com, www.flyexclusive.com