Sat, Feb 10, 2024
With 15 STCs In-Hand, SmartSky Keeps Plugging Away on a Dozen More
SmartSky Networks announced the first installation of its air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity suite on a Cessna Citation Latitude, bringing its fastest internet speeds to the best-selling midsize jet.
The aircraft was tendered by sales and installation partner Davinci Jets, the third such SmartSky STC installation in tandem with the brand. The customer-owned aircraft was returned to service as usual, with an FAA Supplemental Type Certification "expected in the coming months". Once done, SmartSky's flagship system will be available for more than 200 Latitude models in service. At the moment, SmartSky holds 15 STCs in-hand, but more than a dozen are in various stages of progress.
The recent Latitude installation is part of Davinci's plans to make the SmartSky ATG system the standards across the majority of its managed fleet. They reported that the first flight back in service saw the new internet provisions get a stout little workout: "Passengers connected six devices simultaneously to Facetime, participated in a video meeting, sent pictures from phones, streamed Netflix and Fubo TV, emailed large attachments, used Salesforce, accessed documents on Microsoft Teams, made phone calls, and ran speed tests verifying the multi-Mbps capability of the system".
“Demand for SmartSky is growing in the marketplace because customers expect to be continuously and reliably connected even while in transit,” said Eric Legvold, CEO of Davinci Jets. “The customers who are now flying SmartSky-equipped planes are able to do just that. We are proud to be upgrading our customers’ inflight experience with the only next-generation ATG connectivity solution that is available for business aviation.”
“It’s great to work with a partner like Davinci Jets that has listened to its customers and committed to delivering the best available service as both a management and MRO provider. Their outstanding execution on multiple installations has made them a reliable source for any owner operator looking to upgrade their aircraft,” said Rich Pilock, Vice President of Connectivity Sales for SmartSky.
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