The news comes after Clay Lacy became one of the first authorised dealers and installers for the satellite-based internet solution back in May. Starlink enables inflight 4K video calls, streaming, online gaming and virtual private networks. With over 4,700 satellites in orbit, the Starlink constellation covers land, oceans and polar regions providing global coverage.

The first installations have averaged three weeks and were carried out by maintenance technicians at Clay Lacy’s Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) and Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) FAA Part 145 Repair Stations. The installations were completed on three Gulfstream G550s, a G650ER and a Bombardier Global 6000.

 “There has been high demand for this transformative, connectivity technology,” said Edward Diaz, avionics operations and sales manager for Clay Lacy Aviation. “Our team is moving quickly to provide low-downtime, expertly completed installations so that owners and operators can get the most out of their aircraft. Starlink will enhance operations for crew members, as well as provide a better flight experience for travellers.”

Clay Lacy Aviation also performs supplemental type certificate (STC) installs on the Gulfstream G450 and GV and the Bombardier Global 6500/7500, Express and XRS. Additional models are expected throughout the year including the Challenger 300/350, Global 5000, Gulfstream GIV, Embraer Legacy 600/650, Praetor and Phenom 300, among many others.

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The ‘nose-to-tail’ range of solutions includes a flight-deck communication datalink and a dual cabin connectivity service that uses Iridium voice capabilities in parallel with Jet ConneX, the high-speed broadband service connected with the Viasat Global Xpress constellation. The Falcon 6X, which was re-delivered to CAT in February, is the latest aircraft to join the fleet with connectivity solutions provided by Satcom Direct.  

 “State-of-the-art operators flying state-of-the-art aircraft also require state-of-the-art technology to take maximum advantage of their aircraft and provide the best possible experience for passengers and crew,” said Dave Falberg, Satcom Direct’s vice president of EMEA-APAC. 

“We’re proud to be the long-time partner of CAT Aviation as the relationship supports our understanding of their requirements. Our ability to deliver customised solutions for mixed, large fleet operators supporting diverse, international missions ensures we meet the needs of clients like CAT Aviation with our eco-system of connectivity solutions, which have been purpose-built for business aviation.”

The solution meets the needs of CAT Aviation which already uses Satcom Direct as its preferred connectivity supplier. The Zurich-headquartered operator values the closeness of Satcom’s Basel location, local language customer service and Satcom’s global footprint. 

The connectivity provider’s international presence allowed it to support CAT Aviation in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the Dassault Aircraft Services facility during the aircraft interior completion.

Helene Niedhart, founder of CAT Aviation, said: “As a Dassault aircraft operator for more than 20 years, we are very proud to be the world’s first Falcon 6X operator. In 2008, we were also one of the first Falcon 7X operators. Our fleet has grown steadily, and we have become the largest Dassault Falcon operator in Switzerland. It goes without saying that our loyal and longtime CAMO, Crew and Flight Operations teams have gained huge experience in operating Dassault Falcon aircraft, and we know that we can rely on Satcom Direct for continuous support wherever we are in the world.”

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The satellite-based internet solution engineered by enables inflight 4K video calls, streaming, online gaming and virtual private networks. Starlink is part of the largest satellite constellation, with over 4,700 satellites in low Earth orbit and counting.

Entering the business aviation market, Starlink is expanding its list of certifications and supported aircraft. Supplemental type certificates (STCs) are currently available with Clay Lacy for the Bombardier Global 6000, Express and XRS and the Gulfstream G650/ER. Additional models are expected this year include the Challenger 300/350, Global 5000/5500/6500/7500, Gulfstream G550/G450/GIV/GV and Embraer Legacy 600/650, Praetor and Phenom 300.

Eddy Diaz, Avionics Manager for Clay Lacy Aviation, said: “We’re proud to be able to add to our list of comprehensive avionics and communications maintenance and installation options. Starlink offers business aviation high-speed, global-coverage solutions that can transform the flight experience for passengers, as well as enhance the operations for crew members. We anticipate many aircraft owners will be eager to add this reliable connectivity technology.”

Clay Lacy Aviation operates FAA Part 145 Repair Stations at its locations in Van Nuys Airport near Los Angeles, and Waterbury-Oxford Airport in Connecticut, serving New York and the northeast US. Its in-house capabilities include airframe and engine maintenance, line maintenance, inspections, avionics and cabin entertainment and interior upgrades and refurbishing.

The anticipated downtime for Starlink installation ranges from 15 to 25 days, depending on the aircraft model. Aircraft owners and operators are encouraged to contact Clay Lacy Aviation to reserve their installation spot as additional STCs are made available.

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Since the commercial introduction of the terminal just over a year ago it has clocked up over 10,000 flight hours. The two unit line-replaceable system consisting of a tail-mount antenna and Satcom Direct (SD) modem unit is being equipped initially on a Bombardier Global XRS. The Global XRS will be re-delivered to Empire Aviation in late November.

The announcement was made the Dubai Air Show. 

Paras Dhamecha, founder and MD at Empire Aviation Group, said: “As a leading management company, our clients entrust and empower us to deploy solutions that deliver reliability, commercial value and, of course, passenger satisfaction. For us, the SD Plane Simple option just made sense.

“SD offers a highly attractive single resource for all our connectivity needs. From cockpit to cabin, the system provides leading-edge technology backed by a network of top MRO partners and access to expert support 24/7/365 to keep us connected. This approach gives us peace of mind, minimising the risk and pain of deploying new technology,” he added.

The SD terminal, purpose-built for business aviation, delivers high-speed connectivity via the Intelsat FlexExec service.

SD VP International, David Falberg said: “This deal is testimony to our continued success in delivering innovation to the market, particularly in the Middle East, and customers’ confidence that our solutions will protect their investment and ambitions. As a business, we value long-term working partnerships that allow us to deliver success to our customers and support their competitive advantage now and in the future.

Satcom Direct is at the Dubai Airshow this week in Booth #218.

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The terminal was installed on a Gulfstream G550 in July, making it the first executive jet to use SD’s advanced antenna technology in Latin America. It will also added to the same owner’s G450 early next year.  

Three additional Brazil-registered G550s are scheduled for installations before the end of 2023, and SD Brazil has a backlog of orders for 2024.

Ewerton Libanio, managing director for SD Brazil, said, “SD is raising the connectivity bar with this new purpose-built class of antenna for the business aviation sector. Our clients in this region have been eagerly waiting for a simplified, high-speed data solution, and we are already delighted to hold orders for next year. More importantly, we are giving customers greater flexibility, cost-effective connectivity options, and a single resource to fulfill every connectivity need for those flying within Latin America and around the globe.”

Connected with the Intelsat FlexExec high throughput satellite network, passengers can expect consistently reliable connectivity, according to SD Brazil. The antenna installation involves fitting two-line replaceable units, the tail-mounted antenna and the SD modem unit.

Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil, ANAC, has released an STC for the Plane Simple Ku-band terminal for the Gulfstream G550 installation as well as for GIV, GIV-X, G450, GV and GV-SP types. ANAC has also issued an STC for Dassault F2000LX/LXS, F900EX/LX and Falcon 7X models.

The jet installation follows the equipping of a Brazilian-registered Embraer EMB-110 for operator Fototerra, which uses the technology to transmit coastal images in real-time.

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“We are proud to provide more services than any other aircraft support facility in Florida and are committed to offering our customers the latest and greatest enhancements to their aircraft. As a sales and installation partner for SmartSky, we have experienced the system for ourselves. We are pleased to say it delivers an impressive connectivity experience, as advertised, and we are excited to bring this game-changing product to our customers, especially streaming-level performance for smaller corporate jets,” said Banyan Air Service.

Banyan is authorised to install both the SmartSky Flagship system for mid to large cabin jets as well as SmartSky LITE, the first-ever streaming-level connectivity solution for smaller business aircraft.

Based at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Banyan is an FAA and EASA-approved repair station and has earned repair station designations and approvals for over 10 countries. The MRO provider offers 24-hour, full-service operations for aircraft owners, charter operators, corporate flight departments, flight schools, and government agencies.  Its award-winning service includes numerous individual FAA awards resulting in the Banyan Maintenance Division being recognised as an FAA Diamond Award winner.

“Banyan is one of the most highly regarded aircraft service facilities in the country and is known for offering their customers world-class service as evidenced by their industry accolades year after year. This expertise makes Banyan the perfect fit to meet the growing demand for SmartSky’s industry-leading inflight connectivity performance,” said Aria Bahawdory, director,  MRO Account Management, SmartSky. “Customers in the business aviation marketplace are demanding best-in-class service, and SmartSky delivers.”

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In a conference call following its fourth quarter (Q4) results for 2022, Gogo’s executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) Barry Rowan said operating expenses were 2% lower in Q4 “primarily due to lower legal fees”. The total operating expenses within the quarter were $69.5m.

The dispute between the two companies has been continuing since April 2020. Originally, Gogo submitted a petition to the US Patent Office claiming SmartSky’s patent for its Air-To-Ground (ATG) offering was not valid. Then in September of the same year, SmartSky successfully defended its patent and Gogo did not appeal. Two years on, in February 2022, SmartSky filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Gogo. SmartSky also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to have the court order Gogo to stop marketing its Gogo 5G services, but in September last year this was denied.

Now there are six patents in dispute, after SmartSky asked the US District Court in Delaware to add two recently-issued patents to the 2022 infringement lawsuit. In the newly amended complaint, SmartSky alleges “Gogo has been illegally selling and offering to sell its 5G ATG internet connectivity product in violation of SmartSky’s patented inventions.”

In the conference call, Oakleigh Thorne, chairman and CEO, Gogo said three of the total six patents expire in August 2025 and the remaining three expire in 2034 and 2035. With the case set for trial in April 2025, a decision on some of the patents that expire in the same year may have limited effect on either company.

Thorne, while stressing he does not believe that Gogo has infringed on any patents, said that if the judge found in favour of SmartSky, the “overwhelming remedy is that there would be some sort of licensing agreement”. He added: “With the patents expiring, any decision by the court would be fairly limited in terms of what the fees might be, because those patents will not be around very long after the case.”

In a statement to Corporate Jet Investor, Dave Helfgott, CEO, SmartSky responded: “Gogo’s comments in its recent earnings call reveal that the company recognises the serious risks it faces as a result of its infringement on SmartSky’s patents. Their chairman and CEO Oakleigh Thorne suggested a back-door licensing agreement might be a way out of a patent mess of their own making.”

Helfgott added: “SmartSky has never offered to license its technology to anyone, much less our sole ATG competitor. Gogo’s wish for licensing would be akin to Motorola launching a new phone using Apple’s patented technology and then counting on licensing it once they lose the inevitable infringement lawsuit.”

SmartSky states it is “confident Gogo infringes each of the six patents”, while Gogo states it “is not infringing any valid SmartSky patent”.

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The tail-mount terminal is powered by the Intelsat FlexExec network, an airtime service dedicated specifically to business aviation. SD said it will allow customers greater flexibility and connectivity options that will be in line with expected operational costs, providing “reliable, global, customized connectivity solutions”.

SD has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for Bombardier’s Global 5000, 6000 and Express XRS aircraft, Dassault’s F200LX/LXS, and Gulfstream’s GIV, GIV-X, G450, GV, GV-SP and G550 type aircraft. Elsewhere, the European Aviation Safety Agency has confirmed STCs for the above Bombardier and Dassault models.

“Prior to the Plane Simple offering, high-speed connectivity options were limited by capacity, restrictive pricing plans, invasive installation, and were incompatible with changing satellite markets,” said Jim Jensen, CEO and founder, SD. “The Plane Simple antenna series resolves these needs, and we’re proud to make this advanced, innovative antenna technology available to new and existing customers.”

The company completed flight trials and said all those who participated in them have now become customers. SD told Corporate Jet Investor that it now has 21 undisclosed parties who have become customers as a result of the trials, with aircraft that are now STC-approved. 

One company that took part was Executive Jet Management, a sister company of NetJets, testing the terminal on its Global 5000. David Utley, maintenance manager, Executive Jet Management said the ability to integrate third-party tools helped the company operate more efficiently. He added: “Combined with SD’s advice and recommendations on which tools to use and how to optimise them and troubleshoot in flight […] means I always know what is going on. This is important for a busy aircraft frequently flying around the globe.”

A different version of the antenna which uses a different wavelength, the KA-band, was tested using a prototype on SD’s Gulfstream G550 at the beginning of January.  

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The US operator put in an order to outfit up to 100 aircraft with free high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi. Operating across the US with this cutting-edge new technology, JSX offers Starlink’s service at no extra charge. With half of the JSX fleet already equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, all of JSX’s 30-seat Embraer jets will be online with free Starlink Wi-Fi service by Spring this year. 

“Starlink’s in-flight Wi-Fi service has been met by our Customers with amazement and delight – it’s simply that good and incredibly easy to use,” said JSX CEO, Alex Wilcox. 

“As we continue to outfit our fleet with this industry-leading product, offered to our Customers totally free of charge, the gap between the JSX experience and the rest of the industry will continue to widen. Unrivalled convenience meets unparalleled connectivity – a winning combination that we’re proud to offer all of our Customers this year,” added Wilcox.

Following the certification by the FAA for use on JSX jets in early December 2022, SpaceX officially announced the Wi-Fi service will roll out across the entire JSX fleet in early 2023. 

JSX currently offers 43 routes across 22 North American markets including new international service to Cabo San Lucas and newly established markets in Colorado and Florida. The charter jet service has plans to continue growing, adding one or two aircraft per month for the foreseeable future.

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The launch was performed by SpaceX from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on earlier this week. The two further launches are planned for later this year.

Lift-off took place on Monday, at 11:50pm, the satellites were dispensed in three phases over a period of 95mins. Signal acquisition on all 40 satellites has been confirmed, said OneWeb.

Neil Masterson, CEO, OneWeb, said: “Yesterday’s launch is a thrilling way to start 2023 and at OneWeb, this launch brings us even closer to completing our constellation and launching connectivity services around the world.”

With 542 satellites now in orbit, OneWeb has more than 80% of its first-generation constellation launched. The firm has connectivity services in Alaska, Canada, the UK, Greenland and the Arctic, with plans to expand to the US, southern Europe, Australia, the Middle East and further afield.

Masterson added: “OneWeb believes that connection everywhere changes everything and each of these launches provides us with more capacity to help our partners connect communities, businesses, and governments around the world. I want to thank SpaceX for their continued support, which has now brought about two successful launches. Every launch is a team effort, and we are grateful to everyone who makes these incredible moments possible.”

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