The terminal connects with Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network.

“The agreement with Avcon Jet heralds a new era for fleet connectivity,” says Chris Moore, president, Satcom Direct, . “We are committed to meeting the needs of aircraft operators seeking genuine global coverage and are excited that with Avcon Jet, we can demonstrate the advantages of working with the multi-faceted Plane Simple portfolio of antenna systems to fulfill the demand for high-speed connectivity across a broad portfolio of airframes.”

Alex Vagacs, chairman of Avcon Jet Group, said: “We strive to deliver our customers the best connectivity experience possible, which is why we welcome the opportunity to equip our fleet with  the advanced SD antenna systems.”

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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 milestone has been achieved after more than 400 validation hours covering tests such as weather, thermal, and vibration qualifications. The second variant in the Plane Simple hardware series, SD’s antenna exclusively connects with Viasat’s Jet ConneX inflight broadband solution, powered by the Global Xpress, GX satellite constellation. 

The certification is next phase toward entering commercial service. SD has confirmed its first customer and is also talking with other operators who want to be a part of the supplemental type certificate (STC) generation. The first STC is expected in early 2024.

Chris Moore SD president said: “This second iteration of our Plane Simple antenna technology is a game-changer for the industry as it unlocks the complete current and future performance capabilities of the Global Xpress network and minimises beam and satellite switching time. We’re delivering the most powerful, reliable, and genuinely global connectivity to operators that depend on us to keep them connected during flight.”

Customers equipping airframes with the terminal will have access to global coverage with the GX satellite constellation. They can later upgrade to Viasat’s full Ka-band network, including the ViaSat-3 satellites and next-generation GX satellites as they come online.

Kai Tang head of Business Aviation at Viasat said: “SD has a reputation as a technology-forward company. Its innovative approach, guided by a commitment to deliver powerful new connectivity solutions to support the very specific needs of business aviation users, is exemplified by creating the first terminal that will connect with our existing and next-generation Ka-band satellites. 

“This pioneering vision is one that we adhere to as it adds real value to the offering. We’re pleased to be working with SD to offer customers exceptional connectivity experiences through customised Viasat service plans, including the first-ever power-by-the-hour payment option for Jet ConneX, enabling business jet operators to pay an hourly rate for inflight connectivity,” added Tang.

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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 new plans will be made exclusively available to SD operators, equipping their aircraft with the SD Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount terminal. The option also includes the first-ever ‘power by the hour’ option for Jet ConneX. The new service plans will enter commercial service once regulatory certification is confirmed, which is anticipated for early 2024.

The terminal, purpose-built for business aviation, consists of two line-replaceable units (LRUs). A tail mount antenna with a reduced footprint and the SD Modem Unit. SD said it and Viasat are making more powerful Ka-band connectivity available for more aircraft sizes than ever before.

Chris Moore, SD President said: “Our goal is to ensure our business aviation customers can benefit from consistent, reliable service. Our Plane Simple Ka-band technology, combined with the new plans and our industry-leading customer support, adds further value to our offering. Customers require flexibility and consistency, and together with Viasat, we are committed to delivering a superior service that aligns with diverse operational budgets and individual customer demands.”

Satcom Direct and Viasat have also confirmed that the SD Plane Simple Ka-band terminal will connect immediately with the GX satellite constellation. Plus, it will be upgradable to Viasat’s full Ka-band network, including the ViaSat-3 satellites and next generation GX satellites as they come online.

Kai Tang, head of Business Aviation, Viasat, added: “Our continued joint innovation with Satcom Direct delivers seamless, global connectivity solutions that meet and exceed customer expectations.  With the strength of our next-generation satellite network and the advanced hardware technology of our partner, we can continue to provide exceptional connectivity experiences for business aviation passengers.”

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Installation of the SD Plane Simple Ku-band terminals, which have been purpose-built for the business aviation sector, will give Planet Nine passengers and customers access to the Intelsat FlexExec network, the only dedicated business aviation airtime on the market. In addition, the SD FlightDeck Freedom datalink service will be added to the cockpit. Passengers will benefit from improved productivity, enhanced entertainment and increased data speeds powered by the consistent high-speed broadband. At the same time, the crew will optimise the power of FDF flight tracking, automated real-time information about hazardous weather, geo-notifications, security events and other critical flight path data for improved situational awareness. The agreement also includes 24/7/365 global customer support, multilingual services, cybersecurity solutions and access to certified connectivity training.

Activations of the first Plane Simple Ku-band terminals and FlightDeck Freedom services are already underway or scheduled for five of the Planet Nine aircraft. The first two Bombardier Global Express have already been redelivered with the Plane Simple Ku-band terminals installed and activated. A third Global Express is imminent, with a further two aircraft being equipped with the advanced connectivity technology before the end of the year.

“Planet Nine exemplifies how retrofitting our Plane Simple antennas can breathe new life into an airframe,” said Michael Skou Christensen, chief commercial officer for Satcom Direct. “These aircraft are designed to last for more than three decades, yet the technology is changing on a daily basis. We have designed agnostic systems that future-proof aircraft, and we know this ability to continuously update the connectivity offering was a major factor in Planet Nine’s decision to engage our services, products, and support capabilities,”  he said. “The addition of our hardware and the Intelsat FlexExec service will deliver an impressive new suite of reliable connectivity options to Planet Nine’s elite customers worldwide.”

The mixed fleet of thirty-two airframes features predominantly large cabin aircraft, including Bombardier Global types, Gulfstream models, and Dassault Falcon airframes.

“Our clients expect cutting-edge aircraft, comfort, safety, and best-in-class customer experience as we deliver distinctive service to discerning clients,” said Matt Walter, co-founder, Planet Nine. “Passengers expect broadband connectivity as standard and we have chosen a solution that definitively differentiates our business. Adding services that have been innovated by aviators for aviators and purpose-built for business aviation users elevates our offering to a whole new level. Selecting the right partner to offer consistent, reliable, global connectivity from a single resource that also delivers outstanding customer service adds real value to our offering and to our customer experience.” 

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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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Available from 2025 the antennas are designed for compatibility with OneWeb’s low earth orbit constellation. The collaboration will see Gilat develop the antenna system while Satcom Direct Avionics, the Canadian hardware manufacturing division of SD, will work with OneWeb to develop the SD Modem Unit to harness the full potential of the LEO constellation. This ESA terminal, including the radome, will aim to provide a compact form factor of around 2.5in or 64mm. 

Chris Moore, president at Satcom Direct, said: “We already have a strong relationship with OneWeb and have engaged with Gilat, due to their long SATCOM, aviation, and radio frequency pedigree, to create the next generation ESA in support of creating a solution that provides more options to our customers seeking reliable high-speed connectivity or additional redundancy. The ESA terminal will provide genuine global coverage and superior bandwidth performance, complemented by ease of installation.”

Adi Sfadia, Gilat CEO, said: “Together, we will create a next-generation ESA to support the dynamic connectivity demands of the global business aviation sector with a best-in-class antenna. The agreement gives us the opportunity to expand our proven technology know-how in commercial aviation and to showcase our expertise alongside Satcom Direct, the only company dedicated to delivering satcom connectivity to business and government aviation worldwide. It is a major milestone for Gilat as we extend our global IFC leadership in commercial aviation to business aviation, as well as into our strategic focus area in government and defence.”

Neil Masterson, CEO OneWeb added: “The combined expertise of Satcom Direct Avionics, Gilat and OneWeb will deliver customers faster, more consistent broadband services across the globe. In the dynamic connectivity landscape, it is essential we team with premium partners, which is why we’re delighted to be part of this powerful offering as we reinforce our presence and service in the business aviation sector.”

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SD worked directly with Dassault Aircraft Services in Little Rock, to obtain the STC, releasing the corresponding Plane Simple Ku Service Bulletin for the Falcon type in April 2023. The Ku-band antenna variant can now be installed through the Dassault factory MRO and Dassault Aircraft Services network.

Jim Jensen, SD founder and CEO, said: “We are proud that Dassault recognises the advantages delivered by the Plane Simple system and how it can enhance connectivity on the Falcon airframes. The STC makes the full Satcom Direct ecosystem of hardware, software, ground infrastructure, cybersecurity, and award-winning customer support immediately available to this set of Falcon owners.

“We are raising the connectivity bar with this whole new class of antenna hardware that has been purpose-built for the business aviation sector. More importantly, it gives customers greater flexibility, cost-effective connectivity options, and a single resource to fulfil every connectivity need,” said Jensen.

The antenna installation requires fitting two-line replaceable units, the tail-mounted antenna and the SD modem unit. The latest certification comes in the wake the existing Dassault Falcon 2000LX/LXS/S approvals and 900EXy/LX obtained earlier this year.

Geoff Chick, senior vice president, Dassault’s worldwide service network, said: “Falcon aircraft are known for being technologically advanced, and the SD Plane Simple antenna system is the perfect complement to our aircraft. The system has already demonstrated its capabilities by performing flawlessly on our Dassault Falcon 2000LX/LXS/S aircraft, and we’re pleased to add the new STC to our customer offering. We’re confident our operators are going to be delighted with the reliability, performance, and the added value of SD customer service.”

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The new tech will equip an aircraft with both Plane Simple Ku-band and Ka-band tail mount antennas. The two antennas operate on different wavelengths, meaning customers can benefit from better global connectivity.

Having two antennas also increases the amount of data that can be transmitted to and from the aircraft. Data can be prioritised to chosen passenger devices so that key stakeholders can maintain connection even when the demand in the cabin is high.

Validation of the Dual Dissimilar has been taking place on the Satcom Direct Gulfstream G550 during daily operations. The aircraft completed a transatlantic route from Rotterdam Airport (EHRD), The Netherlands, to Melbourne Orlando International Airport (KMLB), Florida in January. During the flight, 40 devices had constant coverage for streaming, avionics and multiple applications for airframe and personal devices.

The technology will be integrated with each satellite partner’s network infrastructure as well as Satcom’s Network Operations Centre (NOC), enabling Satcom to predict and resolve any service interruption.

“When integrated with our hardware, software, airtime services and infrastructure, customers can acquire, manage, upgrade and troubleshoot all their connectivity services with just one phone call,” says Jim Jensen, CEO and founder, Satcom Direct. “Our cohesive offering futureproofs the aircraft for software and satellite advancements, making staying connected much more convenient, cost-effective and simple.”

It is estimated that the technology will be available for purchase when the Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount antenna is commercially introduced at the end of this year.

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