Melbourne, Florida | April 2, 2019– Today Satcom Direct (SD) announces the commercial service introduction of Intelsat FlexExec as part of its SD Xperience portfolio. The first high-speed, managed, end-to-end broadband service designed specifically for the business aviation sector, FlexExec is now being commercially delivered in partnership with Intelsat (NYSE: I) and Astronics AeroSat. At service introduction, four aircraft types are utilizing the system including a Dassault Falcon 7X and three Gulfstream models, GIV, G450 and G550. In addition to the customer aircraft, SD has performed global network validation with its Gulfstream GIV, making this the first business aviation connectivity offering to undergo global beta testing prior to commercial service introduction.
“Business aviation now has a dedicated connectivity system that can be tailored for customers to suit specific mission needs. The flexibility and resilience of the FlexExec system will bring enhanced connectivity to the industry, paired with SD Xperience at a time when synchronizing data across all aspects of flight operations to improve efficiency and safety is becoming increasingly important. The service introduction is the next step in the evolution of the digitized aviation industry,” said Jim Jensen, CEO and founder of Satcom Direct.
Significantly, the new service gives business aviation operators the ability to budget hourly connectivity rates for the first time ever. The “Power-by-the-Hour” plan, only available through the SD Xperience portfolio, provides clients with greater flexibility to plan for maintenance and down time. The hourly rate is inclusive of the full ecosystem of SD services, meaning cabin connectivity, datalink, scheduling, cybersecurity, post-flight reporting and more are all included, on a single consolidated monthly invoice. As well as maximizing operating budgets, SD Xperience synchronizes aircraft with flight operations through its integrated software, hardware and connectivity.
Mark Gardner, Crew Chief and Client Account Maintenance Manager for Meridian Air Charter, one of the FlexExec in-service evaluation operators, and now customer, comments, “SD Xperience, combined with the FlexExec service, provides a much-needed, flexible connectivity option that we know delivers a high-performance, global, reliable service. Passengers expect constant connectivity and now we can deliver this while simultaneously enhancing the management of our dynamic operations through the real-time visibility delivered by SD Pro. We’re excited to be one of the first to maximize the new service. It is an invaluable and welcome solution to the complexity of fulfilling customer expectations, improving efficiencies and managing operational costs.”
FlexExec is powered by Intelsat’s global, high-performing, multi-layered Ku-band satellite fleet using the Intelsat EpicNG high-throughput satellite (HTS) platform with layers of inbuilt redundancy. Uniquely, customers are not subject to data speed caps as consistent delivery of up to 10Mbps into the cabin, and 2Mbps out, gives enough bandwidth to support streaming, large file transfers, and video conferencing on multiple Wi-Fi devices simultaneously. Consistent delivery is augmented by the secure SD network infrastructure consisting of the SD Data Center and global Points of Presence (POPs) around the world.
“FlexExec was designed with business jet operators and their passengers in mind,” said Intelsat’s Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Distribution, Mark Rasmussen. “While traveling, passengers expect fast, reliable broadband connectivity with a consistently high level of service – from take-off to landing. By virtue of Intelsat’s FlexExec global, managed service, built upon Intelsat’s multi-layer, redundant network, Satcom Direct can reliably deliver on passenger expectations. The flexibility and economies of scale inherent in FlexExec enable Satcom Direct to differentiate its services and deliver an end-user experience that is second to none.”
As the Master Distributor of the FlexExec service, usage is also supported via the SD Xperience end-to-end business infrastructure. In the air, SD provides the cabin networking hardware to give customers advance network management options. The software delivered by the SD Pro Operating System delivers a variety of benefits including predictive connective mapping, cybersecurity threat monitoring, flight tracking and account management tools amongst other options. On the ground, the FlexExec service is integrated with SD’s support team who are available for activation, provisioning and troubleshooting 24/7, 365 days a year ensuring bandwidth is available wherever customer aircraft are flying. The network architecture is delivered to aircraft via the AeroSat FliteStream™ (T-310) tail-mounted antenna system. The system is initially available for aftermarket aircraft, and installations are offered through approved service centers.
Orlando, USA | October 15, 2018–
SD Avionics, the hardware manufacturing division of Satcom Direct, has partnered with QEST Quantenelektronische Systeme GmbH, a worldwide market leader in innovative aeronautical antennas, to develop a new flat panel connectivity antenna for business and military aviation. The electronically steered phased-array antenna system aims to be the smallest and most efficient form factor, bringing high speed connectivity to a wider range of aircraft. SD will be the exclusive provider of this antenna to business aviation, military and government markets globally. Compatible satellite network constellations will be announced next year.
Purpose fit for small to mid-size jets, where a tail-mounted antenna solution is not an option, the lightweight, low-profile design will bring high-speed connectivity to a wide range of airframes. Scalable and modular, the flat panel system conforms to the size and shape requirements of an individual aircraft fuselage without bringing excessive weight or power requirements.
SD Avionics is working with aircraft OEMs on product specification and development, targeting product launch in late 2020. Once available, the antenna system will become part of SD Xperience, bringing future-proof technology compatible with LEO and GEO satellite networks operating in multiple frequency bands to the portfolio.
“We are committed to providing global connectivity solutions across the business aviation sector. The introduction of this flat panel antenna will enable an even greater selection of connectivity options for a wider range of platforms around the world. Our investment means more passengers, crew, and flight departments will access reliable, secure connectivity to support their day-to-day operations,” said Jim Jensen, Founder and CEO of SD.
“Partnering with SD has enabled a dynamic development approach combining technical ingenuity with years of business aviation experience to help formulate a product that we know the market will welcome. We wanted to create technology to substantially improve connectivity access within the General Aviation market place and working with Satcom Direct has enabled us to do this. We know the segment will benefit as a result,” said Dr. Joerg Oppenlaender, Chief Technology Officer of QEST.
Orlando, USA | October 15, 2018– Today at NBAA, Satcom Direct (SD) launches SD Xperience to simplify and improve business aviation connectivity and operations. The new fully-synchronized, end-to-end solution combines cabin and cockpit communications services, aircraft connectivity hardware, and flight operations software. SD Xperience will deliver purpose-built technology that satisfies the unique, evolving requirements of business aviation, allowing SD to create tailored solutions based on customer requirements.
SD’s existing Ka-band, Ku-band and L-band offerings for high-speed data, basic internet, and safety services are included in the SD Xperience portfolio. Today, the SD Xperience portfolio was further enhanced with the addition of a new broadband service in partnership with Intelsat (NYSE: I) and Astronics AeroSat. SD is the Master Distributor of FlexExec, Intelsat’s new managed service powered by Intelsat’s global Ku-band satellite fleet, which features the Intelsat EpicNG high-throughput satellite (HTS) platform. The service is uniquely designed to support business aviation, meaning capacity is not shared with commercial aviation or consumer broadband customers, ensuring that business jet passengers will have seamless, on-demand global connectivity. The network architecture is delivered via the upgraded AeroSat FlightStream™ (T-310) tail-mounted antenna system.
The service has been undergoing in-flight validation with SD Flight Operations since July 2018, delivering average speeds between 8-10 Mbps. The service will be available in Q1 2019 for STC development with aircraft OEMs for applicable aftermarket airframes. SD Xperience also brings innovative new pricing structures to market which address the specific and varied requirements of business aviation. SD customers can benefit from simplified “Power by the Hour” pricing, inclusive of FlexExec service, SD Hardware, SD Pro and SD Scheduler, for one hourly rate. Plans can be customized to the needs of each individual aircraft or fleet to enable more efficient planning and budgeting. Fully integrated with SD’s ecosystem, including its SaaS platform SD Pro®, SD Scheduler, and SD Avionics cabin technology, SD Xperience aims to enhance the user experience while simplifying and optimizing flight operations.
“Our aim is to deliver premium solutions that are purpose-built for our industry. Our new product portfolio synchronizes aircraft with flight departments for improved operational efficiency, expands connectivity options and simplifies the purchasing process. SD Xperience positions us as the leader in business aviation connectivity solutions as we are the only service provider offering infrastructure, hardware, software and airtime packages. SD Xperience is the next evolution in business aviation connectivity,” said Jim Jensen, SD Founder and CEO.
SD Xperience further confirms the SD commitment to innovation. It encompasses the breadth of services offered through robust infrastructure, partnerships and continued investments in leading technologies to advance business aviation. The introduction of Intelsat’s FlexExec service and recently launched SD Scheduler will continue to enhance the business aviation experience for passengers and operations personnel alike
'Future–proofing' the IFE installation means providing an onboard network with sufficient bandwidth that the airline will never have to tear apart their airplane to re-wire to install upgrades. Fiber-to-the-Seat™ provides a fiber optics network running at a gigabit per second – High-definition video is only the beginning – who knows what the hot, killer apps will be 10-20 years from now?!”