Satcom Direct (SD) has unveiled an “end-to-end solution” combining cabin and cockpit communications, connectivity hardware and flight operations software – which the company says will enable it to offer tailored solutions.
The SD Xperience portfolio includes SD’s existing Ka-band, Ku-band and L-band offerings for high-speed data, basic internet and safety services, as well as a new broadband service offered in partnership with Intelsat 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. Capacity is not shared with commercial aviation or consumer broadband customers. The network architecture is delivered via the upgraded AeroSat FlightStream (T-310) tail-mounted antenna system.
The service has been undergoing inflight validation with SD Flight Operations since July 2018, delivering average speeds between 8-10Mbps. The service should be available in the first quarter of 2019 for STC development with aircraft OEMs for applicable aftermarket airframes.
SD Xperience also brings new pricing structures to market. SD says 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. SD Xperience is fully integrated with SD’s ecosystem, including its SaaS platform SD Pro, SD Scheduler and SD Avionics cabin technology.
“Our aim is to deliver premium solutions that are purpose-built for our industry,” said Jim Jensen, founder and CEO at SD. “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.”
During NBAA, SD will be offering demonstrations of the FlexExec service and detailing the commercial options for customers at its booth and on the static display.
