Alto Aviation is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022. The company specialises in providing cabin audio and cabin management systems for all types of private jet, including rotor, military and special-mission aircraft.
Alto Aviation was founded in 1997 in Massachusetts by acoustic engineers Don Hamilton and Steve Scarlata to design, manufacture and distribute premium cabin audio systems for business aviation aircraft. Hamilton and Scarlata’s professional backgrounds included developing high-end car audio systems for Bose. In 2001, Alto was commissioned to design the first audio amplifier specifically engineered for Gulfstream OEM aircraft.
Over the years, the company continued developing scalable cabin audio systems customised for most major OEMs. Alto has developed long-lasting partnerships with all leading MROs, expanding into an extensive network of more than 150 authorised installers worldwide. As a result, the product portfolio has expanded to offer an extensive catalogue of hundreds of premium loudspeakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, page/chime systems, and Bluetooth audio solutions.
In 2007, Alto introduced its nVelop Surround Sound System. This audio system is engineered and tuned to bring a realistic surround sound experience to every seat in the cabin.
All Alto cabin audio systems undergo custom on-site audio tuning performed by Alto cabin systems engineers using proprietary software and processes. The sound processing is implemented via proprietary digital signal processing inside the Alto amplifier.
In 2017, Alto inaugurated its new headquarters in Sterling, Massachusetts. The same year, the company introduced the Cadence Cabin Management System, offering direct-replacement passenger controls, System Master Controller, and a Cabin Control app for PEDs configurable for all retrofit aircraft.
In recent years, Alto has introduced Alto Soundstage 3D immersive sound specifically designed for the theatre area of the cabin, using proprietary mapping and the latest digital technology.
Today Alto Aviation’s success in both the OEM and aftermarket markets mean more than 5,000 aircraft are flying with its products.
To mark the 25th anniversary, Alto has launched the campaign ‘The Sound of Business Aviation’. As part of its continued commitment to innovation with sustainability and acoustic wellness in mind, Alto will unveil new audio and cabin management offerings at the upcoming 2022 AEA International Convention and Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the 2022 NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida. It also plans a series of employee engagements, celebrations and a social media campaign to share the company’s highlights with all customers, partners and peers in business aviation.
“On behalf of the Alto Aviation team, I would like to thank every one of our customers for allowing us to serve them over the past 25 years,” said Don Hamilton, president of Alto Aviation. “As we continue growing, we remain true to our customer-centred company vision. Our team embraces the future with optimism, continuing developing and nurturing successful, long-term, trusted partnerships with OEMs and MROs with a team of exceptional professionals committed to innovation, customer support, sustainability and excellence.”
“After 25 years serving our industry, our mission keeps focused: to wow all our customers,” said Steve Scarlata, vice president of engineering and R&D. “New generations of top qualified engineers, emerging technologies that adapt to our industry’s advancements, and a strong commitment to safety, sustainability and innovation lead our path. The Alto team keeps growing, but the personalised and professional attention that Don and I pledged 25 years ago remains intact.”
