Intelsat FlexExec is now part of Satcom Direct’s SD Xperience portfolio, following its commercial service introduction. Designed specifically for the business aviation sector, the broadband service is now being delivered in partnership with Intelsat and Astronics AeroSat.
At service introduction, four aircraft types are utilizing the system, including a Dassault Falcon 7X and three Gulfstream models – a GIV, G450 and G550. In addition to the customer aircraft, SD has performed global network validation with its Gulfstream GIV.
“Business aviation now has a dedicated connectivity system that can be tailored for customers to suit specific mission needs,” said Jim Jensen, CEO and founder of Satcom Direct. “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.”
The new service gives business aviation operators the ability to budget hourly connectivity rates. The power-by-the-hour plan is only available through the SD Xperience portfolio. It is intended to provide 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. SD Xperience synchronizes aircraft with flight operations through its integrated software, hardware and connectivity.
“SD Xperience, combined with the FlexExec service, provides a much-needed, flexible connectivity option that we know delivers a high-performance, global, reliable service,” said Mark Gardner, crew chief and client account maintenance manager for Meridian Air Charter, one of the FlexExec in-service evaluation operators, and now a customer. “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 multilayered Ku-band satellite fleet using the Intelsat EpicNG high-throughput satellite (HTS) platform with layers of in-built redundancy. 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 around the world.
“FlexExec was designed with business jet operators and their passengers in mind,” said Mark Rasmussen, Intelsat’s senior vice president, global sales and distribution. “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. SD says the software delivered by the SD Pro Operating System delivers benefits including predictive connective mapping, cybersecurity threat monitoring, flight tracking and account management tools, among other options. On the ground, the FlexExec service is integrated with SD’s support team, which is available for activation, provisioning and troubleshooting 24/7, 365 days a year. 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.
