Switzerland-based charter provider CAT Aviation selected Satcom Direct (SD) to equip the first Dassault Falcon 6X to enter service with a suite of connectivity solutions. The “nose-to-tail” portfolio of solutions includes a flight-deck communication datalink delivered through the SD FlightDeck Freedom service, and a dual cabin connectivity service that optimises Iridium voice capabilities in parallel with Jet ConneX, the high-speed broadband service connected with the Viasat Global Xpress constellation.
The solution is customised to meet the particular needs of CAT Aviation and ensure passengers can remain productive, entertained or relaxed during flight. The Zurich-headquartered charter operator already optimises SD as its preferred connectivity supplier. CAT Aviation values the proximity of the SD location in Basel, Switzerland; the ability to provide local customer service in the local language; and the SD global footprint, which provides 24/7/365 support. SD’s international presence also allowed it to support CAT Aviation in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the Dassault Aircraft Services facility during the aircraft interior completion. The Dassault Falcon 6X, which was re-delivered to CAT Aviation in February, is the latest aircraft to join the CAT Aviation fleet with connectivity solutions provided by SD.
“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, SD’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.”
Helene Niedhart, founder of CAT Aviation, added, “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 long-time CAMO, Crew and Flight Operations teams have gained huge experience in operating Dassault Falcon aircraft, and we know that we can rely on SD for continuous support wherever we are in the world.”
