SmartSky Networks is accelerating access to its patented, next-generation ATG network with in stock hardware ready for installation and its customer-focused Early Arrival program. Since the successful commercial launch at NBAA-BACE 2021, demo flights on the live network continue to showcase its best-in-class connectivity experiences.
SmartSky shipsets are available immediately for installation, with STCs for a variety of airframes and more coming in 2022. Network coverage is now live for the majority of CONUS flight hours, with the remainder on track for completion in spring 2022. Ordering now for your upcoming installations allows customers to lock in benefits and keep planned maintenance on schedule.
After opening the network’s Southeast corridor this past June, the company has been delivering on its commitment to rapidly light up the full network while demonstrating its game changing performance to customers, partners, and the press at various locations across the country. As of NBAA-BACE in mid-October, the network had achieved FCC and FAA certifications and grown to cover over 50% of continental US (CONUS) flight hours. Progress is on track to have roughly 80% of coverage complete in 2021 with the remainder of full CONUS coverage coming in the 2nd quarter of 2022.
“SmartSky opened for business at NBAA and with in stock antennas and aircraft base radios, we are able to meet the immediate demand for installations in 2022,” said Brit Wanick, SmartSky Networks VP of Marketing and Partnerships. “With lead times for scheduling aircraft maintenance often months in advance, our customers need a way to take advantage of the growing network availability on a timeline that works for them, and with immediately available hardware, they can stay on schedule and lock in benefits through the Early Arrival program.”
Backed by SmartSky’s widespread and quickly growing network coverage, the new Early Arrival program gives potential customers a unique opportunity to reserve their spot in the limited time program. Customizable benefits are designed to fit a customer’s particular needs for hardware, installation, service plans, and support. “Offering a combination of service credits, plan options, guaranteed SmartSky hardware availability and extended warranties, provides customers with confidence in their choice of SmartSky – confidence that they will have the network, aircraft hardware, and service they need on a schedule that fits their particular mission and timing,” Wanick added.
Participants in the Early Arrival program can take up to a year to buy and install a SmartSky system after an STC is available for their particular aircraft. But for many the on-hand hardware is key to making the most of the aircraft in 2022 and beyond. The Early Arrival program ensures both guaranteed availability of SmartSky Networks hardware and up to $90,000 in value through discounted service pricing, hardware discounts, trade-in credits, and more – that’s more than a few months of value. There’s even an option for a five-year unlimited data service plan for power users.
Daily news reports continue to highlight the increasing demand for business aviation travel and the scarcity of available aircraft for charter or sale. In this environment, timing is important for fleet operators, corporate flight departments, and individuals who are looking to new technologies like SmartSky to enhance their competitive position, gain operational efficiencies, and keep pace with expectations for inflight connectivity.
SmartSky’s high bandwidth, very low latency network, innovative aircraft hardware shipsets, and transformational data services layer provide a uniquely powerful advantage. The combined technologies enable high throughput both to and from the aircraft, a requirement for today’s cloud-based applications and services. Coupled with very low latency and a network architecture that delivers a consistent connectivity experience, an aircraft’s entire data needs – from cockpit to cabin to operations – can be met without compromise.
STCs are already available for some of the most popular aircraft makes and models, with more on the way in the months ahead. Interested customers can contact one of SmartSky’s OEM, MRO, or Value-Added Resellers; or reach out to SmartSky directly for more information.
