Satcom Direct (SD), one of the most respected business aviation solutions providers in the marketplace, is now delivering high-speed inflight connectivity to the world’s first VVIP Airbus ACJ320neo aircraft, powered by Inmarsat’s advanced Jet ConneX service.
Acropolis Aviation, a UK-based VVIP charter operator, selected SD on the basis that it can deliver a custom-made connectivity solution for this aircraft, which was particular important due to high demands for data from both crew and passengers, as well as ground operations, who simultaneously need support.
Tailored Entry-into-Service (EIS) sessions have been delivered to the Acropolis Aviation flight department, crew and operations team at the ACJ320neo’s home base, Farnborough Airport, also the location of SD International Headquarters.
“As we bring into service the world’s first Airbus ACJ320neo, we naturally wanted to integrate secure state-of-the-art connectivity services that reliably deliver powerful connectivity to our passengers,” explained Acropolis Aviation CEO, Jonathan Bousfield. “The aircraft can easily make 12-hour flights, and we want all our passengers to have the option to be connected to high-speed broadband, without any compromise in speed and functionality.”
A unique combination of hardware and software allows an ultra-high-speed data service to be delivered to the VVIP Airbus ACJ320neo aircraft via Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX inflight broadband service, which has been specifically developed for the business aviation market.
SD’s customised configuration means that the best-in-class connectivity solution can be provided consistently throughout the cabin and allows for secure communications to and from the flight deck, whilst enabling automated alerts such as GeoNotifications, route alerts and security alerts. And it’s no different on the ground, where flight planning and synchronised operations have enhanced visibility into aircraft and network performance, using SD’s intelligent data management platform, SD Pro.
It was no mean feat for the SD integration team to install the system, and they worked closely with Switzerland-based MRO/completion centre AMAC Aerospace on configuration design reviews, testing and the creation of an optimised cabin network. This has resulted in a network that allows every passenger to simultaneously access data, whether it be for internet, phone or app usage, including seamless video conferencing and live TV streaming.
“Our clients expect us to deliver the highest standards and we want to meet and exceed those expectations in terms of connectivity in flight, as well as for operations on the ground, explains Michael Skou Christensen, SD Vice President International. “A customised connectivity solution implementing the full capabilities of SD Xperience with both hardware and software, supported by our award-winning customer service and ground infrastructure, allows us to satisfy those requirements.”
