Satcom Direct (SD) has introduced power-by-the-hour business aviation connectivity into service through FlexExec, part of the SD Xperience portfolio. The first high-speed, managed, end-to-end broadband service designed specifically for the sector, FlexExec is delivered in partnership with Intelsat and Astronics AeroSat.
The AeroSat FliteStream (T-310) tail-mounted antenna system is required to receive the FlexExec service. The system is initially available for aftermarket installation through approved service centres.
Significantly, FlexExec gives operators the ability to budget hourly connectivity rates for the first time. The ‘power-by-the-hour’ plan, available exclusively through SD Xperience, provides an hourly rate inclusive of SD’s full service offering, including cabin connectivity, datalink, scheduling, cybersecurity, post-flight reporting and more.
Mark Gardner, Crew Chief and Client Account Maintenance Manager for Meridian Air Charter, one of the FlexExec in-service evaluation operators, and now customer, says: “SD Xperience, combined with FlexExec, provides a flexible connectivity option that delivers a reliable high-performance, global service. It means we can deliver the connectivity passengers expect, while simultaneously enhancing our operations management through the real-time visibility delivered by SD Pro.”
FlexExec is powered by Intelsat’s high-performing, multi-layered global Ku-band satellite constellation. Employing the Intelsat EpicNG high-throughput satellite (HTS) platform, it features layers of inbuilt redundancy. Uniquely, there are no data speed caps, since FlexExec delivers up to 10Mbps into the cabin, and 2Mbps out, sufficient bandwidth for streaming, large file transfers and video conferencing on multiple Wi-Fi devices.
Mark Rasmussen, Intelsat’s SVP, Global Sales and Distribution, says: “Passengers expect fast, reliable broadband connectivity with a consistently high level of service – from take-off to landing. Through FlexExec, built upon Intelsat’s multi-layer, redundant network, Satcom Direct can reliably deliver on those expectations. FlexExec’s flexibility and economies of scale enable Satcom Direct to differentiate its services and deliver an end-user experience that is second to none.”
The FlexExec service has also been integrated with SD’s support team, providing activation, provisioning and troubleshooting at all times, while usage is supported via the SD Xperience. SD provides cabin networking hardware that provides customers with advance network management options. Meanwhile, the SD Pro Operating System software delivers predictive connective mapping, cybersecurity threat monitoring, flight tracking and account management tools among other options.