SD confirms Avcon Jet as launch customer for SD Plane Simple fuselage mount ESA terminal

Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider, has confirmed that Avcon Jet, one of the world’s leading private aviation management companies is the launch customer for the SD Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) Ku-band, flat panel terminal.

On service introduction, Avcon Jet is looking to equip multiple aircraft with the advanced technology, as part of a wider fleet upgrade program. The first operator to optimize the numerous benefits of the full SD Plane Simple antenna portfolio, Avcon Jet will also look to outfit aircraft with the SD Plane Simple Ku-band tail mount antenna powered by the dedicated-to-business-aviation Intelsat FlexExec airtime and the Ka-band tail mount variant, which connects with the Viasat Ka-band existing and next-generation satellites.

The SD Plane Simple ESA terminal connects with the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation and is the only antenna on the network that is fully duplex and multichannel. Delivering genuinely global connectivity, the entire network delivers terrestrial-style speeds of 195Mbps download and 36Mbps upload. Purpose-built satellite technology for business aviation, the SD hardware, combined with SD ground infrastructure and award-winning customer support, will provide Avcon Jet customers with unparalleled, consistent, and reliable connectivity service, enabling passengers access to an enterprise-grade experience, wherever they are flying.

Avcon Jet to optimize SD Plane Simple Antenna portfolio as part of a fleet-wide upgrade.

"The agreement with Avcon Jet heralds a new era for fleet connectivity,” says President of Satcom Direct, Chris Moore. “We are committed to meeting the needs of aircraft operators seeking genuine global coverage and are excited that with Avcon Jet, we can demonstrate the advantages of working with the multi-faceted Plane Simple portfolio of antenna systems to fulfill the demand for high-speed connectivity across a broad portfolio of airframes.”

The decision to utilize the complete SD Plane Simple antenna portfolio adds multiple benefits for Avcon Jet and its customers. Built on an open architecture structure, the agnostic antenna designs reduce obsolescence by enabling simple upgrade pathways, adapt to the evolving connectivity landscape and simplify management and administration to deliver a streamlined connectivity experience.

“Avcon Jet has always been at the forefront of innovation. We strive to deliver our customers the best connectivity experience possible, which is why we welcome the opportunity to equip our fleet with the advanced SD antenna systems,” said Alex Vagacs, Chairman of Avcon Jet Group. “The superior technology aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional services to our customers."

SD announces industry-first monthly pricing model for SD Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna

In further news from EBACE 2024, Satcom Direct launched a new portfolio of pricing plans for customers equipping the SD Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA).

Operators and owners equipping aircraft with the low-profile, advanced technology ESA can choose from several options, including an industry first three-year plan, that offers a fixed monthly fee of US$15,000 with no initial capital outlay.

The innovative plan covers the costs of the SD hardware and connection to the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (OneWeb LEO) Ku-band satellite constellation, which will deliver a terrestrial-type connectivity experience with speeds of up to 195Mbps download to the airframe and 36Mbps upload. The fully duplex terminal unlocks the full capability of the OneWeb LEO service and will easily provide passengers with access to an enterprise-grade inflight connectivity experience.

The low profile SD Plane Simple ESA fuselage mount antenna.

Designed to deliver high-speed connectivity to a more inclusive set of airframe sizes, the ESA will offer smaller airframe owners access to high-speed broadband for the first time, and mid-to large-cabin size operators a powerful LEO solution. “With our new plans, which are similar to the cell phone model many of us subscribe to, we are changing the parameters for business and general aviation connectivity by providing a more transparent and easy-to-administer connectivity option,” says Chris Moore. “We know that smaller airframe owners are often more cost-conscious, run operations with just one or two aircraft, and need services requiring minimal administrative management, while larger aircraft operators constantly seek enhanced fiscal management solutions. With our monthly pricing models, we are addressing both requirements.”

Recognizing that inflight high-speed broadband will be a first for many owners and operators, SD adds value by including entry-into-service guidance, software tools, award-winning 24/7/365 customer support, and customized training services to optimize the connectivity solution. “We want to make sure our clients have the best experience possible. By connecting to the OneWeb LEO constellation, we are introducing a brand new class of connectivity to a whole new set of users as well as providing another great option for our existing customers. We are once again breaking the mould with these original pricing models as we deliver purpose-built satellite technology and a groundbreaking service,” Moore adds.

Flight testing for the ESA begins in August as validation flights are undertaken on a Cessna Citation Jet 1 and Cessna Caravan. The development so far points to the ESA being as reliable and consistent as the existing Plane Simple Ka-band terminal and the Ku-band variant, which has performed consistently well globally since rollout.

“OneWeb is committed to delivering reliable connectivity to all business aviation aircraft, no matter where they fly. The first-of-a-kind pricing model including SD hardware together with service from OneWeb will secure broadband connectivity for operators of any airframe size at a fixed operating cost,” adds Head of Business Aviation at Eutelsat OneWeb, Jason Sperry.

Once the ESA is in service - which is planned for Q1 2025 - customers can easily equip or enhance existing satcom installations, with the ESA terminal, which consists of just two Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). The compact, fuselage-mounted flat panel antenna and Satcom Direct Modem Unit (SMU) are simple to install and are future-proofed to stay aligned with the changing connectivity landscape.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 30th May 2024 | Issue #750