Today, SmartSky, a leading provider of cutting-edge air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity solutions for business aviation, announced the commencement of a pioneering installation of the SmartSky LITE system on a HA-420 HondaJet. This installation, carried out by Banyan Air Service, marks the first of its kind and is a significant milestone following SmartSky’s agreement with Volato to outfit its fleet of 20 new HondaJets. This initiative not only benefits Volato’s fractional fleet but also opens opportunities for existing HondaJet aircraft to adopt SmartSky’s advanced connectivity solutions.
Banyan Air Service, a top-tier Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and an authorized HondaJet service provider, will undertake this installation at their KFXE site. The facility is renowned for its quality service, evidenced by its top ranking as the #1 U.S FBO by Professional Pilot magazine.
Danny Santiago, Banyan Air Service’s Director of Avionics, highlighted the significance of this installation, noting that SmartSky LITE offers unparalleled streaming and connectivity capabilities without device limitations, a first for light jets. This advancement promises to transform the in-flight experience, offering high-speed, reliable ATG connectivity. Additionally, Banyan and SmartSky have entered a strategic partnership to provide comprehensive maintenance services for the HondaJet fleet at Volato’s main hub in St. Augustine, FL.
The project is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2024, at which point Volato will introduce this “game-changing” SmartSky connectivity to its clients, enabling them to enjoy seamless live streaming, video calling, and large file transfers mid-flight.
Mike Pracher, COO of Volato, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences, with SmartSky’s technology enhancing their HondaJet fleet’s capabilities.
SmartSky is also progressing with numerous other installations and Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) projects. For updates on specific aircraft models, SmartSky encourages inquiries through their website.
Rich Pilock, Vice President of Connectivity Sales at SmartSky Networks, praised the collaboration with Banyan Air Service, highlighting the venture’s role in enhancing in-flight connectivity for travelers and offering a superior alternative for upgrading outdated legacy ATG systems.
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