Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

When considering connectivity options for a business aircraft, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the choices—satcom or air-to-ground network (and, if the former, L-, Ku- or Ka-band, or a combination of these?) and what provider, service plan, and in-aircraft hardware? Operators often have to sift through the marketing hype on their own, with&nbsp;hopes they make the right choice for a likely six-figure investment.

 


Thus, Satcom Direct (Booth 250, Static SD40) has launched SD Xperience to provide an end-to-end solution to help operators select the best data, airtime, and communications services; hardware; flight operations software; and pricing plans tailored to their usage and need. The global connectivity solutions provider pledged to serve as an “agnostic consultant” under the new service.

 


“SD Xperience is an integrated suite of services available from a single trusted source,” Satcom Direct COO Chris Moore told AIN. “Satcom Direct is in control of all elements of the end-to-end solution, and customers select and choose systems that are appropriate to them. It will simplify procurement and pricing.”

 


Meanwhile, Satcom Direct is expanding its line-up of satcom service providers, adding Intelsat as a new partner. Under this tie-up, the company is now able to offer Ku-band service from Intelsat with by-the-hour pricing, which it calls FlexExec. “This means operators can pay only for what they use,” noted Moore.

 


An Astronics T310 terminal hardware enabling the Intelsat FlexExec service is expected to receive STC approval in the second quarter of next year.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Satcom Direct Launches Aircraft Connectivity Consulting Service

End-to-end solution helps operators select the best data, airtime and communications services; hardware; and pricing plans to suit their needs.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Flight-tracking service is available for display on passengers' devices

FlightPath3D and Gogo Extend Bizav Partnership

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

The German company is taking a new approach to aerospace display technology.

Zeiss Microoptics Brings New Display Tech to Aircraft Cabin, Cockpit

Charles Alcock

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

ProSight technology is being demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow

Zeiss Debuts New Approach to Cockpit and Cabin Displays 

Expands company’s offerings for high-speed, global connectivity

Pro Star Delivers G280 Gogo Galileo Satcom Installation

New service plans distinguish between a single area and global coverage

Starlink Doubles Aviation Prices, Adds Region Boundaries

Amy Wilder

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

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Zeiss Microoptics Brings New Display Tech to Aircraft Cabin, Cockpit

The German company is taking a new approach to aerospace display technology.

Zeiss Debuts New Approach to Cockpit and Cabin Displays

ProSight technology is being demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow

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Starlink Doubles Aviation Prices, Adds Region Boundaries

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Gogo Galileo Now Available for Gulfstream G650/G650ER

HDX antenna installed under the tail-mounted radome

Gogo Galileo Satcom Now Factory Option on Pilatus PC-24

System is FAA- and EASA-certified

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