Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Gilat Satellite Networks will develop an electronically steered antenna (ESA) in partnership with Satcom Direct, which will enable the Florida-based satcom provider to offer airborne connectivity on the OneWeb low-earth orbit constellation starting in 2025.&nbsp;
The ultra-low profile ESA will become part of Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple antenna family. Adding OneWeb services and hardware to Satcom Direct’s portfolio will expand the choices that business aviation operators have for OneWeb satcom, which until this announcement included just Gogo Business Aviation. Satcom Direct’s OneWeb service will be available for business aviation, government, and military customers.&nbsp;
The ESA will offer full duplex performance, according to Satcom Direct, “a key capability in a small-form [factor], power-efficient device that allows data to be sent and received&nbsp;simultaneously.” The ESA including radome will measure 2.5 inches thick (64 mm).&nbsp;
Satcom Direct’s Canadian hardware manufacturing division and OneWeb will develop the SD Modem Unit for the OneWeb satcom. According to Satcom Direct, OneWeb system speed is up to 195 Mbps download and 32 Mbps upload.
“The ESA terminal will provide genuine global coverage and superior bandwidth performance, complemented by ease of installation,” said Satcom Direct president Chris Moore. “This most advanced terminal will also address customer requests to lower aircraft drag, weight, and fuel burn.”

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 To Offer OneWeb Satellite Service for Business Aviation Customers

The move will expand Satcom Direct's satcom offerings

With the entry of Satcom Direct into the OneWeb low-earth orbit satellite service market, business aviation operators will have more choices for service and hardware providers.

Satcom Direct To Offer OneWeb Satellite Service

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

Approval for these aircraft is expected in early 2025

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Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

Satcom Direct

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