Stellar Blu names Satcom Direct as preferred service provider for Sidewinder bizav connectivity

Business aviation solutions provider Satcom Direct has signed an agreement with next-generation satellite communications technology provider Stellar Blu Solutions.

Stellar Blu chose Satcom Direct (SD) as its preferred service provider for executive airliner customers using the Stellar Blu Sidewinder product line. The Stellar Blu fuselage-mounted, electronically steered array (ESA) terminal is designed to retrofit executive airliners to support a full suite of connectivity services. Satcom Direct says it will be responsible for selling and activating the airtime, customer service, cybersecurity monitoring and additional value-added services associated with airtime plans to Sidewinder terminal customers.

According to Satcom Direct, the multi-network terminal supports connectivity to Ku-band airtime networks such as the OneWeb LEO constellation with which SD already has a relationship.

“We have successfully developed our advanced technology SD Plane Simple terminal series to meet the increasing and diverse connectivity demands of small to large jets. Adding the Stellar Blu Sidewinder solution to the portfolio complements the series and gives even more choices for our executive airliner customers. The versatility of the SD eco-system of software, hardware, and ground infrastructure enables customised solutions to meet the specific missions of these elite heavy jets,” said Michael Skou Christensen, Chief Commercial Officer of Satcom Direct.

“We are also integrating added value by enhancing the turnkey solution through collaborative integration of software tools for improved insight into end-to-end connectivity performance. Our open architecture system is a force multiplier in harnessing the power of the service. We can share aircraft performance data, connectivity usage and management data information to improve service quality, streamline operational efficiencies and augment the customer experience.”

Tracy Trent, CEO of Stellar Blu commented: “The Sidewinder terminal is redefining the performance and total cost of ownership for SATCOM systems for this class of aircraft. We are excited to team with a company that appreciates the importance of delivering these tangible and commercial benefits to its VVIP and government customers. SD is motivated to enhance the overall solution performance in which the SATCOM equipment is part of the value chain.

“SD’s experience and understanding of the importance of keeping these customers connected, the unwavering commitment to customer experience, and the company’s reputation all contributed to our selection process. We’re looking forward to working with them to help our customers optimise the capabilities of our antenna, including its unprecedented speed, latency and lowest carbon footprint, with SD’s Ku services offered by OneWeb.”

Jason Sperry, Head of Business Aviation at OneWeb noted: “Connectivity has become an integral part of any business aviation itinerary, and nowhere is this more vital than within the VVIP and government sector. Passengers expect to be as productive and entertained as they are in the office and home. OneWeb’s low-Earth Orbit satellite connectivity will enable the use of the tools and applications passengers require. Together with Satcom Direct and Stellar Blu, we are looking forward to bringing game-changing connectivity to the VVIP market.”

Stellar Blu chose to work with Satcom Direct because of its long heritage and reputation for supporting military, government, VVIP, and head-of-state heavy jet connectivity solutions.