Avidyne Corporation has partnered with SmartSky Networks, with Avidyne providing and supporting SmartSky’s airborne products into the U.S. general aviation industry.
“SmartSky Networks is developing innovative data and voice communications solutions and we are delighted to be partnered with them to bring this advanced technology to market,” said Dan Schwinn, Avidyne’s President & CEO. “Along with our previously-announced in-flight connectivity partnership, this relationship with SmartSky Networks fits nicely with our overall strategy to be a leading provider of in-flight connectivity solutions for all of aviation.”
“In addition to the obvious benefits of text communication and basic browsing, high-bandwidth, full-time internet connectivity is going to completely change the flight deck and passenger experience in ways we can’t yet imagine, as it has in home and mobile communications” Schwinn added.
“Avidyne has been instrumental in supporting SmartSky Network’s initial flight testing and certification efforts” said Stan Eskridge, SmartSky Chief Business Development Officer. “Avidyne’s 22 years of experience and expertise in the certified avionics market were key factors in our decision to select them as our production and support partner for our certified airborne radios, antennas, and ship kits.”
Products currently being developed by SmartSky are targeted for mid-size and larger cabin business aviation and commercial aircraft operators. SmartSky and Avidyne will work to provide products and services with price/performance points targeted for the light general aviation aircraft up through the low end of the business aviation market, which are not currently served, according to company officials.
Under the terms of their agreement, Avidyne will get Parts Manufacturing Authorization (PMA) for the new hardware, provide ground- and flight-test services, and develop the initial Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for installation.