Iridium Communications has added Satcom Direct (SD) as its newest value-added manufacturer and service provider for Iridium Certus aviation products. SD will be designing and manufacturing new terminals for compatibility with the Iridium Certus service directly to the business aviation community. The new products and services are being added to the SD Connectivity portfolio and will integrate with the company's existing technology and software value-adds.

SD's mission is to synchronise aircraft with flight operations. Iridium Certus will integrate with existing SD hardware and software, including the SDR Series and SD Hub Series of cabin routers as well as the SD Pro platform, to provide customers with features and capabilities like real-time data analytics, cyber security and account management. This partnership will help extend the reach of SD's existing customer base by offering fully global L-band broadband coverage while creating an end-to-end customer experience for aviators.

SD vice president of strategy Dylan Browne says: “Due to the global nature of our business, Iridium Certus is a natural fit in our portfolio from both a hardware and a service point of view. Not only will it integrate directly with our existing platform and equipment but it opens a new era of possibilities for our business aviation customers.”

The company claims the service will soon deliver the fastest L-band broadband speeds on the market and provide data speed options of up to 704 Kbps, eventually as high as 1.4 Mbps. Commercial service introduction is expected in 2019 after completion of in-flight trials.