Honeywell has been selected as an authorised value-added reseller for SmartSky Networks' air-to-ground services for North American business aviation operators. This agreement expands Honeywell's work with SmartSky, which began in 2019 when Honeywell was named a value-added reseller by SmartSky for the commercial aviation market.

The new air-to-ground connectivity from SmartSky provides Honeywell customers with another option for high-speed internet connectivity that delivers a user experience like that found at home. Honeywell is also a provider of Inmarsat's GX Aviation via satellite, which is powered by Honeywell's JetWave hardware. In addition, Honeywell offers safety solutions that provide direct data link communications between pilots and air traffic controllers via L-band satellite networks.

“Honeywell Aerospace has been a trusted commercial aviation partner to SmartSky,” says SmartSky CEO David Helfgott. “Expanding our relationship to include business aviation marks yet another important milestone and expands our ability to address this underserved market. Honeywell's proven track record in providing innovative connectivity and flight services aligns well with our vision to enable and empower the emerging connected aircraft ecosystem.”

SmartSky's air-to-ground network leverages 5G technologies to provide a reliable, more secure and affordable in-flight connectivity solution for airlines and business aviation operators that seek full-functioning IFC.

“This agreement with SmartSky expands the suite of connectivity services we offer business aviation customers operating routes throughout North America and will work seamlessly with the Honeywell Forge software and services platform,” adds John Peterson, VP and GM of software and services at Honeywell. “SmartSky's Skytelligence platform, digital services and shipset products represent the latest in connectivity advancement, providing our customers with best-in-class value for their networked aircraft needs.”

The SmartSky network delivers a more secure, low-latency signal to every aircraft in the network, ensuring high performance regardless of network loading. Each beam communicates with one aircraft at a time, compared with similar offerings that share beams among several aircraft. In the cabin, passengers will experience IFC like that of their ground-based office solutions. This level of service allows passengers to make their time in the air as productive as possible. That could include running cloud-based applications, connecting via virtual private networks, conducting significant data transfers, surfing the web or streaming videos.

The Honeywell GoDirect router will be authorised for use on the SmartSky Network for those business aviation customers choosing to partake of the full complement of Honeywell services and support.