Satellite telecom network operator Intelsat has confirmed D160 approval of Satcom Direct's (SD) Plane Simple advanced tail mount terminal for its inflight internet solution FlexExec. The terminal underwent more than 250 trial flight hours before receiving DO-160 certification; the FAA conducted extensive environmental testing including heat, weight, weather and vibration testing, officially confirming the terminal is approved for commercial use.

The first in a series of supplemental type certificates (STC) is anticipated to be confirmed in March, with STCs for all major OEMs expected by the end of April.

Intelsat's global, multi-layered, high-throughput satellite (HTS) network, combined with the advanced SD Plane Simple antenna system, meets the increased demand for secure, always-available inflight connectivity, making it ideal for VPN, video conferencing, streaming and uninterrupted access to cloud-based applications at all altitudes. It also offers dedicated network capacity for data-hungry tasks such as streaming and sharing large files.

“FlexExec, the preferred Ku-band satellite solution for the newly launched Plane Simple terminal, raises the bar in the industry and ensures business aviation flyers have fast, reliable connectivity for every device and application on board,” says Intelsat senior vice president of mobility Mark Rasmussen. “We understand that cost-effective access to a powerful and reliable connectivity solution throughout the inflight experience is a must-have, and demand will only increase. That's why we are building the world's first multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network that will enable a new wave of mobility services to keep pace with evolving expectations.”

“Launching our new Plane Simple antenna system with FlexExec and rolling it out to customers worldwide introduces a new elevated standard for the business aviation connectivity experience,” adds SD founder and CEO Jim Jensen. “This solution, designed for and dedicated to business aviation, is an industry first and expands the possibilities for thousands of business jets. Owners and operators will benefit from the advantages of having customisable, flexible service packages, delivering high-speed broadband that is both rich in consistency and throughput.”