US air-to-ground (ATG) inflight connectivity provider SmartSky Networks has named Thornton Aviation as a sales and installation provider for its advanced shipsets at Thornton's Van Nuys and Burbank, California locations.

With over three decades of excellence in aircraft services, Thornton Aviation will sell and install SmartSky's connectivity equipment. The company's proven track record of on time and on budget aviation services will bring SmartSky's dependable, responsive and secure inflight connectivity to the wide range of corporate and business aircraft currently serviced and managed at Thornton's FAA certified facilities.

Thornton director of avionics Vincent Russo says: “As one of the longest operating MROs at one of the busiest general aviation airports, we understand that a customer's inflight connectivity experience is a top priority. We also know that keeping the operations team and crew connected in real-time will make for an even better flying experience. By adding SmartSky to our portfolio of aviation services, we can ensure that passengers, crew and operations have the internet access and data they need.”

SmartSky director of MRO account management Aria Bahawdory adds: “Thornton Aviation services and manages a wide range of business aircraft. Its long standing expertise and broad aircraft knowledge, coupled with available STCs for many of the aircraft it services, will provide its customers with an inflight connectivity solution that meets the needs of cabin, crew and operators alike.”

SmartSky's three interrelated offerings include patented, next-generation ATG network; advanced antennas and ABRs; and a transformational digital platform and application-layer, Skytelligence. Full CONUS network coverage is on track for the end of this quarter and hardware is available now for installation.