US provider of inflight air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity SmartSky Networks has completed an STC for the installation of SmartSky hardware on the Cessna Citation X series business jets. With more than 300 aircraft in operation, the Citation X series joins a growing list of aircraft types that have already been granted STCs for SmartSky's patented ATG connectivity service.

flyExclusive, the fourth largest private jet fleet operator globally, performed the installation at its Kinston, North Carolina facilities having said in March that it planned to upgrade its Gogo-equipped aircraft to SmartSky. With the hardware installed, the Citation X aircraft made its inaugural flights using SmartSky's enhanced ATG network in June and the FAA supplemental type certification was issued on 12 August, 2022.

CEO Dave Helfgott says: “It has been a pleasure partnering with flyExclusive to welcome the Citation X to the ever-growing roster of aircraft that have received STC approval. We aim to make high-performance, reliable inflight connectivity available for everyone in business aviation, and this successful certification with a key customer is an important step towards achieving that goal.”

In July SmartSky reported that its ATG connectivity was now available nationwide for aircraft flying on routes across the continental US.

The company has previously been awarded STCs for aircraft from major manufacturers such as Textron Aviation, Gulfstream Aerospace, Bombardier and Embraer. Additional STCs are in progress that will make the service available for those in business aviation who need reliable, consistent and responsive inflight connectivity.