Satcom Direct Brazil is in a festive mood as it celebrates a decade of business operations across the Latin American region. Since launch, SDB has grown from a single employee to a team of eight delivering the complete eco-system of SD products for air taxi services, business aviation owners and operators, and maritime customers.

Managing director Ewerton Libanio says, “We have spent the last 10 years helping our customers navigate the complexities of connectivity by providing unwavering support, education about the technology and powerful value-added services including award-winning customer service, technical training and cybersecurity solutions. Delivering premium products and personal service have formed the foundations of our success in the region.”

SD Brazil customers have embraced the combined benefits of the SD hardware, software and terrestrial infrastructure, which are underpinned by long-standing relationships with satellite network partners. The demand for high speed connectivity to support internet usage and communications has been the most popular request driving the business growth. It continues to be the most popular commercial service. SD has responded by creating solutions powered predominantly by Inmarsat's Swift Broadband and Jet Connex airtime services to deliver reliable inflight voice and data connectivity across a region characterised by diverse terrain and weather systems.

Libanio anticipates that the introduction of the SD Plane Simple Ku-band antenna series will be the next connectivity game-changer in the region. Connected to the high throughput Intelsat FlexExec constellation, the advanced antenna technology will bring faster, consistent connectivity. With just two line-replaceable units, the SD Modem and Plane Simple antenna, installation is minimally invasive, and upgrade paths are seamless.

“Our customers welcome the latest technology to enhance their operations, improve their experience and better support efficiencies. With Plane Simple, we are streamlining the connectivity acquisition and management proposition. Our customers will find the ability to buy and receive customer support for end-to-end connectivity from a single resource extremely attractive,” he says.

Brazil is home to the largest number of SD Brazil customers but aircraft from Argentina, Chile and Mexico among others are also flying with SD products.

“This region has such a mix of terrain, aircraft and customer types that the potential for future growth is immense. We have developed a reputation for educating the market and providing the best and most affordable solutions. With the new Plane Simple antenna series, we are building on this by simplifying connectivity operations to alter dramatically how the end user interacts with the technology. We are excited to see what the next 10 years bring,” adds Libanio.

The 10th celebration complements the silver anniversary of Satcom Direct as a global business as it marks 25 years of connecting customers.