US-based inflight connectivity provider SmartSky Networks has appointed Davinci Jets as its newest sales and installation partner. Davinci Jets, a North Carolina-based aircraft management and charter firm, was the very first aircraft management company to offer SmartSky to its customers. It has since opened a new division, Davinci Jets Services, which provides FAA Part 145 certified, full-service MRO capabilities from Charlotte Douglas International airport. Through the expanded partnership, Davinci is now both a customer and, through its MRO, an enabler for equipping more business aircraft with SmartSky's capabilities, that allow the entire aircraft to stay connected nationwide.

Davinci Jets Services is authorised to perform work on a wide variety of airframes and engines including, but not limited to, many models of Gulfstream, Bombardier, Embraer, Textron and Pilatus aircraft. Traditionally, it has provided high-quality preventative maintenance and scheduled inspections. Now the operation is adding aircraft modifications to its repertoire for owners/operators and external clientele.

“Inflight connectivity is the most requested upgrade, and now we can offer the most advanced system, SmartSky,” says Davinci director Joe Chaundy. “SmartSky's greatly enhanced performance features ensure each passenger can stay continuously connected on multiple devices simultaneously while using the same applications at the same high performance that they do on the ground. As an MRO, we want a fast and easy installation that minimises downtime for the aircraft. SmartSky delivers the speed our customers need in both connectivity performance and installation.”

“We are proud to partner with Davinci in a bigger way. Because it is a leading provider of customised management, charter and MRO services, it is committed to offering the best available solutions for its customers,” adds SmartSky MRO account management director Aria Bahawdory. “Customers have grown tired of slow inflight connectivity because most wi-fi-equipped business jets are using technology that is nearly 20 years old. In order to get better performance, we understand they are now being strongly encouraged by their provider to upgrade at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars, yet without the meaningful improvement you would expect from such an investment. SmartSky enables Davinci customers to get immediate access to the latest technology that will connect the cabin, cockpit and operations, all in a single installation, and to benefit from future SmartSky technology advancements delivered via software updates. The choice is really that simple.”