Davinci Jets, an aircraft charter and management company based in Charlotte, North Carolina has completed its third SmartSky STC installation of SmartSky Network's connectivity to a customer-owned Citation Latitude.

It placed a bulk order for 10 SmartSky shipsets in October 2023, with a commitment for installation by the end of 2024.

The SmartSky Flagship-equipped aircraft has returned to service and FAA supplemental type certification is expected in the coming months, making SmartSky readily available for more than 200 in-service Latitude models. Owners are encouraged to reach out to their preferred MRO to discuss installation options.

The Latitude installation is part of Davinci’s plans to equip the majority of its managed fleet with SmartSky connectivity because of its ability to deliver the connected experience inflight customers have been demanding. On the first flight following the Latitude’s return to service, the passengers connected six devices simultaneously to use FaceTime, participate in a video meeting, send pictures from phones, stream Netflix and Fubo TV, email large attachments, use Salesforce, access documents on Microsoft Teams, make phone calls and run speed tests verifying the multi-Mbps capability of the system, which moves data to and from the aircraft with equal ease. Passengers described the experience as ‘connected freedom’.

“Demand for SmartSky is growing in the marketplace because customers expect to be continuously and reliably connected even while in transit,” says CEO Eric Legvold. “The customers who are now flying SmartSky-equipped planes are able to do just that. We are proud to be upgrading our customers’ inflight experience with the only next-generation ATG connectivity solution that is available for business aviation.”

The installation was completed by Davinci Jets Services, the company’s full-service MRO at Charlotte Douglas International airport, with engineering support provided by Liberty Partners of Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

”It is great to work with a partner like Davinci Jets, that has listened to its customers and committed to delivering the best available service as both a management and MRO provider. Its outstanding execution on multiple installations has made it a reliable source for any owner operator looking to upgrade their aircraft,” adds Rich Pilock, vice president of connectivity sales for SmartSky.