SmartSky sales and installation partner Davinci Jets Services has completed a first-article installation of the award-winning SmartSky LITE system on a Beechcraft King Air 350, and the aircraft has returned to service. The expected supplemental type certification by the FAA will make 18 additional King Air models certified to be equipped with SmartSky, representing nearly 2,000 in-service tails.

The aircraft was previously equipped with Gogo Avance L3 before being replaced with SmartSky LITE, and its pilot captain Greg Mashburn says: “So far it’s been way better, obviously. Gogo was pretty spotty and half the time our passengers or the crew couldn’t connect, let alone send a text. Now we can send photos, FaceTime and stream videos really easily. Everyone’s excited.”

The project is the third SmartSky STC installation by Davinci Jets Services, a full-service MRO based at Charlotte Douglas International airport and operated by North Carolina-based aircraft management firm Davinci Jets. Davinci recently completed first-of-type installations of a SmartSky Flagship system on a Citation Latitude and SmartSky LITE on a Pilatus PC-12, and is currently installing a SmartSky LITE system on a first-of-type Citation CJ4.

“An increasing number of our customers are asking for SmartSky, because of the unmatched capability of its connectivity that users describe as game changing. Turboprop and light jet operators are lining up to get SmartSky LITE, the first ever streaming-level solution for smaller business aircraft,” says CEO Eric Legvold. “What’s different, and so much easier about SmartSky, is there is no pre-set limit to the number of devices connected, unlike the legacy ATG systems. We can have watches, cell phones and computers connected as if you were in your office. Plus, customers can use their cellphones to make calls without any special app and stream on any device, all without paying additional fees or subscriptions.”

SmartSky director of account management Aria Bahawdory adds: “Davinci is simply an incredible partner to its customers and SmartSky as both an MRO and installation provider and as an aircraft management and charter operation. Its ability to provide the most advanced capabilities to customers, including aircraft upgrades, makes flying more pleasant and productive. As usual, Davinci did a fantastic job on the installation, paving the way for more of its customers and the industry to experience SmartSky connectivity for themselves. We are excited to see a new wave of those flying King Airs benefit from the unprecedented inflight performance provided by SmartSky.”

The recent and in-progress installations by Davinci are part of the previously announced agreement to install SmartSky’s next-generation inflight connectivity on the majority of the company’s managed fleet by the end of 2024, a result of the positive experiences of Davinci customers with the speed and reliability of SmartSky’s next-generation technology that is available now.

SmartSky continues to expand its diverse roster of certified aircraft, covering mid to large cabin business jets as well as light jets and turboprops.