Apcela has completed upgrades across its more than 300-site nationwide air-to-ground (ATG) network, which it acquired earlier this year from SmartSky Networks. The milestone represents a major step in Apcela’s initiative to redefine in-flight connectivity through high-performance, secure next-generation ATG systems.

Following the acquisition of the SmartSky ATG Network in early 2025, Apcela carried out a comprehensive overhaul of the network’s core and edge infrastructure. This included expanded backhaul capacity, a fully encrypted software-defined networking platform and a refreshed evolved packet core, delivering high throughput, low latency and greater reliability for users across the continental United States.

“This network upgrade represents a leap forward in our vision to deliver a home broadband like experience for private jet travellers, along with the reliability, performance and security corporate operators demand,” says Mark Casey, CEO of Apcela. “By combining Apcela's high-performance networking capabilities with the advanced ATG technologies acquired from SmartSky, we're delivering the most advanced in-flight connectivity experience available; fast, secure and application-aware.”

Mike Dodson, CTO for Apcela ATG and former SmartSky chief network officer, adds, “Our ability to seamlessly onboard former SmartSky customers alongside net new deployments demonstrates the stability and scalability of the upgraded network and our enhanced deployment capabilities.”

Apcela has closed its beta programme to new customers and will unveil new customer and dealer incentives at the NBAA-BACE convention in Las Vegas.