Duncan Aviation has installed the Airtext in-flight communications system on three of its own aircraft and is offering it to customers seeking an alternative to conventional connectivity or entertainment options.

Airtext enables app-based phone calls, text messages, emails and access to Oasis moving map features during flight. Depending on the subscription, passengers and crew can use the service through a downloadable application on their tablets, smartphones or laptops. The system operates via the global Iridium satellite network.

Flight department manager Craig Rathjen says the company has fitted the system to its PC-12, Citation XLS and Citation CJ3.

Corporate jet captain Michael Kussatz says: “Often, during the last few minutes of a flight, when there are a lot of landing-related systems to focus on, we pilots have to shift our focus and notify the fixed base operator of our estimated time of arrival, how many passengers we have aboard and how many cars we'll need for them. With Airtext, we can notify the FBO during the cruising portion of the flight, which saves us time and attention when we're getting ready to land.”

Duncan can perform installations through its satellite locations with minimal downtime.