Rotortrade and SkyTrac Systems have formed a strategic technical partnership covering Europe, the United States and the Middle East, expanding installation, resale and support for satellite communication systems across key helicopter markets.

Rotortrade has been appointed as an authorised Part 145 connectivity support facility for SkyTrac’s full hardware portfolio, enabling it to sell, install and support equipment at its MRO facilities in Tallard, France, Latrobe, Pennsylvania and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The sites have also been designated as authorised SkyTrac service centres, supporting resale of avionics systems, certified installation and regional stocking of AOG-critical spare parts and new equipment.

By joining SkyTrac’s global support network, Rotortrade will provide localised support through its EASA and FAA Part 145 facilities, allowing operators to access satellite communication terminals, accessories and installation expertise closer to their operations. The addition of regional inventory and AOG spares is expected to reduce downtime and improve operational continuity across Europe, North America and the Gulf.

Rotortrade will act as an authorised reseller of SkyTrac’s avionics portfolio, including broadband and narrowband satellite communication systems, with installations performed in accordance with SkyTrac-approved supplemental type certificates to ensure full regulatory compliance. Component-level repairs will remain with SkyTrac, while Rotortrade manages integration, logistics and customer support.

Alongside the service agreement, both companies have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on the certification of SkyTrac’s next-generation SDL satellite communication system. SkyTrac will lead system development and certification, while Rotortrade will support aircraft selection, perform installations and contribute to flight testing. Upon certification, Rotortrade will serve as an authorised installation centre and reseller for approved platforms across its regions.

“This partnership strengthens the technical positioning of Rotortrade MRO Tallard, Rotortrade MRO Latrobe and Rotortrade MRO Riyadh,” says Philippe Lubrano, founder and CEO of Rotortrade. “By combining SkyTrac's connectivity expertise with our certified installation capabilities and global customer network, we are expanding our ability to support operators not only in aircraft acquisition and maintenance, but also in advanced avionics and satellite communication upgrades across multiple continents.”