Canada-headquartered MRO and completions firm Flying Colours has signed an agreement with SmartSky Networks to act as a sales and installation facility for the latter company’s air-to-ground connectivity equipment. Sales and installation of SmartSky system antennas and aircraft base radio will be available through Flying Colours’ facilities in Peterborough, Ontario, and St. Louis, Missouri.
“Every time we talk to a customer about refurbishment or completions, we have the connectivity conversation. We already have extensive experience upgrading and installing connectivity equipment, and regularly advise on the most suitable options for a customer’s mission profile,” said Flying Colours sales director Kevin Klietherme. “Adding the SmartSky equipment to our roster brings yet another dimension to our offering as it expands the choice for those seeking connectivity that supports both the cabin and the aircraft in North America.”
The SmartSky equipment—two antennas and an aircraft base radio—have been optimized for business aviation use by providing high throughput to and from the aircraft, according to the companies. Flying Colours will be providing the entire shipset through SmartSky’s “Early Arrival” promotion and already has equipment available for immediate installation on many STC’d business aircraft models.
Last month, SmartSky said it planned to switch on its air-to-ground airborne connectivity service by year-end. It expects initial service to cover about 90 percent of continental U.S. business aviation flight routes.