SmartSky Networks, a provider of inflight ATG connectivity for business aviation, announced the completion of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of SmartSky hardware on the Cessna Citation X series business jets. Currently, there are more than 300 aircraft in operation around the globe. This makes the Citation X series a part of a growing list of aircraft types that have already been granted STCs for the installation of SmartSky’s patented air-to-ground connectivity service.
The Citation X certification came at the right time as SmartSky had announced in July 2022 that its ATG connectivity is now available nationwide for aircraft flying on routes across the continental United States. FlyExclusive, the fourth largest private jet fleet operator globally, performed the installation at its Kinston, NC facilities. The Citation X aircraft with the hardware installed made its inaugural flights using SmartSky’s enhanced air-to-ground (ATG) network in June and the FAA supplemental type certification was issued on August 12, 2022.
Dave Helfgott, CEO, SmartSky Networks, said, “It has been a pleasure partnering with flyExclusive to welcome the Citation X to the ever-growing roster of aircraft that have received STC approval. We aim to make high-performance, reliable inflight connectivity available for everyone in business aviation and this successful certification with a key customer is an important step towards achieving that goal.”