Seventieth head of state aircraft worldwide connected by Inmarsat and Satcom Direct

In the fast-moving world of politics and diplomacy, 24/7 connectivity is vital. Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, and Satcom Direct, the business aviation and government solutions provider, announced the activation of connectivity for their 70^th Head of State aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow. The executive airliner, which supports a Central European government, is now connected to the Inmarsat Global Xpress network and will optimise the tailored connectivity configuration to support multiple voice and data requirements for passengers including dignitaries, government representatives and accompanying media contingents.

Inmarsat and Satcom Direct provide best-in-class in-flight connectivity to many heads of state and other dignitaries around the world. Head of State aircraft have extremely high expectations of technology and often need customisable solutions which include multiple voice and data requirements on board – for mission critical operations, leisure and the accompanying media contingent. Due to the sensitive nature of government communications, there is also an unwavering focus on data security and zero tolerance for error.

“Head of State aircraft have extremely high technology demands, which support mission critical communications in a dynamic geo-political environment. Satcom Direct continually develops products and services to support these needs globally, and we are proud to deliver consistent, reliable connectivity to our 70^th Head of State aircraft,” said David Falberg, Vice President, Satcom Direct International.

This activation will harness the powerful portfolio of Satcom Direct cybersecurity solutions ensuring data transmission to and from the aircraft is protected through all phases of flight. The Satcom Direct Network Operations Centre (NOC) monitors data behaviour so that the team of certified experts can anticipate, identify, and mitigate any cyber events that might occur in real-time. Satcom Direct provides also provides Head of State customers with extensive technical training through its Entry into Service programme. In addition to providing guidance about how to optimise the system the EIS service stress tests the in-flight connectivity to ensure that the customer’s expectations and the final in-flight connectivity solution are matched.

With a strong legacy in mobility and an offering that includes voice data, VoIP, fax and safety services, Inmarsat is well-positioned to meet head of state customers’ exacting standards with its SwiftBroadband and G2X Air solutions. Through a long-standing partnership of over 20 years, Inmarsat Global Government and Satcom Direct provide best-in-class in-flight connectivity to Heads of State and dignitaries around the world.

Todd McDonell, President, Global Government, Inmarsat said “Heads of State have very exacting requirements in terms of their connectivity, security, accessibility, and reliability. Given their reliance on the use of in-flight applications at any hour of the day or night, it takes highly specialised skills, plus a shared commitment to quality of delivery to meet these needs. Satcom Direct is currently celebrating its years of delivering powerful connectivity products and services to government and military aviation. When combined with Inmarsat’s more than 40 years of experience and innovation in satellite communications, this 70^th Head of State installation and activation showcases just how committed we are to delivering the world’s leaders communication certainty.”

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat delivers world leading, innovative, advanced and exceptionally reliable global, mobile communications across the world – in the air, at sea and on land - that are enabling a new generation of commercial, government and mission-critical services. Inmarsat is powering the digitalisation of the maritime industry, making operations more efficient and safer than ever before. It is driving a new era of inflight passenger services for aviation, while ensuring that aircraft can fly with maximum efficiency and safety. Furthermore, Inmarsat is enabling the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and enabling the next wave of world-changing technologies that will underpin the connected society and help build a sustainable future. And now Inmarsat is developing the first-of-its-kind, multi-dimensional communications network of the future, ORCHESTRA.

In November 2021, Inmarsat and Viasat announced the planned combination of the two companies, to create a new leader in global communications. The deal is scheduled to close in the second half of 2022.

About Satcom Direct

Satcom Direct (SD) is founded on a core belief of understanding the value of time and the importance of maximizing it. The company mobilizes the most cutting-edge technologies to enable connection, wherever you might be. SD’s proprietary technologies span business aviation, marine, government and telecommunications sectors, with the singular goal of leading connectivity industry standards.

Harnessing a powerful combination of tools, SD delivers consistent, reliable connectivity across the globe. Proprietary software, hardware, terrestrial infrastructure, cybersecurity solutions and award-winning customer services, create tailored data services for each individual customer mission. The aim is to enhance the passenger experience, improve efficiencies and give back precious time by providing connectivity beyond all expectations.

SD World Headquarters is located in the heart of the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, with 14 additional locations in 11 countries including UK, UAE, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, and Brazil plus a hardware development and manufacturing base in Ottawa, Canada.   For more information regarding SD, visit www.satcomdirect.com, e-mail sales@satcomdirect.com