In the 2026 Elite Wings Connectivity Guide released at the NBAA Maintenance Conference, Elite Wings sat down with Apcela CEO Mark Casey to explore the company’s acquisition of the former SmartSky ATG network and what it means for business aviation.
Key themes from the conversation:
→ The technology was never the problem. SmartSky Networks built one of the most advanced ATG platforms ever: patented beam-forming, 60 MHz of broadband spectrum, 30,000+ beams.
→ ATG vs. satellite isn’t a simple comparison. For CONUS operations, Apcela delivers dedicated, private connections per aircraft, no shared bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and hardware that weighs just 18.6 lbs for light and midsize jets.
→ The upgrade barrier is coming down. The Sign and Fly™ program removes upfront equipment and installation costs entirely, a game-changer for operators who’ve been sitting on the fence.
Fleet operators like Skyward Aviation, Jet-Ten, and ENG Organ Recovery are installing multiple aircraft across their fleets. The momentum is real.
📖 Read the full 2026 Elite Wings Connectivity Guide: https://issuu.com/pjanvier/docs/elite_wings_-_2026_connectivity_guide
📄 Jump directly to the Apcela feature (Page 58): https://issuu.com/pjanvier/docs/elite_wings_-_2026_connectivity_guide/58
