High-performance, mission-specific networks company Apcela has completed upgrades across its extensive Air-to-Ground (ATG) network, which it acquired earlier this year from SmartSky Networks.
The upgrades include expanded backhaul capabilities and a new, fully encrypted, software-defined networking platform, as well as an updated evolved packet core delivering high throughput, low latency, and improved reliability across the continental United States. Mark Casey, CEO of Apcela commented: “This network upgrade represents a leap forward in our vision to deliver a home broadband like experience for private jet travellers, along with the reliability, performance, and security corporate operators demand.
“By combining Apcela’s high-performance networking capabilities with the advanced ATG technologies acquired from SmartSky, we’re delivering the most advanced in-flight connectivity experience available – fast, secure, and application-aware.”
The network currently supports all former SmartSky customers and new deployments are underway across charter management fleets and corporate operators. According to Apcela, network users are reporting strong system performance and are excited to be flying with these next generation ATG technologies again.
Apcela has also launched a new ATG Dealer Network alongside the introduction of new Sign and Fly™ incentives, rebates and low-interest rate financing programmes for business aircraft operators.
The company says the initiatives streamline the installation process, eliminate upfront upgrade costs and accelerate the transition to Apcela’s next-generation broadband Air-to-Ground (ATG) connectivity solutions. “We’re removing the financial and logistical barriers that have historically slowed the adoption of next-generation inflight connectivity,” Mark Casey said. “With our new dealer network and Sign and Fly™ programmes, operators can now upgrade to high-speed ATG broadband with no compromise on performance, cost, or convenience.”
Apcela’s Preferred Dealers are Altus Aerospace, Brunswick Aviation Services and Davinci Jet Services. The company says both Altus Aerospace and Davinci Jet Services currently support their in-house fleets which are operating Apcela ONE and DUAL ATG systems flying on Learjet, Citation, King Air and Pilatus aircraft. Apcela also has new ONE ATG installations underway with both Altus and Brunswick outfitting two new customers operating fleets of Hawkers and Learjets respectively.
The company announced at NBAA-BACE in October that private jet company Skyward is set to begin installing the Apcela ONE ATG system across its Learjet fleet and plans to deploy the system on 11 aircraft by early 2026. Jet-Ten has also started installing Apcela’s ONE ATG system across its Citation X, VII, and Gulfstream IV fleet, with plans to deploy the system on a total of eight aircraft by early 2026.
