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SKYTRAC expands GigSky partnership for coverage in over 200 countries

SKYTRAC on January 29 at Heli-Expo announced it will expand upon its partnership with GigSky to offer global cellular data coverage in over 200 countries to deliver mission-critical mobile data to aviation operators. Originally ratified in September 2019, the partnership enables global 4G/LTE cellular network access for use with SKYTRAC’s Dynamic Air Link 200 (DAL-200) wireless communications and data download solution.

SKYTRAC now offers helicopter operators the ability to access the GigSky Enterprise Manager (GEM) application to enable connectivity solutions across their enterprise. The cellular data service can be used by tablet devices to support Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) connectivity capabilities. including accessing flight plans, weather reports, eTechLogs, and charting map updates. It also connects cabin crews and ground personnel, which the company states to simplify accounting processes for operators by providing one invoice within the centralized GEM for management of and provision of data.

“This is a significant development for SKYTRAC. Instead of operators utilizing and expensing personal or local SIM cards, an organization can now manage all their SIMs from one location, using one supplier and one giant pool of data for seamless global data connectivity,” said Ruben Stepin, director of GADSS and Airline Business Development for SKYTRAC.

Aviation organizations can select regional, global, or country-based plans through SKYTRAC to allow cellular connectivity, which the company explains to provide uninterrupted access to data across international borders without burdensome roaming overages.

Enterprise SIM cards will be provided with the purchase of data plans to allow aerospace organizations to roam globally. Operators will also have the option to enable data sharing for their fleet, allowing high-use aircraft to utilize a greater share of data as required. SKYTRAC explains the service also optimizes network speeds by auto-selecting the best performing national mobile network operator (MNO).