SmartSky Networks on Friday afternoon “ceased business operations” after being unable to secure further investor funding. The company spent years and hundreds of millions of dollars building an air-to-ground (ATG) airborne connectivity network to compete with industry pioneer Gogo.

The SmartSky service promised faster connectivity compared to Gogo’s original ATG network. SmartSky’s network went live at the end of 2021 and into early 2022. The service had been delayed for many years as SmartSky built a network of towers in the U.S., but installations in turboprops and business jets picked up as more supplemental type certificates were approved for SmartSky installations. At press time, AIN was not able to determine how many aircraft had SmartSky systems installed.

Employing patented “beamforming” technology, SmartSky claimed that each airborne aircraft using the network would have its own beam and switch from beam to beam, maintaining high-speed bandwidth for that aircraft. 

According to the SmartSky statement, “SmartSky was founded with a bold vision to revolutionize aviation communications. We successfully built and operated a leading, high-performance nationwide air-to-ground network using unlicensed spectrum, made possible by innovative patented technology. Along the way, our team dedicated great energy and expertise, earning several prestigious industry awards. While our products were groundbreaking and we were growing our market share, we ultimately could not secure the necessary financing to continue our mission.”

NBAA will no longer be involved in organizing the annual EBACE after selling its stake in the show to partner EBAA. The European industry group announced today that it will now be solely responsible for producing the event, which has been held each May at the Palexpo convention center at Geneva International Airport in Switzerland.

In its statement, Brussels-based EBAA did not say whether it intends to make any changes to the format of the three-day EBACE event. Several business aviation companies have complained about the high cost of traveling to the Swiss city, and major OEMs Gulfstream and Bombardier skipped the 2024 show.

“EBACE is well recognized as the premier business aviation event in Europe, bringing together the latest aircraft, newest technologies, industry visionaries and innovators, policy makers, and key decision-makers,” said EBAA secretary-general Holger Krahmer. “EBAA is looking forward to building on this amazing platform, establishing the new EBACE as the leading hub for Europe’s business aviation professionals in ways that reflect the unique nature of business aviation in Europe.”

Washington, D.C.-based NBAA indicated that its withdrawal as an EBACE co-organizer will not compromise its working relationship with EBAA. “NBAA and EBAA enjoy a very strong relationship, forged over decades of working together to promote business aviation in Europe, the United States, and around the world,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.

FBO chain Signature Aviation today launched a membership discount program aimed at small and medium-sized operators of turbine aircraft. Under development for the past year—with a pilot group of more than 800 small and medium-sized fleet operators who typically consume less than 100,000 gallons of jet-A per year—Bravo by Signature supports those smaller operators who may not have access to fuel discount programs but still wish to optimize their fuel spend.

There are no membership fees, contracts, or mandatory visit quotas, and customers joining the program will receive “significant jet-A fuel discounts and benefits,” ensuring the best available non-negotiated rates at Signature’s U.S.-based FBOs.

Additionally, members receive gold status in the company’s Signature Status program and benefits with its TechnicAir aircraft maintenance operation. Member company pilots are eligible for points in the TailWins customer loyalty program. Signature plans to expand the Bravo program to its Canada and EMEA locations in the coming months.

“We have worked closely with small and medium-sized operators to craft a program that is designed for their unique set of needs,” said Signature chief commercial officer Derek DeCross. “With no membership fees and no contractual commitments, Bravo by Signature delivers better pricing, recognition, member support, and partner benefits, and we will continue to collaborate closely with our Bravo member community to refine the program to meet their evolving needs.”

AEG offers a complete sustainability solution package designed to offset carbon emissions and provide operators with easy access to SAF. In turn, operators will receive both SAF credits and Carbon credits. The company sees this program as the gold standard in sustainability, making it easier for customers to manage their carbon footprint.

Aerocor—a Henderson, Nevada business aircraft brokerage focusing on the owner-operator market—has opened a helicopter sales division. Having launched in 2017 with a focus on the Eclipse and Beechcraft Premier series of light jets, Aerocor believes there is an underserved niche in the market for Robinson R22 and R44 light helicopters.

What makes Aerocor unique, said company co-founder Gavin Woodman, are the free resources that it provides, including buyers’ guides that explain the evolution of the aircraft, avionics details, and operating cost information. “There is nothing like that in the Robinson space,” he said. “You can go to Wikipedia, but to have one resource that has the full rundown, the block changes, avionics information, and costs associated with large maintenance events, this gives you the framework you need to make informed purchase decisions.”

When Aerocor bought its first helicopter, an MBB BO-105, Woodman said, “Going through that process we realized there isn’t a broker that provides information for that type of purchase. This was an opportunity to bring some of the same resources we provide in the light jet space—to answer questions people have and make the buying and selling process easier.”

Devon Lyons, a 6,000-hour helicopter pilot, is leading the new division. “Lyons’ leadership and dedication to safety will be instrumental in driving this new venture forward,” according to Aerocor.

West Star Aviation has selected the Vocus SMS (safety management system) software application as the technology platform for the business aircraft MRO provider’s “Safety 24/7” program. Besides improving safety at companies such as West Star, Vocus SMS also facilitates alignment with FAA guidance and ICAO standards and recommended practices.

“We are excited to announce West Star Aviation’s partnership with Vocus SMS as our safety management system. At West Star Aviation, safety is our number one priority,” said West Star CEO Stephen Maiden. “We are dedicated to taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of our customers, technicians, and workforce. We believe in the capabilities of Vocus SMS to support us in upholding the highest safety standards in the industry.”

According to Maiden, West Star picked Vocus SMS for its user-friendly interface, mobile capabilities, use of technology to reduce workload, and integration with the company’s existing software platforms. “Vocus has features that will allow us to do most aspects of our safety and quality functions from within the one system, which greatly simplifies engagement across our enterprise and streamlines the management insights that we can use to inform management,” added West Star v-p of safety Patrick Moylan.

FlyExclusive reported incurring net losses of $27.854 million in the second quarter versus a $5.84 million gain in the same period a year ago. In the first half, the company saw net losses of $60.844 million, compared with a $5.881 million loss in the first six months of 2023.

“The team has a lot to be proud of with what we have already accomplished, but we are even more energized about what we can accomplish in the quarters and years ahead," said CEO and founder Jim Segrave during an earnings call late last week.

FlyExclusive has taken steps to eliminate non-performing aircraft in the super-midsize and large-cabin jet categories. As a result, flight hours of its light and midsize jets have gone up. “We do not see this as a negative outcome,” Segrave said.

The process of eliminating non-performing aircraft led to the unprofitable quarter, according to Segrave. He noted that the company reduced the number of non-performing aircraft by 40% this year.

Segrave also noted efforts to be a more “streamlined and public company” throughout the year.

There are more inflight connectivity options on the market today than ever before. Join us on August 21 at noon ET to learn what you need to consider when reviewing your options and the implications of this decision today and for your aircraft's future.  We’ll be discussing ATG vs Satellite, LEO satellite solutions, and the ROI of IFC. Sponsored by Gogo Business Aviation.