Melbourne, Florida-based Satcom Direct has received parts manufacturer approval (PMA) from the FAA for its SD Wi-Fi Hub, as well as EASA Part 145 repair station designation. The FAA approval designates the company as an authorized manufacturer for avionics, as well as an authorized maintenance repair and overhaul center for all SD avionics.

The PMA certification will also allow Satcom Direct SD to more quickly obtain approvals on future hardware developments via STCs. Over the last five months, the associated processes, manufacturing quality manuals and the physical setup at the company’s headquarters have been audited by the Orlando Manufacturing & Inspection District Office (MIDO) to gain the approval.

Meanwhile, Satcom Direct said Airbus has become the first OEM to install the company’s SD Router, SD Wi-Fi Hubs and GlobalVT in a single aircraft—an ACJ320—as a complete cabin connectivity solution. The SD Wi-Fi Hub is a wireless access point that, when installed with the SD Router in large aircraft, expands capability and enhances connectivity performance. GlobalVT allows passengers to use their smartphones inflight with their own number and caller ID. The work was performed by the Airbus Corporate Jet Centre in Toulouse, France.