Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

When the OneWeb satellite communication (satcom) network goes live later next year, Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder system will be available to connect a variety of VIP bizliners to OneWeb’s high-speed service. The company selected Satcom Direct (Stand 230) to be the preferred service provider for customers who install the Sidewinder satcom system.
Under the agreement, Satcom Direct will sell and activate satcom airtime and provide customer service, cybersecurity monitoring, and other value-added services to Sidewinder customers. Supplemental type certificates (STCs) are under development for installation of the Stellar Blu fuselage-mounted electronically steered array (ESA) antenna and satcom terminal system on Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
With no moving parts, the ESA technology, developed by Ball Aerospace, allows for a streamlined antenna installation that requires less maintenance than traditional mechanically steered satcom&nbsp;antennas. The Stellar Blu equipment allows owners and operators to access multiple Ku-band satcom networks, including OneWeb’s low-earth orbit (LEO) constellation.
Stellar Blu plans to start in-service evaluation of Sidewinder in the second quarter of 2023. An advantage of the OneWeb LEO network is that full high-speed service will be possible on polar routes, something that is currently unavailable with geostationary satellite systems.
Sidewinder will enable bandwidth- and capacity-intensive services such as videoconferencing, remote command and control, and other applications that require low latency, according to Satcom Direct. This includes software tools for insights into end-to-end connectivity performance and the ability to share aircraft performance, satcom usage, and management information “to improve service quality, streamline operational efficiencies, and augment the customer experience,” according to Satcom Direct chief commercial officer&nbsp;Michael Skou Christensen.
Satcom Direct also offers its SD Plane Simple terminals and antennas for high-speed connectivity on midsize and large-cabin&nbsp;business jets. “Adding the Stellar Blu Sidewinder solution to the portfolio complements the series and gives even more choices for our executive airliner customers,” said Christensen.
“The Sidewinder terminal is redefining the performance and total cost of ownership for satcom systems for this class of aircraft,” said Stellar Blue CEO Tracy Trent. “We are excited to team with a company that appreciates the importance of delivering these tangible and commercial benefits to VVIP and government customers.”

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Stellar Blu To Provide Satcom Direct Service

Stellar Blu's satcom system for the OneWeb network is being certified on Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer executive airliners. 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Airplane Manager syncs with Nimbl for better flight ops

Nimbl Integrates with Airplane Manager To Boost Efficiency

Approval for these aircraft is expected in early 2025

West Star Developing Three Embraer Gogo Galileo STCs

Going back to natural materials can have advantages in sustainability.

Austrian company F/List Is Using New Materials for Greener Cabin Interiors

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

MEBAA 2022

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

Nimbl Integrates with Airplane Manager To Boost Efficiency

Airplane Manager syncs with Nimbl for better flight ops

West Star Developing Three Embraer Gogo Galileo STCs

Approval for these aircraft is expected in early 2025

Austrian company F/List Is Using New Materials for Greener Cabin Interiors

Going back to natural materials can have advantages in sustainability.

Stack Aero Integrates Tuvoli’s FlyEasy

Platform generates more than 200,000 charter requests

Gogo HDX Satcom Antenna Passes DO-160 Testing

System is on track for launch of service later this year

Gogo Galileo Signs Wheels Up and Textron Aviation

LEO satcom is expected to begin service by the end of the year

Heico Expands Bizjet Foothold with Mid Continent Controls Buy

Mid Continent leaders will retain a 12% stake in company

Gulfstream First OEM To Receive Starlink STC

Approval adds option for service center installations

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