Completing the SATCOM Puzzle

“Eclipse brings everything together in one place. Our expertise covers system architecture, hardware and installation kits, unique software applications, engineering, EASA / FAA certification and integration as well as the ongoing airtime.”

Airborne connectivity is a unique sector merging the high-tech worlds of satellites and networks with the highly regulated and safety conscious aviation authorities. There are many network operators and they promise an often-confusing mix of overlapping inflight connectivity footprints and data-speeds. Each type of connectivity, air-to-ground or satellite, requires equipment and airtime specific to that service. And then there is the question of installing the system on the aircraft. Understanding which solution best fulfils your requirements and is also suited to your particular aircraft can seem like a giant puzzle with a missing piece. It is rare to find a partner that is experienced across all areas, but Eclipse Global Connectivity and Eclipse Technics cover all the bases.

“Over the last several months of the global pandemic, where low tech puzzles have become incredibly popular, our need to connect—through apps like Zoom—has never been more important,” says Jamie Palmer, Eclipse Global Connectivity sales director. “Working from home, using these bandwidth-hungry apps, has been frustrating for many. But what if your VIP passenger needs to videoconference inflight?”

Dominating the VIP inflight connectivity market because of oceanic coverage, Satellite Communications (SATCOM), can present the same challenges as the home network. And unlike your average jigsaw puzzle, this ecosystem can be genuinely perplexing. This is where Eclipse Global Connectivity and Eclipse Technics, our Part 21G/J division, helps VIP aircraft operators select a SATCOM solution that fits aircraft and connectivity needs. Unique in the market place, Eclipse brings everything together in one place. Our expertise covers system architecture, hardware and installation kits, unique software applications, engineering, EASA / FAA certification and integration as well as the ongoing airtime. All supported ‘round the clock by a team of aviation and network specialists.

“With a long history of providing bespoke connectivity solutions to world leaders and other VIPs, we recognized early-on the need to manage precious inflight bandwidth,” Jamie expands. “This is why we developed our Aero+ Flexibility application. It specifically addresses the need to preserve a high-quality inflight connectivity experience and keep VIPs securely connected.”

Part of our Aero+ Software platform, Aero+ Flexibility provides a powerful customizable tool to assign bandwidth to passenger devices and prioritise the internet connection over others connecting. It can be used to block streaming services to devices, restrict use and even charge an access fee. All of these capabilities ensure that the principal passenger, Head of State or VIP doesn’t face the frustrations they may have experienced at home during the lockdown.

Another key requirement for VIP aircraft is data security. Customers who select our Aero+ Clarity solution have a secure Voice over IP (VoIP) service. The VIP uses their own device to make calls from the aircraft, just like they would anywhere else, but with the added complete confidence that their call is securely routed through the Eclipse Global Connectivity private infrastructure.

“While many VIP aircraft have been parked, the demand to upgrade or add connectivity to such aircraft will continue to ramp up in the coming weeks and months, and SATCOM is no longer a nice to have, it is a prerequisite,” Jamie concludes. “Eclipse Global Connectivity understands that no two VIP aircraft have the same requirements.”

Understanding the ins and outs of SATCOM doesn’t have to be puzzling. To learn more, visit us or email Jamie Palmer.