Swiss charter operator CAT Aviation has chosen Satcom Direct to equip its first Dassault Falcon 6X to enter service with a suite of connectivity solutions. 

The ‘nose-to-tail’ range of solutions includes a flight-deck communication datalink and a dual cabin connectivity service that uses Iridium voice capabilities in parallel with Jet ConneX, the high-speed broadband service connected with the Viasat Global Xpress constellation. The Falcon 6X, which was re-delivered to CAT in February, is the latest aircraft to join the fleet with connectivity solutions provided by Satcom Direct.  

 “State-of-the-art operators flying state-of-the-art aircraft also require state-of-the-art technology to take maximum advantage of their aircraft and provide the best possible experience for passengers and crew,” said Dave Falberg, Satcom Direct’s vice president of EMEA-APAC. 

“We’re proud to be the long-time partner of CAT Aviation as the relationship supports our understanding of their requirements. Our ability to deliver customised solutions for mixed, large fleet operators supporting diverse, international missions ensures we meet the needs of clients like CAT Aviation with our eco-system of connectivity solutions, which have been purpose-built for business aviation.”

The solution meets the needs of CAT Aviation which already uses Satcom Direct as its preferred connectivity supplier. The Zurich-headquartered operator values the closeness of Satcom’s Basel location, local language customer service and Satcom’s global footprint. 

The connectivity provider’s international presence allowed it to support CAT Aviation in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the Dassault Aircraft Services facility during the aircraft interior completion.

Helene Niedhart, founder of CAT Aviation, said: “As a Dassault aircraft operator for more than 20 years, we are very proud to be the world’s first Falcon 6X operator. In 2008, we were also one of the first Falcon 7X operators. Our fleet has grown steadily, and we have become the largest Dassault Falcon operator in Switzerland. It goes without saying that our loyal and longtime CAMO, Crew and Flight Operations teams have gained huge experience in operating Dassault Falcon aircraft, and we know that we can rely on Satcom Direct for continuous support wherever we are in the world.”