FlyExclusive, SmartSky Expands Wi-Fi Partnership Ahead of IPO

In a joint interview with FLYING, the CEOs of both companies discussed their partnership, the expectation of inflight connectivity, and flyExclusive's planned IPO.

Michael Wildes

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 06:08 PM ET

Verified

The Part 135 operator also expanded its partnership with SmartSky Network, the fast-growing air-to-ground (ATG) inflight connectivity provider. [Courtesy: flyExclusive]

Key Takeaways:

flyExclusive is going public through a $600 million SPAC merger and plans to expand its fleet by purchasing up to 14 Cessna Citations.
The company is deepening its partnership with SmartSky Network to provide inflight connectivity, emphasizing the critical role of reliable Wi-Fi for passenger satisfaction and business operations.
Customer expectation for dependable inflight Wi-Fi is 100%, with flyExclusive diversifying its providers beyond Gogo and SmartSky highlighting its air-to-ground technology as ideal for fast-moving business jets.
flyExclusive's CEO is confident in its IPO success, distinguishing it as a non-speculative, vertically integrated business focused on customer experience, despite challenges in the SPAC market and strong competition.

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After announcing last week that it would become a publicly traded company through a $600 million special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger, flyExclusive also shared that it was planning to purchase as many as 14 Cessna Citations from Textron Aviation.

The news comes as the Part 135 operator also expanded its partnership with SmartSky Network, the fast-growing air-to-ground (ATG) inflight connectivity provider. During the 2022 National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) held in Orlando last week, the companies teamed up to display SmartSky’s latest technology onboard a flyExclusive jet, following the installation of the ATG hardware on a series of Cessna Citation Xs at flyExclusive’s facilities in Kinston, North Carolina.