Satcom Direct (SD) has been working closely with customers to further establish how the intelligent data and communications platform, SD Pro®, can improve modern flight operations management via standardized operating procedures and use of data protocols.

SD highlights versatility by centralizing flight operations through third-party integration. Photo: Satcom Direct

Leveraging elements from its aircraft connectivity services, hardware platforms, and ground network infrastructure, SD has created a centralized data management ecosystem that automates and enhances flight department communications and operations. The platform acts as the Source of Data (SD) for aviation management and flight operators, which is reflected in the product name.

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Streamlining operating procedures

To define software operating system parameters, SD liaised with its Customer Advisory Board to map the processes used by more than 20 flight departments to evaluate existing procedures used for planning and executing a flight, from start to finish. Ranging from scheduling an aircraft to postflight logging, SD identified core similarities among the diverse organizations and noted common business functions that could be improved by automation and enhanced data visibility.

“Having worked closely with our customers we’ve created a cohesive product suite that streamlines operating procedures and enables flight departments to more efficiently manage multiple aircraft and increased passenger demand,” explains SD President Business Aviation, Chris Moore. “The feedback is invaluable and informs our future product development ensuring we meet our customers’ expectations.”

Bill Buttenwieser, Citigroup Director of Aviation adds,

“SD is giving us a valuable and forward-leaning system for business aviation by understanding the complexities we face as operators and is using that insight to pave the way for digitized flight operations support. SD Pro gives us the benefit of a collaborative platform that provides visibility across our entire flight operations, making us more efficient and more effective at our jobs. As this cloud-based system continues to add functionality, the power of digitization and technology is helping drive our business model forward.”

The webinars will provide the ideal way to stay updated during lockdown restrictions. Photo: Satcom Direct

Centralized planning

From the moment a flight request is made, SD’s PreFlight module centralizes planning information originating from multiple sources into a single dashboard. This allows operators to more efficiently schedule, manage and operate their aircraft for the ideal passenger experience.

In addition, flight performance data is automatically captured and shared throughout the flight, keeping all members of the team informed without the need for manual communication. Accurate engine times and cycles, and flight log details, are auto-populated into the SD PostFlight module and easily shared with various maintenance providers and engine manufacturers, requiring no duplication of effort while creating a digital record for the aircraft history.

This ultimately leads to decreased aircraft downtimes and longer periods between scheduled maintenance events. Financial and tax reporting is made easy through integrated business intelligence tools.

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“The major benefits for us at MB Aviation come from the centralization of data, including that from the SD datalink service FlightDeck Freedom. We love the all-in-one solution from SD and are looking forward to the advancement of their open architecture and agnostic solutions for business aviation as a whole. Automation and single access points are the keys to the future,” added Ed White, VP of Aviation for MB Aviation.

Engine utilization data is delivered to Rolls Royce via the SD Pro Operating System. Photo: Satcom Direct

Throughout every phase of flight, all data is managed through SD’s Tier III Data Centre, ensuring sensitive Personal Identifying Information (PII), as well as aircraft data, is kept secure and compliant with global data privacy regulations.

“In SD Pro we’ve devised a system that brings all the flight elements together, in real-time, so flight operators get a synchronized view of their fleet, communication is improved, and a superior onboard experience is achieved. We aim to optimize workflows and simplify communication across all parts of the operation. We are effectively defining new standards for business aviation flight management,” concludes Moore.

This article is sponsored by Satcom Direct

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