SKYTRAC Systems is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of developing satellite communications, aircraft tracking and intelligent connectivity technologies for aviation operators. Founded in British Columbia in 1986, the company has grown from an aircraft tracking operation into a global provider of mission-critical communications and connectivity systems.
Today, SKYTRAC aviation connectivity technology supports more than 800 customers across over 100 countries, with applications ranging from aerial firefighting and emergency medical services to search and rescue and other specialized aviation operations.
SKYTRAC Aviation Connectivity Reaches 40-Year Milestone
SKYTRAC began in Penticton, British Columbia, with a mission focused on tracking aircraft flying into the hills of the Okanagan Valley.
Since then, the company has expanded beyond aircraft tracking to provide end-to-end technologies supporting mission operations.
Current capabilities include:
- Flight following
- Voice communications
- Data communications
- Flight data monitoring
- Satellite connectivity
- Cellular connectivity
- Mission systems integration
SKYTRAC said its equipment is now used by operators working in demanding environments around the world.
More Than 800 Customers Across 100 Countries
During its four decades in aviation, SKYTRAC has expanded its customer base to more than 800 organizations operating across more than 100 countries.
Applications supported by the company’s technology include:
- Oil and gas operations
- Aerial firefighting
- Emergency medical services
- Policing
- Search and rescue
- Specialized aviation missions
The company provides connectivity across satellite and cellular networks for aircraft operating in areas where communications can be mission-critical.
SKYTRAC Expands from Aircraft Tracking to Satellite Communications
SKYTRAC identified several milestones during its 40-year history, including the introduction of its first Iridium-connected terminal and expansion of its operations across Canada.
The company has also expanded its customer base to include aircraft operators and major aerospace OEMs.
SKYTRAC currently employs approximately 140 people.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of SKYTRAC for 19 years and see how our team has grown and risen to the challenge time and time again,” said Malachi Nordine, speaking on behalf of SKYTRAC’s leadership team.
“Since our founding, we have accomplished many important milestones, from launching our broader satcom product line to supporting the 800-plus customers we serve today. These accomplishments are made possible by the hard work of our team, and we are proud of what we have been able to achieve.”
More Than 900 Airframe Certifications
SKYTRAC said its Design Approval Organization has more than 900 airframe certifications.
These include supplemental type certifications under aviation authorities including:
- Transport Canada
- FAA
- EASA
- ANAC
The company’s systems provide Low Earth Orbit satellite and cellular communications across multiple aerospace sectors.
Capabilities delivered through Iridium Certus and cellular networks include:
- Medical data transfer
- Video streaming
- Real-time Health and Usage Monitoring Systems data
- Aircraft communications
- Flight tracking
- Operational data connectivity
These technologies provide communications and data services for both conventional aviation and emerging connected aircraft operations.
Connectivity Technology Supports Modern Aircraft Operations
The growth of connected and autonomous aviation is increasing the importance of reliable aircraft communications, particularly for operations taking place beyond conventional terrestrial network coverage.
SKYTRAC’s combination of satellite and cellular technologies provides aircraft operators with communications infrastructure for transmitting operational information between aircraft and ground-based personnel.
The company’s four decades of development have taken SKYTRAC from basic aircraft tracking to integrated connectivity supporting voice, data, monitoring and mission systems.
SKYTRAC Celebrates Anniversary in British Columbia
SKYTRAC has maintained its headquarters in Kelowna, British Columbia, since 2006.
“We’ve grown into the company we are now right here in the Okanagan Valley, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone in Kelowna, where our operations have been headquartered for the past 20 years,” Nordine said.
To mark its 40th anniversary, SKYTRAC is hosting a celebration with employees, customers, partners and local stakeholders in Kelowna.
The company is also sponsoring the local Apple Marathon on September 27, with several SKYTRAC employees participating.
The SKYTRAC aviation connectivity milestone marks 40 years of development from aircraft tracking in British Columbia to satellite and cellular communications technologies supporting more than 800 aviation customers in over 100 countries.
Source: Press release from SKYTRAC Systems Ltd.
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