SmartSky Networks has named David Helfgott CEO, coinciding with the company’s transition from the development and deployment stage to an operational aviation broadband communications services and products company.
Commenting upon the appointment outgoing CEO Haynes Griffin, who will remain as Executive Chairman, said: “His extensive technology and mobile communications experience will help us ensure that all of our operations reflect the high level of quality set by our transformational connectivity technology.”
“I am honoured to be selected to lead SmartSky at this exciting inflection point,” said Helfgott. “When you look at SmartSky’s unique positioning and expansive patent portfolio, it highlights the company’s incredible potential and culture of sustained innovation. Since COVID-19 first began to impact the in-flight communications industry, SmartSky has proven its resilience in many ways, having added more than 40 patents since January 2020, successfully defended its IP from a challenge brought by an industry incumbent, closed on funding of more than US$50 million in additional equity and debt, and overhauled its radio technology supply chain on the way to completing the deployment and launch of its network next year.”
