Passengers using Wi-Fi in-flight. Photo: SmartSky

David Helfgott. Photo: SmartSky Networks

SmartSky Networks on Tuesday revealed that David Helfgott was named CEO. Helfgott most recently was president and CEO of Phasor, which went bankrupt in May. South Korean defense company Hanwha Systems acquired Phasor’s business assets in June.

Prior to Phasor, Helfgott held several senior executive roles including president and CEO of Inmarsat Government; president of Tactical Wireless Communications for Cobham; president and CEO of Datapath, and president and CEO of SES Government.

SmartSky Networks is rolling out an Air-to-Ground (ATG) network in 2021. The network uses patented spectrum reuse, beam forming technologies, and 60 MHz of spectrum. The company is also developing aviation data products to improve safety and efficiency.

“I am honored to be selected to lead SmartSky at this exciting inflection point,” Helfgott said. “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 inflight 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 $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.”