SKYTRAC
A global leader in satellite communications and intelligent connectivity solutions.
History
The Helicopter Company and SKYTRAC Partner for Aircraft Connectivity
In addition to reliable, low latency connectivity, SKYTRAC will provide THC’s fleet with mission-critical capabilities, including SkyWeb Automated Flight Following and Mission Monitoring, SAFRTM Flight Data Monitoring (FDM), Real-Time HUMS (RT HUMS) Alerting, Iridium Satellite Push-to-Talk (PTT) communications, voice and text messaging, as well as the SKYTRAC Inflight iOS application used by pilots to enhance cockpit situational awareness with real-time weather detection, Marine AIS, NOTAM alerts, georeferencing capabilities, and more.
SKYTRAC Selected by Airbus for HIL H160M Programme
SKYTRAC and Airbus Helicopters’ long-standing relationship continues with Airbus Helicopters selecting SKYTRAC’s SDL-700 Satcom system for the Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger – HIL) French Armed Forces Programme. SKYTRAC will equip 169 state-of-the-art H160M with leading-edge capabilities such as live video streaming, image and large file transfer, satellite voice, text, and Push-to-Talk (PTT), and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) automation.
SKYTRAC Expands throughout Canada
With the opening of the downtown Ottawa facility, SKYTRAC will seek to address the demanding technical requirements for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) 2025 GADSS mandate through SKYTRAC Autonomous Distress Tracking (ADT) solutions. SKYTRAC now has offices in Kelowna, Victoria, and Ottawa.
SKYTRAC Announces Iridium Certus® Terminals
SKYTRAC introduces the Iridium Certus broadband SDL-350 and midband ISAT-200A-08 for manned aviation and the broadband IMS-350 and midband DLS-100 for unmanned aviation as an aviation Value Added Reseller and Service Provider to Iridium.
SKYTRAC Selected as Iridium Certus® Partner
SKYTRAC has received operational beta-units of the new state-of-the-art Iridium Certus™ 9770 transceiver. The new transceiver introduces a midband service class which will allow SKYTRAC’s development team to implement products and solutions for the aviation industry at speeds 35 times faster than its predecessor. The L-band bandwidth will enable SKYTRAC to expand to new markets.
UTAir Selects SKYTRAC for GADSS Compliance
Utair Airlines (Utair) selects SKYTRAC real-time flight monitoring for 45 Boeing 737 and 767 aircraft. The scalable solution is designed to provide long-term compliance to ICAO’s Global Aeronautical Distress Safety System (GADSS) standards.
SKYTRAC Acquires Latitude Technologies
In 2018, SKYTRAC purchased Latitude Technologies, a leader in Iridium-based Safety Services, Flight Following, Flight & Engine Data Monitoring, and Aerial Firefighting capabilities. Latitude Technologies continues to operate as a brand of SKYTRAC from Victoria, BC.
SKYTRAC Appoints Jan van der Heul to Executive Team
SKYTRAC announced the appointment of Mr. Jan van der Heul as VP Sales. Mr. Van der Heul joins SKYTRAC from CHC Helicopter where he led a global team of key account managers that was responsible for a helicopter oil & gas portfolio representing over $1 Billion in international services revenue.
SKYTRAC Introduces Flight Data Management Suite During Asia Pacific Tour
SKYTRAC introduced a new brand and Flight Data Management suite during a Asia Pacific regional tour. With this announcement, SKYTRAC now offers a complete line-up of fleet performance trending, quality assurance, and real time aircraft connectivity solutions for the aviation industry.
SKYTRAC Sold to Roynat Equity Partners
In 2012, after nearly a decade of successful business centered around satellite Flight Following and Communications, SKYTRAC was sold to Roynat Equity Partners. The sale to Roynat pivoted SKYTRAC from a hardware-only revenue stream to incorporate a recurring services model.
SKYTRAC Founded in Penticton, BC
In 1986, SKYTRAC was founded by a group of aviators. They had the forethought of equipping aircraft with satellite tracking technology. 35+ years later, SKYTRAC has grown into a global leader in satellite communications connectivity serving major OEMs and operators around the world.
Leadership
MALACHI NORDINE PRESIDENT
President of SKYTRAC since 2012, Mr. Nordine has been influential in driving OEM relationships and overseeing the growth of a global client portfolio.
Prior to joining SKYTRAC, Mr. Nordine managed the development of mission-critical Level A avionics software at Honeywell Aerospace and served as an Aerospace Engineering Officer with the Canadian Air Force.
Mr. Nordine brings over 20 years’ experience in complex systems design and business leadership and holds a MEng in Systems Engineering from Arizona State University.
JAN VAN DER HEUL VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & MARKETING
Mr. Van der Heul joins SKYTRAC from CHC Helicopter where he led a global team of key account managers that was responsible for a helicopter oil & gas portfolio representing over $1 Billion in services revenue.
His sales successes extend across the world including Norway, the Netherlands, Australia, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. His strong international sales abilities and commercial experience is suited to SKYTRAC’s sales and business development strategy.
GILLES BESSENS VICE PRESIDENT, ENGINEERING
Mr. Bessens joins SKYTRAC from Kongsberg Geospatial, where he held the position of VP, Engineering and Technology.
With over 25 years of years’ experience in the domain of Mission Critical Systems, Gilles has fulfilled a number of roles in software and hardware engineering as a product and project manager, a CTO, and VP Technology. Gilles is a seasoned industry specialist and is well positioned to lead SKYTRAC’s Engineering group with the extensive leadership experience he brings to the table, along with his complimentary educational background.
With a Masters in Engineering, an EMBA, and a Pilot license, Gilles establishes and communicates technical vision and software architectures for large mission critical programs.
On a personal note, Gilles is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys biking, cross country skiing and camping.
KAROLINA MAY DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES
As the first in-house HR professional at SKYTRAC since 2020, Mrs. May has been spearheading the development of the HR department to align the team and the company’s strategic goals and objectives.
Mrs. May brings extensive HR experience from a diverse set of industries and has a proven record of achievements in leadership, service delivery, and client relations.
Mrs. May is ideally-suited to plan and grow SKYTRAC’s HR functions not only to support the company’s success but the team that works here.
DAVE MUNROE VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Munroe joins SKYTRAC from National Seating & Mobility Canada, where he was Director, Finance.
Mr. Munroe started his career at PwC, working in both Vancouver and Amsterdam, and later joined BCAA in progressive leadership roles, departing as Director, Finance.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Ivey Business School and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA). In his role at SKYTRAC, Mr. Munroe oversees all financial activity and ensures that our processes, procedures, and reports are managed effectively.
Outside of SKYTRAC, Mr. Munroe makes the most of the Okanagan lifestyle through skiing, mountain biking, and golf. He also plays the tuba with both the Kelowna City Band and Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and serves the community as a non-profit board director.
SHANE SULLIVAN VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS
Mr. Sullivan brings over 25 years of distinguished aviation experience to SKYTRAC. As a retired U.S. Navy Commander, he culminated his military career as an F-18F Super Hornet Squadron Commander with 300+ carrier landings and 4000+ flight hours. Following his military service, he led flight operations at ICON Aircraft and held key operational roles in the aerial firefighting industry as Vice President of Operations at Conair Group and General Manager at Aero-Flite Inc.
Mr. Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington, an EMBA from Washington State University, and a Master’s in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
His leadership and strategic vision are pivotal to SKYTRAC’s operational excellence and growth.
Careers
Engineer Your Career with SKYTRAC
We are world leaders at the forefront of aviation technology. Our SATCOM systems are installed on over 2,500 aircraft around the world, and our SkyWeb platform boasts 7,500+ users spanning all seven continents.
Connect with SKYTRAC
Toll-Free Available 24/7/365
Kelowna
210-1631 Dickson Avenue
Kelowna, British Columbia
Canada V1Y 0B5
Tel: (250) 765-2393
Ottawa
100-14 Concourse Gate
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada, K2E 7S6
Tel: (250) 765-2393
Connect with SKYTRAC
Toll-Free Available 24/7/365
Kelowna
210-1631 Dickson Avenue
Kelowna, British Columbia
Canada V1Y 0B5
Tel: (250) 765-2393
Ottawa
100-14 Concourse Gate
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada, K2E 7S6
Tel: (250) 765-2393