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Banyan Air Service to Complete SmartSky® Installation on the HondaJet

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2 years ago

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Brings streaming-level connectivity to the light jet for the first time

RESEARCH TRIANGLE, N.C., Feb. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SmartSky, provider of the most advanced inflight air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity for business aviation, today announced that key sales and installation partner Banyan Air Service is completing the first of type installation of the award-winning SmartSky LITE™ system on a HA-420 HondaJet. The project supports the recent deal between Volato and SmartSky to equip Volato’s HondaJet fractional fleet of 20 new aircraft and paves the way for other in-service HondaJet to have SmartSky’s next-generation connectivity system. 

SmartSky LITE brings streaming-level, no-device-limits connectivity to light jets, for the first time ever.

Banyan, an award-winning Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operation based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is an authorized HondaJet service center and will complete the installation at Banyan’s KFXE facility. Their many accolades include being ranked #1 U.S FBO by Professional Pilot magazine.

“This exciting installation project makes the groundbreaking technology pioneered by SmartSky available for Volato. It is especially exciting because SmartSky LITE brings streaming-level, no-device-limits connectivity to light jets, for the first time ever. This will elevate the flying experience for owners and operators of this class of aircraft who are seeking a high performing, streaming capable, in flight ATG connectivity solution for light jets like the HA420,” said Danny Santiago, Director of Avionics for Banyan Air Service. Along with the installation agreement, the two companies recently signed a strategic agreement for Banyan to provide full-scale maintenance for the HondaJet fleet on-site at Volato’s primary operational base in St. Augustine, FL.

Upon project completion, expected in Q2 2024 following other maintenance and updates on the aircraft, Volato will be able to offer SmartSky connectivity that users describe as “game changing.”

“Volato is hyper-focused on delivering the best possible customer experience. With the addition of SmartSky technology to our HondaJet floating fleet, our customers will be able to livestream sports, make video calls, send large documents —and connect as they desire,” said Mike Pracher, COO of Volato.

Many more SmartSky installations and STC projects are scheduled and in progress. Contact SmartSky for the status of specific aircraft models or visit www.smartskynetworks.com/stc.

“The SmartSky team is proud to continue to work with Banyan on pivotal projects like this one which will bring unprecedented connectivity performance to Volato customers, thanks to the fantastic cooperative efforts of the Banyan team and SmartSky MRO Account Manager Chris Buff. This project makes SmartSky available to more travelers at a time when uninterrupted connectivity inflight is imperative. It also provides owners faced with upgrading their soon-to-be obsolete legacy ATG system a significantly better option to consider,” said Rich Pilock, Vice President of Connectivity Sales for SmartSky Networks.

About Banyan Air Service

Founded in 1979, Banyan Air Service has proudly served the aviation industry for 45 years. Strategically located at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) in South Florida, Banyan serves as the ideal gateway FBO to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and South America. Recognized for its world-class facilities and exceptional service, Banyan is an FAA and EASA-approved repair station with maintenance and avionics repair station approvals for numerous countries, offering a comprehensive range of business aviation services including heavy maintenance, interior and paint refurbishment, turbine engine service, structural repairs and modifications, avionics installation and repair services, aircraft parts, and aircraft sales and management. Additionally, Banyan’s complex boasts the renowned Banyan Pilot Shop and the Jet Runway Café. Voted as the #1 U.S. FBO, Banyan Air Service is your one-stop solution for all aviation needs in Florida. For more information, visit www.banyanair.com.

For more information, visit www.banyanair.com.

Media Contact:

Banyan Air Service

Linda Li

Ph: 954-491-3170

Email: lli@banyanair.com

About Volato

Volato is a full-service private aviation company providing modern ways to enjoy luxury private jets through innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions. Volato provides a fresh approach to fractional ownership, aircraft management, jet card, deposit and charter programs. Volato’s fractional programs uniquely offer flexible hours and a revenue share for owners in a fleet of HondaJets, which are optimized for missions of up to four passengers. For more information visit www.flyvolato.com.

All Volato Part 135 charter flights are operated by its DOT/FAA-authorized air carrier subsidiary (G C Aviation, Inc. d/b/a Volato) or by an approved vendor air carrier.

About SmartSky

SmartSky Networks was founded to transform aviation through disruptive communications technologies, services, and tools. The network takes advantage of patented spectrum reuse, advanced beamforming technologies, and 60 MHz of spectrum for significantly enhanced connectivity. SmartSky Networks uniquely enables an “office in the sky” experience with unmatched capacity for data transmissions both to and from the aircraft. This real-time, very low latency, bidirectional data link makes SmartSky Networks the best in-flight user experience, and a key enabler for new and enhanced applications and services. For more information, visit SmartSkyNetworks.com.

SmartSky Networks. Data moves us.

Media Contact:
Mark Hazlin
Ph: (202) 289-4001
Email: mhazlin@xenophonstrategies.com
Website: www.smartskynetworks.com

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SOURCE SmartSky Networks

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XLCS Partners advises Concurrent Utility Services on sale to UniTek Global Services

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15 minutes ago

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July 23, 2026

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NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent Utility Services LLC on its acquisition by UniTek Global Services, Inc., a portfolio company of New Mountain Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: NMFC) and its affiliates, and BTG Pactual Strategic Capital.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Concurrent is a licensed general and electrical contractor providing infrastructure development and maintenance services to electric utilities, telecom providers, and land developers throughout the Southeast United States. The company’s capabilities span overhead and underground utility construction, professional telecom services, emergency service restoration, in-building networks, environmental services, and data center development. Backed by a safety-first culture and an experienced workforce, Concurrent has built a strong regional platform and a reputation for quality across the markets it serves.

UniTek is a leading digital infrastructure services provider supporting the expansion of fiber and data center connectivity across the U.S. and Canada. With over 600 employees and 60 locations, UniTek delivers a full suite of infrastructure services. The acquisition of Concurrent accelerates UniTek’s Power Services Division, which launched in July 2025 to broaden the company’s maintenance, repair, upgrade, and new infrastructure development services for the power sector. Concurrent’s established Southeast footprint and power capabilities directly complement UniTek’s existing broadband and data center infrastructure platform, positioning the combined company to capitalize on growing demand for resilient, modernized power infrastructure. Concurrent will continue to operate under its established brand, maintaining uninterrupted service for its customers.

“Selling Concurrent was one of the biggest decisions of my career, and Anthony, Jay, and the XLCS team guided us through every step with professionalism and genuine care for our people,” said Steve Sarno, CEO of Concurrent. “They stayed fully engaged throughout, gave us honest and thoughtful advice, kept our best interests front and center, and delivered an outcome that exceeded our expectations. I would recommend them without hesitation to any owner considering a transaction.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent, and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner, and Jay Cremer, Vice President. The transaction was completed on July 1, 2026.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners is a leading global investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services. Visit www.xlcspartners.com for more information.

Media Contact: 
Kendra Span 
kspan@xlcspartners.com
615-379-7783

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xlcs-partners-advises-concurrent-utility-services-on-sale-to-unitek-global-services-302833542.html

SOURCE XLCS Partners, Inc.

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XLCS Partners advises Concurrent Utility Services on sale to UniTek Global Services

Published

15 minutes ago

on

July 23, 2026

By

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent Utility Services LLC on its acquisition by UniTek Global Services, Inc., a portfolio company of New Mountain Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: NMFC) and its affiliates, and BTG Pactual Strategic Capital.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Concurrent is a licensed general and electrical contractor providing infrastructure development and maintenance services to electric utilities, telecom providers, and land developers throughout the Southeast United States. The company’s capabilities span overhead and underground utility construction, professional telecom services, emergency service restoration, in-building networks, environmental services, and data center development. Backed by a safety-first culture and an experienced workforce, Concurrent has built a strong regional platform and a reputation for quality across the markets it serves.

UniTek is a leading digital infrastructure services provider supporting the expansion of fiber and data center connectivity across the U.S. and Canada. With over 600 employees and 60 locations, UniTek delivers a full suite of infrastructure services. The acquisition of Concurrent accelerates UniTek’s Power Services Division, which launched in July 2025 to broaden the company’s maintenance, repair, upgrade, and new infrastructure development services for the power sector. Concurrent’s established Southeast footprint and power capabilities directly complement UniTek’s existing broadband and data center infrastructure platform, positioning the combined company to capitalize on growing demand for resilient, modernized power infrastructure. Concurrent will continue to operate under its established brand, maintaining uninterrupted service for its customers.

“Selling Concurrent was one of the biggest decisions of my career, and Anthony, Jay, and the XLCS team guided us through every step with professionalism and genuine care for our people,” said Steve Sarno, CEO of Concurrent. “They stayed fully engaged throughout, gave us honest and thoughtful advice, kept our best interests front and center, and delivered an outcome that exceeded our expectations. I would recommend them without hesitation to any owner considering a transaction.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent, and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner, and Jay Cremer, Vice President. The transaction was completed on July 1, 2026.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners is a leading global investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services. Visit www.xlcspartners.com for more information.

Media Contact: 
Kendra Span 
kspan@xlcspartners.com
615-379-7783

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xlcs-partners-advises-concurrent-utility-services-on-sale-to-unitek-global-services-302833542.html

SOURCE XLCS Partners, Inc.

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Fathom Applauds Introduction of the FRONTIER Act, the First Federal Blueprint for Independent AI Verification

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15 minutes ago

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July 23, 2026

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Reps. Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) introduce a bill to build a competitive marketplace of independent verifiers for frontier AI models.

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fathom welcomes the introduction of the FRONTIER Act, the most complete federal framework yet for independent, third-party verification of frontier AI. The legislation is built to earn public trust as AI technology continues to accelerate. As frontier systems begin to take autonomous action in the world, the gap between what these models can do and our ability to keep them in check is widening. FRONTIER is the starting point to close that gap.

“AI governance keeps running into the same wall. The technology is hard to measure and it moves faster than any law can keep up with,” said Andrew Freedman, Co-Founder and CEO of Fathom. “Trying to write the perfect rules and freezing them in place won’t work. What will work is a competitive market of independent verifiers who are accountable for real-world outcomes and who the government can actually count on. The FRONTIER Act shows we can move fast and still get this right.”

The bill gets the fundamentals correct. It sets one public standard – the adequate mitigation of catastrophic risk – and holds both the AI companies and their independent verifiers accountable to it. FRONTIER does not freeze a single testing method into statute. Instead, it licenses competing verification organizations, allows them to sharpen their methods, and gives the government the power to revoke a license when a verifier’s work does not hold up in the field. That is how you build a system that keeps pace with the science instead of falling behind it.

Fathom thanks Reps. Trahan and Obernolte for their leadership, and for their courage in releasing a discussion draft, inviting scrutiny, and incorporating substantive improvements from across the field. One priority improvement as the bill advances: giving the government a fuller range of tools to act upstream – for pushing companies to close identified gaps in risk mitigation early, rather than only once a catastrophe is imminent. We are committed to working with these sponsors, committees of jurisdiction, and Congressional leadership to continue refining the bill in the weeks and months ahead.

About Fathom
Fathom is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to build a governance architecture that helps society navigate the transition to a world with AI by fostering trust, safety, and innovation. Fathom has developed and championed the independent verification model for AI and works with policymakers across the country to put it into practice. Learn more at http://fathom.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fathom-applauds-introduction-of-the-frontier-act-the-first-federal-blueprint-for-independent-ai-verification-302833546.html

SOURCE Fathom AI Inc.

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