Willie Cecil

Senior International Sales Director
FLYHT Aerospace Solutions

Willie Cecil is Senior Director, International Sales at FLYHT Aerospace Solutions, an FTG Corporation company.

Willie started his career as an avionics engineer on Lynx and Gazelle helicopters, but he has spent the last 25 years providing vision for avionics data and connectivity solutions including data analytical applications that consume aircraft operational data.

He is a pioneer in the field of wireless data harvesting from aircraft. More than 15 years ago, long before big data and cloud analytics platforms became mainstream, Willie championed both automated harvesting of full-flight data using cellular technology and the use of full-flight data for airline maintenance and operations as well as flight safety improvement. At FLYHT, Willie is driving further innovation to serve airlines’ future needs with the use of SATCOM technology as well 5G airport surface data comm enabling Actionable Intelligence not previously possible.

Although he does not hold a pilot’s license, Willie has accumulated over 3 hours of personal flying time over many one-way descents from 12,000 ft as a freefall sport parachutist.

Willie earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland in 1998. Willie is married with five children and resides near Chicago, USA.

Sessions

Connectivity and Communications
The advent of 5G networks has brought significant advancements in connectivity, but also presents challenges, such as spectrum scarcity and potential interference with avionics systems. Spectrum co-existence strategies and advancements in datalink technology over Internet Protocol (IP), such as ACARS over IP, are essential to mitigate these issues. What is the status of connectivity systems for data transfer, Datalink implementation and future upgrades? Satellite communication (SATCOM) links play a crucial role in connecting aircraft to avionics and mission systems, providing secure and reliable data transmission. How can LEO and GEO Satellites contribute to the IFC connectivity equation? How is the transition from ACARS to remote data access offering significant improvements in efficiency and security? Centralized SATCOM-based data monitoring enables real-time insights and proactive maintenance, whilst integrating satellite technology with aircraft and ground stations creates a robust relay network, enhancing connectivity and enabling the seamless integration of new wireless systems. As the industry looks towards the future, 6G promises hyperconnectivity, with even higher speeds, lower latency, and enhanced capabilities, further revolutionizing communication and data exchange.

Willie Cecil

Sessions

The future of ACARS Datalink, Cellular & Wi-Fi Gatelink & Satellite Data Communications in Aviation