Since 1981, business aviation operators have strongly supported the noble work of Corporate Angel Network (CAN) by providing timely corporate jet transportation for cancer patients needing to get to specialized treatment across the country. For the second straight year, SmartSky Networks’ 4 Gives More program seeks to tap into that generosity at the National Business Aviation Association’s biggest event by providing a unique method to raise funds and awareness for CAN.

Attendees at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) will be able to download a free 4 Gives More game, Skye Pilot, to their smartphone. User actions within the game will generate points throughout NBAA-BACE, held Nov. 1-3 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Those points will translate directly into a financial contribution from SmartSky to Corporate Angel Network.

“We were overwhelmed with the response last year to our initial 4 Gives More program,” says SmartSky Networks President Ryan Stone. “We want to build on that success, continuing to raise money for Corporate Angel Network. Customers will find our app a fun way to assist the mission of a most-worthy cause.”

The SmartSky 4G network, which recently received FCC certification, is scheduled to take flight later this year. Nationwide coverage is planned for 2017. The company’s patented 4G beamforming technology delivers a secure signal that locks onto each aircraft in the network, ensuring high performance regardless of network loading. Its broadband connectivity system will provide service over the continental United States using an air-to-ground platform that leverages 60 MHz of spectrum, 20 times more than the incumbent, to open up full-throttle, unrestricted access to the web.

Aircraft equipped with SmartSky 4G will benefit from dramatically improved in-flight communications and operations, providing a better experience for patients, families and caregivers. Corporate Angel Network flights using SmartSky will be able to take advantage of advanced apps from SmartSky Select, such as Panasonic Weather Solution’s industry-leading 4DAero, an electronic flight bag tool for aviation-related weather forecasting and turbulence avoidance.

The National Business Aviation Association has been instrumental in the growth of Corporate Angel Network and continues to support the organization in myriad ways. One important method is the annual NBAA/CAN Soiree. CAN is the sole beneficiary of the event’s live and silent auctions. The event has raised a significant part of CAN’s operating budget over the years. Through 4 Gives More, the NBAA convention itself will be a platform for another means of CAN support.

ABOUT SMARTSKY NETWORKS
SmartSky Networks, formed in 2011, is composed of seasoned aviation and telecommunications executives seeking to transform aviation using disruptive communications technologies. In conjunction with leading aerospace and technology partners, SmartSky plans to roll out its innovative, beamforming based air-to-ground network, SmartSky 4G, later this year with nationwide coverage slated for 2017. www.smartskynetworks.com

ABOUT CORPORATE ANGEL NETWORK
Corporate Angel Network, based at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY, arranges free transportation for cancer patients to specialized treatment by using the empty seats on corporate jets already flying to the desired destinations. Since its first flight in 1981and thanks to the generosity of business aviation, CAN, a 501(c)(3) organization with Public Charity status, has provided more than 50,000 flights to adults and children whose best treatment options are often thousands of miles from home. Thirty volunteers along with a small staff coordinate the medical travel needs of cancer patients with the scheduled flight activity of more than 500 participating corporations (including half the Fortune 100) resulting in more than 225 patient flights each month. The organization has received numerous awards in recognition of its service to cancer patients including The Volunteer Action Award, the highest volunteer award from the President of the United States. www.corpangelnetwork.org/