Gilat Satellite Networks has implemented a new organizational structure that will see newly acquired aero antenna terminal provider Stellar Blu Solutions become part of the Israeli firm’s new Gilat Commercial Division.
One of three new divisions under the new structure, Gilat Commercial Division is billed as providing advanced broadband satellite communication networks for inflight connectivity (IFC), enterprise and cellular backhaul, and supporting HTS, VHTS, and NGSO constellations with turnkey solutions for service providers, satellite operators, and enterprises.
“Our acquisition of Stellar Blu serves as the cornerstone of this division, strengthening our position in the IFC market and enabling us to provide cutting-edge connectivity solutions that meet the demands of passengers, airlines, and service providers worldwide,” Gilat explained in a Q4 and full year 2024 earnings report.
Another division, Gilat Defense, provides secure, rapid-deployment solutions for military organizations, government agencies, and defense integrators, with a strong focus on the U.S. Department of Defense resulting from Gilat’s strategic acquisition of DataPath Inc. The defense segment is seen by management as representing a significant growth opportunity for Gilat.
A third unit, Gilat Peru Division, specializes in end-to-end telco solutions, including providing technology integration, managed networks and services, connectivity solutions, and Internet and voice access across the region, explains Gilat.
Gilat reported a Q4 2024 net profit of $12.8 million, up from $2.9 million in the year-earlier period. Revenue increased 3% year-over year to $78.1 million in the three month period ending 31 December 2024, whilst revenue for the full year 2024 increased 15%. Management’s financial guidance for 2025 is for revenues of between $415 million to $455 million, and Adjusted EBITDA to be between $47 to $53 million.
During an earnings conference call to discuss the Q4 and full year 2024 figures, Gilat CEO Adi Sfadia said Gilat’s previous guidance that Stellar Blu will contribute roughly $120 million to $150 million in revenue in 2025 is “still relevant and is included in the overall guidance”.
Intelsat and Panasonic Avionics are key customers of Stellar Blu-now-Gilat’s multi-orbit IFC terminal, the Sidewinder-branded single-beam electronically steered antenna (ESA) that will talk to Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation and each service provider’s respective geostationary (GEO) satellite networks, or indeed potentially other future LEO, MEO and GEO satellites.
About 125 Sidewinder units have already been shipped including 75 in the fourth quarter. Some systems have been installed and activated on aircraft, noted Sfadia in apparent reference to Intelsat’s recent installs on regional jets. He noted that the customers are “very happy” and the systems “performed very well”.
“So, I think we are on the right direction,” he added.
Gilat holds a backlog of several hundred units, and is optimistic it will grow the backlog. “[W]e have a very large backlog and a lot of opportunities and when Intelsat and Panasonic get more and more awards, we expect them to place the additional orders,” suggested the Gilat CEO.
Additionally, Gilat is pursuing new aero customers. Gaining formal linefit offerability at one of the large airframers is also “one of our top objectives” for 2025 and 2026, he said.
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Featured image credited to stock/Jetlinerimages
