Massachusetts-based Alto Aviation was founded in 1997 by acoustic engineers Don Hamilton and Steve Scarlata to design, manufacture and distribute premium cabin audio systems for business aircraft. Hamilton and Scarlata's professional backgrounds included developing high-end car audio systems for Bose. In 2001, Alto was commissioned to design the first audio amplifier specifically engineered for OEM Gulfstream Aerospace.

Over the years, the company continued developing scalable cabin audio systems customised for most major OEMs; Alto has developed long-lasting partnerships with all leading MROs, growing into an extensive network of over 150 authorised installers worldwide. As a result, the product portfolio has expanded to offer an extensive catalogue of hundreds of premium loudspeakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, page/chime systems and Bluetooth audio solutions.

In 2007, Alto introduced its nVELOP surround sound system. This audio system is engineered and tuned to bring the most realistic surround sound experience to every seat in the cabin.

All Alto cabin audio systems get a custom on-site audio tuning performed by engineers using proprietary software and processes to provide optimal sound for the VIP and every seat in the cabin. The sound processing is implemented via proprietary digital signal processing inside the Alto amplifier.

In 2017, the company inaugurated its new headquarters in Sterling, Massachusetts. The same year, it introduced the Cadence cabin management system, offering direct replacement passenger controls, system master controller and a cabin control app for personal electronic devices (PED) configurable for all retrofit aircraft.

In recent years, Alto has introduced Alto Soundstage 3D immersive sound specifically designed for the theatre area of the cabin, using proprietary mapping and the latest digital technology. As a result, passengers feel like they are stepping into the centre of the stage, enjoying a listening experience that rivals the most sophisticated home theatre systems.

Today Alto Aviation leads the industry as the largest supplier of cabin audio for OEM and aftermarket business jets, with over 5,000 aircraft flying with Alto products.

To commemorate the company's 25th anniversary, Alto has launched the campaign 'The Sound of Business Aviation'. As part of its continued commitment to innovation with sustainability and acoustic wellness in mind, Alto will unveil new audio and cabin management offerings at upcoming industry expos.

"On behalf of the Alto Aviation team, I would like to thank every one of our customers for allowing us to serve them over the past 25 years. As we continue growing, we remain true to our customer-centred company vision. Our team embraces the future with optimism, continuing to develop and nurture successful, long-term, trusted partnerships with OEMs and MROs with a team of exceptional professionals committed to innovation, customer support, sustainability and excellence," says president Don Hamilton.

"After 25 years serving our industry, our mission keeps focused: to wow all our customers. New generations of top qualified engineers, emerging technologies that adapt to our industry's advancements and a strong commitment to safety, sustainability and innovation lead our path. The Alto team keeps growing, but the personalised and professional attention that Don and I pledged 25 years ago remains intact," adds VP of engineering and R&D Steve Scarlata.