BizAv broadband boosts from Collins Aerospace

Business jet in-flight connectivity scored a boost this week with multiple Collins Aerospace announcements. Whether over Ku or Ka band, the satellite internet options continue to expand, with a new offering and a boost to existing deals.

Ku-band boost for Astronics

Collins announced a $19 million follow-on order for antenna and terminal hardware from Astronics. This adds to the initial $11 million order placed seven months ago.

“We are excited to support the growing success of the Collins Aerospace Ku-band connectivity service,” said Michael Kuehn, Astronics CSC President. “We believe this order validates the continued success of Collins’ connectivity services and the performance of Astronics’ connectivity hardware.  Astronics is committed to developing and producing the best connectivity hardware for airborne platforms.”

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The tail-mount T-311 kit delivers broadband connectivity for business aviation, VIP/VVIP, and general aviation aircraft, such as those produced by Gulfstream, Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer, Dassault, and others.

Ka-band contract with Viasat

Collins also expanded its reseller portfolio with Viasat to include the latter’s Ka-band in-flight connectivity (IFC) system for mid- and large-cabin business aircraft. With the move Collins now offers all three (Ku, Ka, Ku/Ka) Viasat BizAv options to its private jet customers.

“We are delighted to offer Viasat Ka, Ku and Dual-Band aircraft connectivity services as an integrated ARINCDirect solution,” said Thomas Sterling, director of Business Aviation Digital Solutions at Collins Aerospace. “This milestone will help corporate flight departments modernize their passenger experience, and at the same time, reduce the headache of coordinating across multiple disparate aircraft and operations services.”

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The first aircraft with Viasat’s Ka-band IFC system provided by Collins Aerospace entered into service in August 2021.

“We’re pleased to extend our long-standing partnership with Collins Aerospace to now offer Viasat’s proven Ka-band system and services to those customers who are looking for a best-in-class connectivity solution,” said Claudio D’Amico, Viasat’s business area director, Business Aviation. “This agreement opens up new business opportunities for both of our organizations.”

Customers interesting in swapping from Ku to Ka, especially as the ViaSat-3 constellation enters service in the coming years, can do so relatively easily. The LRU footprint and wiring on the aircraft remain the same, smoothing the transition.