Electronically steered antennas will be a major part of the next generation of connectivity for the business aviation world. Both Satcom Direct and Gogo made progress on that front this week, offering updates to their terminal development and testing.
business aviation
Viasat issues type certification for Satcom Direct Plane Simple Ka-band terminal
Satcom Direct received type certification of the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal for Viasat’s Jet ConneX inflight internet service, moving a step closer to installation of the latest hardware on business jets.
Starlink now certified for Global Express installs
The Starlink inflight internet service from SpaceX can now be installed on Bombardier Global Express business jets.
NetJets plans IFC upgrades with Gogo
NetJets will upgrade the inflight internet service on more than 450 aircraft as part of a contract extension with Gogo.
Gogo prevails over SmartSky again in preliminary injunction hearing
Gogo has, once again, avoided a preliminary injunction prohibiting it from selling its next generation inflight connectivity solution.
Starlink flying on SpaceX’s new 737-800
SpaceX has a new private jet, and it appears to be flying with the Starlink inflight internet services on board.
STCs show signs of progress
When it comes to tracking connectivity installations, sometimes regulators share the most useful insights. Taking a look at which STCs have (and have not) been issued lately offers up some details on a few key programs across the industry.
SD’s Plane Simple Ka-band terminal passes DO-160 milestone
After more than 400 hours of flight testing the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal from Satcom Direct secured DO-160 approval, moving it closer to commercial availability of the in-flight connectivity hardware early in 2024.
Trans-Exec picks Starlink for biz jet internet
Trans-Exec Private Jets will install Starlink for in-flight internet. The SpaceX satellite-based service will be installed on the company’s fleet of Gulfstream aircraft.
Gogo adds AirSprint as first Canadian 5G fleet customer
The Gogo 5G network is set to take flight north of the border. The company announced that AirSprint Private Aviation will fit its business jet fleet with the updated systems, including options to add satellite connectivity on some aircraft.