Ka-band is proving popular on projects at Jet Aviation in Basel, Switzerland. The company recently installed the technology as part of three major refurbishments, on a Boeing 747 and two Gulfstream GIVs. It also completed its first Ka-band installations on G550 and G650 types.
The wide-body BBJ project involved upgrading the entire cabin interior during a heavy maintenance input. The work included the development of STCs for ADS-B Out and WLAN activation, as well as the installation of a wireless AVOD system that enables content to be streamed to handheld devices.
Estelle Thorin, senior director of program management for large aircraft, described the Boeing project as very challenging and rewarding: “Coordinating four engine changes with a full cabin refurbishment, while developing an STC for approval is incredibly demanding. It was a real milestone project for the team, and I could not be prouder of them. Feedback from the customer has been very positive.”
The refurbishment of the two GIVs involved restoration of the woodwork, stripping and recovering all soft materials, and re-finishing the cabin sidewalls and headliners with custom material. In parallel, both aircraft were enhanced with the latest DU-885 LCDs, FANS 1A, an SBB upgrade and ADS-B Out systems.
Meanwhile, the first G550 and G650 Ka-band installations were performed in accordance with a Gulfstream STC. Jet Aviation says the technology will provide one of the highest data speeds available in the industry to help support expected data expansion in the coming decades.
“With the 2020 mandate quickly approaching, we’ve seen a lot of demand for Ka-band installations,” said Erik Vandegrift, senior director of program management for Gulfstream projects at Jet Aviation. “We are delighted to bring new technologies and choice to our customers and strive to exceed their expectations.”
“Customers appreciate our experience, expertise and flexibility and regularly take the opportunity to combine scheduled maintenance with refurbishments and other upgrades,” said Dirk Sapatka, general manager at Jet Aviation’s facility in Basel. “These recent projects demonstrate our steadfast commitment to deliver the highest benefit to our customers.”
