The FAA has approved Viasat’s Ka-band inflight connectivity (IFC) business aviation system for installation and use on Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X aircraft, Viasat and Dassault Aircraft Services (DAS) announced.
It is the first time this equipment has been certified for these specific airframes. Viasat’s connectivity solution is available at Dassault-owned service centres globally.
With Viasat’s Ka-band service, Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X operators can access connectivity with speeds typically greater than 20Mbps. Some operators with Viasat Ka-band IFC have reported speeds greater than 80Mbps. Passengers can access inflight applications such as video conferencing, streaming video, corporate VPN access, and more during all phases of flight, including taxi, take-off and landing.
“The combination of our high-capacity satellite network and our compact and lightweight hardware allow us to offer incredible speeds,” said Claudio D’Amico, Viasat’s business area director, business aviation. “Our service offers our fastest, most robust business aviation inflight connectivity solution and supports business-critical productivity capabilities and other data-rich applications while in flight. We’re delighted to bring a new level of inflight connectivity to Dassault 7X and 8X operators.”
“Dassault Aircraft Services provides an exceptional level of service in Falcon maintenance, interior refurbishment, avionics upgrades and more, so it’s only fitting to now offer Viasat’s Ka-band IFC solution to Falcon operators,” said Remy St-Martin, senior vice president and COO, DAS. “We’re excited to make this system available through the worldwide Dassault MRO network.”
Today, Viasat’s Global Aero Terminal 5510, the hardware kit that enables high-speed, broadband inflight connectivity, communicates with Viasat’s Ka-band satellite network, which covers over 90% of the business aviation routes, and will be forward-compatible with the company’s next-generation ViaSat-3 constellation.
Viasat recently introduced Viasat Select service packages, connectivity plans that are tailored to match a business aircraft’s specific operational profile. The new service plans include global and regional unlimited plans from US$9,995 per month that feature uncapped data coupled with Viasat’s ‘No Speed Limit’ Ka-band IFC. ‘No speed limits’ means that there is no cap set on the speed delivered to a terminal. Speeds may still be limited by terminal equipment capabilities, network and environmental conditions, and other factors which are outside Viasat’s control.
Additionally, among other options, there are entry-level service plans newly available, including a US$2,795 per month regional plan for Ka-band connectivity.
