The FAA has granted STC approval for Viasat’s Ku Advanced inflight connectivity (IFC) system to be installed on certain Bombardier Challenger 600 series jets – the Challenger 604, Challenger 605 and Challenger 650.
The certification enables Viasat and its MRO partners to offer the near-global IFC solution for current Bombardier Challenger 600 series aircraft owners looking for an alternative to existing air-to-ground or L-band systems. Viasat says the system offers faster speeds than an L-band system, and works across the world’s most heavily travelled flight routes.
“With this new STC, current Challenger 600 business jet owners and operators no longer need to be left behind using a sub-par IFC system,” said Claudio D’Amico, Viasat’s business area director for business aviation. “We are paving the way for them to cost-effectively take advantage of Viasat’s increased speeds and near global coverage – offered through the Ku Advanced service.”
Viasat Ku Advanced packages are available for service over the continental USA and globally. Additionally, the Ku Advanced offering enables customers to rollover unused data, leverage regional and hourly service plans and stream audio and video content. Viasat, via its MRO partners, is now offering its Ku Advanced business jet connectivity at lower installed prices starting around US$300,000 (€247,462).
Viasat collaborated with Aerospace Design & Compliance to secure the STC on the select Challenger 600 series aircraft. The FAA-approved IFC hardware is available now.
