Viasat Secures Supplemental Type Certificate Approval to Install In-Flight Connectivity on Select Bombardier Challenger 600-Series Business Jets
On April 29, Viasat Inc. announced it received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Ku Advanced in-flight connectivity (IFC) system on select Bombardier Challenger 600 series business jets, including the Challenger 604, Challenger 605 and Challenger 650.
Receiving this certification enables Viasat and its MRO partners to offer a competitively priced, near-global IFC solution for current Bombardier Challenger 600 series aircraft owners looking to significantly upgrade their IFC performance and coverage over existing air-to-ground or L-band systems. The Viasat Ku Advanced IFC system offers faster speeds as compared to an L-band system, enabling passengers and crew to enjoy an enhanced connectivity experience across the world’s most heavily traveled flight routes.
Claudio D’Amico, Viasat’s business area director, Business Aviation commented, “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. 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 with highly competitive speeds for service over the continental U.S., 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 new, lower installed prices starting around $300,000.
Viasat collaborated with Aerospace Design & Compliance to secure the STC on the select Challenger 600 series aircraft. The FAA-approved IFC hardware is available today.
