Viasat’s Next-Generation Ka-band In-flight Connectivity System Approved for Gulfstream G280 Aircraft
LAS VEGAS, (NBAA 2019 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition—Viasat Booth #C9020), October 22, 2019 – Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, announced today its business aviation Ka-band in-flight connectivity (IFC) system has been approved by the FAA for the Gulfstream G280™ airframe.
The FAA’s approval of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) allows Viasat and Gulfstream to offer high-speed, high-quality in-flight internet service on the super-midsize G280 business jet. Upon successful completion of an ongoing In-Service Evaluation (ISE), Viasat’s Ka-band solution will be made available as a customer option.
The STC confirms approval for installation of the Viasat terminal and wiring on-board the G280 aircraft. With the shipset installed, private jet passengers and crew can be simultaneously connected to a high-speed, high-quality internet connection that will enable multi-site video conference calling, access to corporate VPN connections and email, streaming of bandwidth-intensive videos, TV, music and more – during all stages of flight.
Viasat is currently going through an ISE with a number of Gulfstream G280 operators through January 2020. Viasat’s Ka-band solution is expected to be available as a customer option in the first quarter of 2020.
“Achieving STC approval demonstrates the flight worthiness of Viasat's Ka-band in-flight connectivity equipment for use on super-midsize business jets,” said Claudio D’Amico, business area director, Business Aviation, Viasat. “In working with Gulfstream we are now ready to bring faster internet speeds, more capacity for streaming and a forward-compatible connectivity solution to the skies. This system will allow any G280 owner to have an onboard internet access system with exceptional quality, performance and speed. Initial operator feedback from the ongoing evaluations has been positive, and we are excited to make Viasat’s Ka-band solution available to all G280 customers in the first quarter of 2020.”
The Viasat business aviation in-flight connectivity solution uses Viasat’s Global Aero Terminal 5510, which will tap into the ViaSat-1, ViaSat-2 and European Ka-band satellite platforms, and is expected to be forward-compatible with Viasat's future-generation satellite constellation, ViaSat-3.
Viasat's Global Aero Terminal 5510 is an optimal connectivity solution for super-midsize cabin business jets due to its compact size, while offering speeds up to 16 Mbps on its entry level service plan. With only three line-replaceable units (LRUs), the Viasat Global Aero Terminal 5510 provides distinctive advantages: it does not require space in the baggage compartment as it can be installed in the non-pressurized areas of the aircraft, and it lowers overall installed system weight compared to many competing offerings, which can potentially offer fuel savings.
For more information on Viasat's in-flight internet system for business aviation, please visit Viasat online here or visit the Company at NBAA 2019 this week in Las Vegas (Booth #C9020).
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For more than 30 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate.
Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections to impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat, visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat’s Corporate Blog, or follow the Company on social media at: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements about the benefits of Viasat’s business aviation in-flight connectivity system including the performance, speed, reliability, availability of the Global Aero Terminal 5510 as a line-fit option and forward-compatibility. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with satellite failures, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in performance; product defects; manufacturing issues or delays; regulatory issues; and technologies that do not perform according to expectations.
In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Copyright © 2019 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
