EASA and FAA Approve Viasat’s Ka-band IFC for Bombardier Challenger 300-Series Aircraft

Viasat has received regulatory approval for the installation and use of its Ka-band in-flight connectivity (IFC) business aviation system on in-service Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft.

The solution is also offered for new Challenger 350 business jets.

Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) have been successfully received from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Viasat first announced it would bring enhanced cabin connectivity to Bombardier Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 business jets in July. Regulatory approval clears the way for operators of those aircraft to have Viasat’s Ka-band Global Aero Terminal 5510 installed for a premier in-cabin internet experience over the most heavily travelled flight routes and regions. Installation of the Viasat system will be available at Bombardier’s worldwide network of service centres.

“Bombardier is excited to offer customers the Viasat Ka-Band system, which provides enriched in-flight connectivity for passengers and crew in all phases of flight,” said Elza Brunelle-Yeung, Senior Director of Products, Pricing and Digital for Bombardier’s Service and Support, and Corporate Strategy organization. “This enhanced connectivity further elevates the unmatched cabin experience and smooth ride aboard our Challenger 300-series aircraft.”

Today, the Viasat Global Aero Terminal 5510 terminal communicates with Viasat’s ViaSat-1, ViaSat-2 and KA-SAT satellite platforms, and is expected to be forward-compatible with Viasat’s next-generation satellite system.

Forward-compatibility will allow customers to install the Viasat shipset and subscribe to a Viasat service package today, with assurances that they can access additional satellite capacity and expanded coverage once the ViaSat-3 constellation is launched and operational.

Claudio D’Amico, Viasat’s business area director, Business Aviation, said, “Achieving STC approval for the Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft enables Challenger operators to take advantage of Viasat’s ‘no speed limit’ Ka-band IFC service – our fastest, most robust business aviation IFC offering in the super midsize business jet market. Our service supports business-critical productivity capabilities including video conferencing and VPN access, as well as simultaneous use of entertainment apps including video and audio streaming.”

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