Bombardier Global

Bombardier Business Aircraft is to use Honeywell Aerospace’s JetWave Ka-Band satellite connectivity platform on its Global business jets.

With this development, Bombardier will become the first business jet manufacturer to use the hardware, which will support Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX service, to provide passengers with high-speed, in-flight connectivity.

Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX is scheduled to enter service in 2015.

The satellite connectivity system will be offered on the Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft, and will also be available as a retrofit option for Global aircraft in service.

Bombardier Business Aircraft president Eric Martel said: "The introduction of this technology allows us to further strengthen the industry-leading cabin experience that we are offering to our customers.

"Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX is scheduled to enter service in 2015."

"They will now experience the same level of connectivity in the air that they have come to expect on the ground without a drop in connectivity performance once they leave their homes or offices."

Honeywell Aerospace Business and General Aviation president Brian Sill said: "The industry is showing a clear desire for high-speed, global, consistent in-flight connectivity and is turning to Honeywell and Inmarsat to deliver it."

In 2012, Honeywell signed a deal with Inmarsat to provide hardware for its Ka-Band GX Aviation connectivity service for the business aircraft.

Separately, Honeywell Aerospace said it will work with Thales to incorporate JetWave hardware with cabin network platforms for Airbus A350XWB and other commercial jets.

Image: JetWave Ka-Band satellite connectivity system will be installed on Bombardier’s Global business jets. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.

Defence Technology