Global

Bombardier Business Aircraft has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) from Transport Canada (TC) for its Wireless Access Virtually Everywhere (WAVE) in-flight connectivity and productivity solution.

Providing Ka-band Wi-Fi services, the new system helps business aviation passengers to access the internet, stream online media and hold in-flight video conferences.

Following the TC approval, the WAVE service will now be accessible as an option for new Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft customers. It will also be provided as an upgrade option on the existing in-service Global aircraft.

Bombardier said that the certification was obtained after conducting extensive flight hours and tests aboard the company’s Global aircraft.

The WAVE implements Honeywell Aerospace’s JetWave™ hardware to provide high-speed broadband access via Inmarsat’s next-generation Jet ConneX satellite at different altitudes, angles and speeds, through various weather types, and over land and water.

"The high-quality performance of the system is the result of countless hours of dedicated teamwork between all three companies."

Bombardier Business Aircraft chief operating officer Paul Sislian said: "This is an important milestone, as Bombardier is the first business aircraft manufacturer to make ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi services available inflight globally and the first to offer performance commitments for network availability and speed.

"The high-quality performance of the system is the result of countless hours of dedicated teamwork between all three companies."

Last November, Bombardier stated that testing and validation for its WAVE solution in business aviation was approaching completion after several tests aboard the Global aircraft experimental test bed.

Image: Bombardier receives supplemental type certificate (STC) for WAVE solution. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.