The Bombardier WAVE (Wireless Access Virtually Everywhere) wi-fi solution has been awarded an STC from Transport Canada. The system enables passengers to browse the internet, stream online media and stage video conferences above land and water. It is available as an option for new Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft and will also be offered as an upgrade option on in-service Global aircraft.
The certification was achieved following rigorous tests on Bombardier’s Global aircraft that showed that Bombardier WAVE, using Honeywell Aerospace’s JetWave hardware, would stay connected to Inmarsat’s next-generation Jet ConneX satellite solution at various altitudes, angles and speeds, through several types of weather and over land and water.
“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,” said Paul Sislian, chief operating officer, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The high-quality performance of the system is the result of countless hours of dedicated teamwork between all three companies.”
“The certification of Honeywell’s JetWave hardware will enable Bombardier business jet operators to access truly global high-speed inflight wi-fi that they need to stay productive and entertained,” said Kristin Slyker, vice president, business and general aviation, Honeywell Aerospace. “This is a game-changing moment for business aviation as passengers will now be able to consistently stay connected to fast and consistent wi-fi even when they are flying over water on long-haul flights.”
“Connectivity is the number-one cabin service requirement in business aviation and Bombardier WAVE meets passenger expectations for reliable high-speed broadband with global coverage,” said Kurt Weidemeyer, vice president of business aviation at Inmarsat. “Jet ConneX is a vital component in this solution, powered by our new constellation of Ka-band satellites, and we offer Committed Information Rates for the duration of each flight to ensure customers get what they are paying for, wherever they are in the world.”
March 24, 2016
