Viasat has announced that JetXP, its next-generation business aviation connectivity service, has been selected by more than 400 customers since becoming commercially available at the end of 2024. JetXP is powered by Viasat’s Ka-band network.
JetXP is designed to deliver consistent, reliable and seamless global connectivity, complemented by white-glove customer service and 24/7 support of distribution partners Collins Aerospace, Gogo (Satcom Direct) and Honeywell. The service also introduced benefits including uncapped speeds, increased network prioritisation and expanded capacity.
The solution was developed following extensive consultation with customers, partners and research agencies, in addition to detailed analysis of usage trends over recent years. The company shared that the results indicated that expectations around business aviation connectivity have evolved considerably. Viasat said that traditional speed-based plans are “outdated, especially those that advertise a top-speed without details around when, where and how frequently it will be achieved”. The company said the business aviation industry has broadened its focus to the overall experience.
“JetXP offers our best ever inflight broadband experience for business aviation customers and has received a hugely positive response since launching in October last year,” said Kai Tang, head of business aviation at Viasat. “Hundreds of business aviation customers have already signed up and reported an even higher quality of experience and snappier internet, wherever and whenever they fly. While we’re consistently seeing speeds that exceed 100Mbps over Europe and other regions, we are well aware that speed tests are just one element of what makes a superb connectivity experience. Our most sophisticated users recognise that the overall experience matters more than simple speed tests and that’s where JetXP really excels.”
“This sentiment around overall experience has also been reflected by insights from our annual industry survey, which asked business aviation professionals around the world to share their views on inflight connectivity,” Tang continued. “The results found that reliability, coverage, consistency and overall experience – including white-glove customer service and 24/7 global support – are more important factors. This reflects the market’s understanding that beyond a certain bandwidth threshold, high-speed tests do not reflect the actual passenger experience.”
JetXP service plans are available today using the Honeywell JetWave and Gogo Plane Simple Ka-band terminals. JetWave is certified on all large-cabin jets and Viasat said it has established itself as a trusted, proven solution to access Viasat connectivity over the past decade.
The new Gogo Plane Simple Ka-band terminal is also now available for installation and “uses advanced technology and lightweight designs with fewer line-replaceable units to optimise performance, reduce costs, and simplify installation and maintenance”, Viasat said. The Plane Simple Ka-band solution has received STCs for aircraft including Gulfstream’s G650ER, G650, G550, GV and G280, with other key airframes expected in the coming months.
A third terminal, Honeywell JetWave X, is expected to enter service later this year and will deliver a smaller, lighter and more advanced version of the existing JetWave terminal. Suitable for a broad range of aircraft, from super-midsized to large-cabin business jets, JetWave X is designed to offer an easy installation path for operators. Honeywell has already signed a number of strategic linefit and retrofit agreements with leading OEMs for the terminal, including Bombardier and Dassault, with more expected over the course of this year and beyond. The upgrade path for customers migrating from JetWave to JetWave X involves only minor structural and wiring modifications with minimal downtime and disruption, Viasat said.
“JetXP is taking inflight broadband to the next level by unleashing the full power of our global Ka-band network,” said Tang. “As a result, business jet travellers can use even more of their devices simultaneously to access the most data-hungry applications, including high-definition video conferencing, content streaming and bulk file transfers, for an enhanced onboard experience across flight routes, from the busiest airports to the most remote locations.”
“Our continued innovations will keep us one step ahead of customer needs, as they continue to evolve in the long-term,” Tang continued. “What’s equally important is that, while new terminals will advance the ability to make the most of our network, we will continue to support customers with original hardware well into the future.”
“JetXP also plays a key role in harmonising Viasat’s business aviation service offering, following the acquisition of Inmarsat,” Tang added. “Importantly, it brings our legacy Jet ConneX and Viasat Ka services together under one unified brand. And it truly offers the best of both worlds, marrying a range of combined strengths: from our global coverage and powerful capacity to our advanced network management techniques, trusted expertise and world-class innovation. We also continue to invest heavily in customer support for our partners, ensuring they have the best tools and resources necessary to provide a reliable and robust connectivity experience.”
