Business aviation customers using Viasat’s inflight connectivity solution on super-midsize private jets can now benefit from an expansion of coverage into the Middle East and South America.
The service enhancement is available to current and future customers using Viasat’s Global Aero Terminal (GAT) 5510, which already provides connectivity with uncapped speeds over North and Central America, the Caribbean, North Atlantic flight tracks and Europe. The expanded coverage into the Middle East and South America has been delivered by optimising the use of Viasat’s satellite network assets and management tools, with existing customers only requiring an over-the-air software download and remote configuration.
The GAT 5510 terminal is certified on a range of different private jets. Available as a line-fit option on the Gulfstream G280, Bombardier C3500 and Embraer Praetors, it is also a retrofit option through Viasat’s network of authorised dealers, with STCs on several popular airframes.
“Viasat has a successful track record of delivering high-performance connectivity to a large number of super-midsized private jets, allowing passengers to seamlessly access the most data-hungry applications, such as high-definition video conferencing, content streaming and bulk file transfers,” said Kai Tang, head of business aviation at Viasat. “This is a very important segment of our market and has shown significant growth, driven by large fleet operators who have emphasised the importance of coverage into the Middle East and South America. We’ve received extremely positive feedback since responding to that need and look forward to building on this momentum.”
Tang added that other strategic coverage extensions would be announced soon.
“This also marks an important step in harmonising Viasat business aviation solutions following our acquisition of Inmarsat,” said Tang. “As our service for super-midsized private jets continues to evolve, it has also transitioned from its former name of Viasat Ka and is now part of our next generation JetXP inflight connectivity brand. As a result, the total number of JetXP customers now exceeds 600 worldwide, signalling a strong and rapid uptake in the market.”
JetXP – which is powered by Viasat’s Ka-band network – became commercially available at the end of 2024, with the launch of new service plans for Viasat’s legacy Jet ConneX solution. Hundreds of customers have already upgraded to the JetXP service plans, with benefits including uncapped speeds, expanded capacity and increased network prioritisation. Today’s announcement marks another milestone, as customers of the legacy Viasat Ka business aviation service have now also transitioned to JetXP, following the introduction of expanded capacity.
