Viasat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT), a global communications company, and Dassault Aircraft Services (DAS), today announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the installation and use of Viasat’s Ka-band in-flight connectivity (IFC) business aviation system on Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X aircraft, marking the first time this equipment has been certified for these specific airframes. Viasat’s connectivity solution is available at Dassault Owned Service Centers globally.
With Viasat’s Ka-band service, Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X operators can benefit from similar connectivity in-flight as they do on the ground, typically with speeds greater than 20 Mbps. In fact, some operators with Viasat Ka-band IFC have reported speeds greater than 80 Mbps. That level of connectivity, made possible by Viasat’s satellite network capacity, will allow all connected passengers to enjoy in-flight applications such as video conferencing, streaming video, corporate VPN access, and more during all phases of flight, including taxi, takeoff and landing.
“The combination of our high-capacity satellite network and our compact and lightweight hardware allow us to offer incredible speeds,” said Claudio D’Amico, Viasat’s business area director, Business Aviation. “Our service offers our fastest, most robust business aviation in-flight connectivity solution and supports business-critical productivity capabilities and other data-rich applications while in-flight. We’re delighted to bring a new level of in-flight connectivity to Dassault 7X and 8X operators.”
“Dassault Aircraft Services provides an exceptional level of service in Falcon maintenance, interior refurbishment, avionics upgrades and more, so it’s only fitting to now offer Viasat’s Ka-band IFC solution to Falcon operators,” said Remy St-Martin, Senior VP and COO, Dassault Aircraft Services. “We’re excited to make this system available through the worldwide Dassault MRO network.”
Today, Viasat’s Global Aero Terminal 5510, the innovative hardware kit that enables high-speed, broadband in-flight connectivity, communicates with Viasat’s Ka-band satellite network, which covers over 90 percent of the business aviation routes, and will be forward compatible with the Company’s next generation ViaSat-3 constellation.
Complementing the terminals and the robust satellite network, Viasat recently introduced Viasat Select service packages, connectivity plans that are tailored to match a business aircraft’s specific operational profile. The new service plans include global and regional unlimited plans for as low as $9,995 per month that feature uncapped data coupled with Viasat’s popular “No Speed Limit” Ka-band IFC. Additionally, among other options, there are entry-level service plans newly available, including a $2,795 per month regional plan that delivers Ka-band connectivity at a significant value.
