Geneva, Switzerland, May 29, 2017 – Embraer announced yesterday the selection of Viasat Ka-band technology to power the medium cabin Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 business jets’ high-capacity high-speed data connectivity. The announcement was made during a press conference at the 18th European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland. With this announcement, Embraer becomes the first business aircraft manufacturer to offer line-fit high-capacity high-speed Ka-Band connectivity for medium cabin business jets. The Viasat solution will become available in the second quarter of 2019 for new Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 customers as well as for current customers of these models through a retrofit solution.
“In-flight connectivity is a key aspect of the user experience in business aviation and we are excited to lead the industry with this solution,” said Luciano Froes, Senior Vice President Marketing, Embraer Executive Jets. “By incorporating innovative technologies, higher performance standards, and premium comfort for a superior flight experience, we are delivering true value to our customers.”
Initial Viasat connectivity service speeds are expected to be 16 Mbps, with the potential to increase as Viasat expands its network capacity with additional satellite services. In addition to data connectivity, live TV streaming is expected to be provided for in-flight entertainment.
This Ka-band solution for the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 complements the already operational Gogo AVANCE L5 air-to-ground connectivity system, which has since been installed in both aircraft, allowing Embraer customers to benefit from higher Internet speeds through access to 4G networks. The AVANCE L5 system delivers data rates of up to 9.8 Mbps for downlink, covering the Continental U.S. and portions of Alaska and Canada.
Last year, Embraer also announced the selection of Honeywell to provide Ka-band data connectivity for the Lineage 1000E. Honeywell has since received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) for the installation of its JetWaveTM satellite communications hardware onboard the Lineage 1000E. Certification allows Embraer to significantly enhance the in-flight connectivity available to its operators, as well as to their passengers, pilots and crew.
