Flexjet to install Viasat Ka-band internet on Praetor 600 fleet

Viasat’s high-speed Ka-band in-flight connectivity gives Flexjet customers office-and home-like connectivity from takeoff to touchdown—at speeds typically greater than 20 Mbps

Flexjet and Viasat Inc., a global communications company, announced a partnership. The second-largest fractional operator will install Viasat’s in-flight connectivity (IFC) system on select Flexjet fleets. The deal provides Viasat’s high-speed Ka-band IFC service on Flexjet’s Embraer Praetor 600 super-mid cabin fleet. The aircraft serve transatlantic and domestic European routes. Additionally, the partnership will provide Viasat’s Ku-band IFC service to Flexjet’s Bombardier Global and Gulfstream G450 and G650.

Flexjet will soon take delivery of an Embraer Praetor 600 with Viasat’s Ka-band system. It makes it the first fractional private jet operator to deliver the high-speed connectivity solution in the super-mid category.

With Viasat, Flexjet can provide office-and home-like connectivity from takeoff to touchdown—at speeds typically greater than 20 Mbps. It enables passengers to do the same connected activities in the air as they do on the ground. That includes video, music, and TV streaming, video calls, browsing, email, VPN, and more.

Additionally, Viasat offers uncapped speeds on its Ka-band service. It leverages compact, lightweight hardware paired with Viasat’s high-capacity satellite network. The result is the bandwidth required to meet increasing internet demands for faster speeds and access to more data-rich applications.

Large-cabin fleet upgrades

For Flexjet’s Gulfstream G450, G650, and Bombardier Global aircraft, the Viasat Ku Advanced IFC system will offer faster speeds than the prior system. Passengers and crew will find enhanced connectivity across the world’s most heavily traveled flight routes.

Viasat’s Ku-band system Installations are being handled by Constant Aviation, a Flexjet parent Directional Aviation unit. For these larger aircraft, Viasat’s equipment is designed in a way that offers Flexjet an easy upgrade path from Ku-band to Ka-band.

“When we began evaluating IFC partners to improve our existing connectivity, it became clear that Viasat’s products and services would enhance it on more devices across more of our fleet—which will boost the value of our owners’ flight experiences,” said Flexjet Chief Operating Officer Megan Wolf. “We also appreciated their satellite roadmap—which would ensure the IFC investments we’re making today will meet the increasing data demands of tomorrow.”