The FAA has 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.

With Viasat's ka-band service, 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 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, take off and landing.

"The combination of our high capacity satellite network and our compact and lightweight hardware allows us to offer incredible speeds," says Viasat business area director, business aviation Claudio D'Amico. "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 its only fitting to now offer Viasat's Ka-band IFC solution to Falcon operators," adds Dassault senior VP and COO Remy St-Martin. "We're excited to make this system available through the worldwide Dassault MRO network."

Viasat's Global Aero Terminal 5510, a hardware kit that enables high speed broadband in-flight connectivity, communicates with its Ka-band satellite network, which covers over 90 per cent of the business aviation routes, and will be forward compatible with the company's next generation Viasat-3 constellation.

Completing the terminals and the 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 feature uncapped data coupled with 'No Speed Limit' Ka-band IFC.