The FAA has approved the installation and use of Viasat's Ka-band in-flight connectivity (IFC) system, powered by the Global Aero Terminal 5510, on Dassault Falcon 900EX series aircraft. Effective immediately, Viasat's high speed connectivity solution is available at Dassault owned service centres globally.

With Viasat's Ka-band service, Dassault Falcon 900EX series operators can benefit from similar connectivity in-flight as they do on the ground. In fact, this year Viasat reported a 50 per cent increase in typical connectivity speeds delivered previously to its Ka-band business jet customers. That level of consistent 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.

“Key to offering incredible connectivity speed and performance to Falcon 900EX series operators, as with other aircraft types, is our high-capacity, Ka-band satellite network,” says head of business aviation Kai Tang. “We're focused on delivering even more of a step-change in the pace and scope of future innovation for operators and partners like Dassault Falcon Jet service centres, always with the aim of staying ahead of the speed, flexibility, depth of capacity, coverage and security that today's business aviation customers demand.”

This approval comes as demand for high quality in-flight connectivity continues to accelerate. According to a recent global survey of business aviation professionals, 82 per cent of respondents believe in-flight connectivity is now a passenger expectation, rather than a 'nice to have'. The survey also reinforced that simply having connectivity on board is no longer enough. Passenger expectations have significantly evolved in recent years, especially during the pandemic, as the importance of staying connected, whether for business or leisure purposes, has heightened. As a result, the three most important factors when selecting a connectivity system were: consistent performance, 100 per cent route coverage and high speed.