Satellite communications company Viasat has reached a milestone for its JetXP business aviation in-flight broadband service, following recent test flights that successfully connected the Global Aero Terminal (GAT) 5510 to a Viasat-3 satellite for the first time.

An initial five-hour flight from San Diego to Hawaii, operated using a Gulfstream G280 aircraft, delivered an enhanced connectivity experience that exceeded all performance targets for consistency, reliability and speed. The results were repeated soon afterwards with a second flight operated using a Gulfstream G-III aircraft.

This latest innovation was enabled by a new software upgrade for the GAT-5510 terminal that can be downloaded over-the-air and configured remotely on aircraft. Viasat has now finalised network tests and is working with partners and customers on fleet-wide deployments of the upgrade later this month.

The addition of Viasat-3 capacity over North America and Hawaii is the latest step in Viasat's commitment to continue enhancing in-flight connectivity standards for super-mid and large-cabin jets. It is delivering on this promise by optimising its satellite network assets and management tools, which are complemented by the white-glove customer service and 24/7 support of its distribution partners, Collins Aerospace, Gogo and Honeywell.

The compact GAT-5510 terminal has been activated on over 250 private jets and already provides a high-performance service with uncapped speeds over North and Central America, the Caribbean, North Atlantic flight tracks and Europe, with expanded coverage into the Middle East and South America unveiled last month. It is available as both a linefit option on Gulfstream G280s, Bombardier CL3500s and Embraer Praetors or a retrofit through Viasat's authorised dealers, with supplemental type certificate (STCs) on several popular large cabin airframes.

Kai Tang, head of business aviation at Viasat, says: “Business aviation customers have been eager to utilise our Viasat-3 capacity for some time, and we're now on the cusp of delivering that breakthrough. Our recent test flight has marked an important milestone; it was the first connection between a business aviation terminal and the satellite, and we exceeded all key performance benchmarks to deliver an even greater connectivity experience.

“This is a major step forward in elevating business aviation in-flight connectivity, especially for super-midsized jets, one of the fastest-growing segments in our portfolio. Demand in this space is being driven by large fleet operators who rely on seamless, high-performance connectivity to support the most data-hungry applications. These capabilities are especially critical on long-haul flights, including busy routes between North America and Hawaii, where passengers need to stay productive and connected from takeoff to touchdown. As this milestone shows, we're committed to anticipating and exceeding the evolving needs of our customers worldwide.”