Switzerland-based QCM Design, a Part 21 Design Organisation, has received EASA STC approval for a QCM Design-developed Gogo Galileo HDX antenna for Bombardier Global series aircraft. The system enables global, high-speed, uninterrupted connectivity with consistent speeds up to 60Mbps via the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO satellite network.

The STC, developed in collaboration with Gogo and German Part 145 ACC Columbia Jet Service, covers the Bombardier BD700-1A10 (Global Express, XRS, 6000 and 6500) and BD700-1A11 (Global 5000 and 5500). Approval from other regulators, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), is expected to follow the initial EASA approval.

“We are extremely proud to confirm this STC and look forward to working with Gogo customers seeking to upgrade their existing Gogo connectivity services or take the first step in installing this innovative new technology,” says Christian Schusser CEO of QCM Design. “The compact ESA and simplicity of the hardware installation belie the power of its connectivity provision. We know that Global series aircraft owners will welcome reliable, consistent high-speed broadband services to keep them continuously productive and entertained as they travel.”

As part of the STC certification, ACC Columbia Jet Service completed the installation of the fuselage mount electronically steered antenna (ESA) at its new facility in Hannover. The installation on the privately owned/charter fleet Bombardier Global 5000, operated by Skyside, the Austria-based charter and aircraft management company, builds on ACC Columbia's existing relationship with Gogo. ACC Columbia was the first European MRO to install the Plane Simple Ku-band system on a Global Express in Europe.

The Austrian-registered aircraft is expected to be the first of several Globals upgraded under the new STC. Modified with Avance SCS in the summer of 2024, with the addition of the Gogo Galileo HDX antenna, it will add ultra-fast, global, low latency connectivity with consistent speeds in the 45-60Mbps range via the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit satellite network. Gogo Galileo, combined with the already activated Gogo Vision 360 as part of the installed Avance SCS package, will provide the customer with market-leading connectivity and IFE provision.

Customers can now pre-order the installation for their Bombardier Global business jets from ACC Columbia Jet Service at its Hannover and Cologne/Bonn airport facilities.