Gogo has received EASA STC approvals for its Plane Simple Ka-band tail-mount antenna system on Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X aircraft.

The STC modification, obtained in collaboration with Dassault Falcon Jet in Le Bourget, France, has already led to the installation of the Ka-band terminal on a privately owned Falcon 7X. The system complements existing onboard L-band and SwiftBroadband solutions to further bolster connectivity throughout the aircraft.

With the certification, all Falcon 7X and 8X operators equipping airframes with the Ka-band terminal gain access to global high-speed connectivity through the Viasat next-gen Ka-band GX network. The constellation optimises satellites and terminals designed with dual polarisation capability, enabling on-the-ground broadband speeds at altitude, allowing multiple passengers to access video streaming, conferencing, email, voice calling and multiple digital applications simultaneously.

“The aircraft is known for its advanced technology, which delivers impressive performance parameters and supports seamless long-range global operations. With the equipping of the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal, passengers regularly flying lengthy international routes will have access to reliable, consistent high-speed connectivity to support productivity, entertainment and relaxation through all phases of the flight,” says Gogo COO Michael Skou Christensen. “The Plane Simple terminals, which are purpose-built for business aviation, not only enhance onboard wi-fi speeds but deliver access to the Gogo ecosystem of hardware, software, ground infrastructure, cybersecurity and award-winning 24/7/365 customer support.”

The retrofit installation requires just two line-replaceable units: the tail-mount antenna and the SDR Gateway router. The system also supports straightforward upgrade pathways for future enhancements.

The EASA STC covers government, executive and private Falcon 7X and 8X aircraft. Gogo expects certification approvals from the FAA, Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to follow.

The Plane Simple Ka-band terminal is now available for installation through Dassault and its ASC network, and Gogo already reports significant interest from operators in Europe and beyond.