Bombardier WAVE high-speed Ka-band Wi-Fi service for Global 5000 and Global 6000 receives Transport Canada certification

Bombardier Business Aircraft announced today that its Bombardier WAVE (Wireless Access Virtually Everywhere) ultra-high-speed in-flight connectivity and productivity solution has been awarded a supplemental type certificate (STC) from Transport Canada (TC).

The new system, which allows business aviation passengers to browse the internet, stream online media and stage a video conference high above land and water as seamlessly as they would at home or in the office, is now available as an option for new Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft customers and will also be offered as an upgrade option on Global aircraft currently in service.

The certification was achieved following extensive flight hours and rigorous tests aboard Bombardier's Global aircraft which showed that Bombardier WAVE, using Honeywell Aerospace's JetWave hardware, would stay connected to Inmarsat's next generation Jet ConneX satellite solution at various altitudes, angles and speeds, through several different types of weather, and over land and water. The certification validates the reliability and capability of Bombardier WAVE to provide passengers with ultra-high-speed broadband access, consistent performance and seamless coverage across the globe.

Global 5000 and Global 6000 business aircraft cabins are specifically designed to provide a highly productive working environment, a key factor in making these aircraft a leading choice for corporations worldwide. Once the aircraft is equipped with this system, customers will be able to use it to enjoy a truly modern office environment anywhere within the coverage network. The service will allow Global aircraft customers to make the most efficient use of their time onboard.

"This is an important milestone, as Bombardier is the first business aircraft manufacturer to make ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi services available inflight globally and the first to offer performance commitments for network availability and speed," said Paul Sislian, chief operating officer, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "The high-quality performance of the system is the result of countless hours of dedicated teamwork between all three companies." 

"The certification of Honeywell's JetWave hardware will enable Bombardier business jet operators to access truly global high-speed inflight Wi-Fi that they need to stay productive and entertained," said Kristin Slyker, vice president, business and general aviation, Honeywell Aerospace. "This is a game-changing moment for business aviation as passengers will now be able to consistently stay connected to fast and consistent Wi-Fi even when they are flying over water on long-haul flights."

"Connectivity is the number one cabin service requirement in business aviation and Bombardier WAVE meets passenger expectations for reliable high-speed broadband with global coverage," said Kurt Weidemeyer, Inmarsat vice president business aviation. "Jet ConneX is a vital component in this solution, powered by our new constellation of Ka-band satellites, and we offer Committed Information Rates for the duration of each flight to ensure customers get what they are paying for, wherever they are in the world."