North American operators of new and in-service Globals, Challengers and Learjets will soon have a 4G airborne connectivity option from Bombardier (Booth N6000), the company announced at NBAA 2017. The 4G air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity, via Gogo Business Aviation’s Avance L5 network and hardware, provides enough bandwidth to support high-speed Internet access, video streaming and conferencing and use of personal devices for everyone onboard, according to Gogo and Bombardier. Brad Nolen, v-p of marketing at Bombardier Business Aircraft, noted “faster, more seamless in-flight Wi-Fi is a top priority for our customers.”

Launched in mid-2017, the Gogo Biz 4G network is built on Gogo’s existing ground infrastructure of more than 250 towers. The Avance equipment will also support Gogo's forthcoming Next Gen ATG network, scheduled for service entry in 2018, which will deliver network speeds up of up to 100 Mbps via a new proprietary modem, a new beam-forming antenna and unlicensed spectrum.

The light and compact Avance L5 equipment package will incorporate dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi service and a host of other features, all from a single box. Gogo (Booth C11838) received supplemental type certification and parts manufacturer approval from the FAA for its new dual-directional antennas that support the rebranded Avance L5 (formerly Gogo Biz 4G LRU). In addition to streaming video and audio, Gogo Vision moving-map and entertainment options and personal device use including free on-ground 4G/LTE connectivity in 120 countries, Avance supports cockpit apps including remote diagnostics in flight.

First available for Challengers, installations on new and in-service Bombardiers are slated to commence in later November or early December, said Bill Molloy, v-p of aftermarket sales and commercial strategy. Bombardier and Duncan Aviation (Booth C9125) are collaborating on the installations, which will be performed at Bombardier service centres and Duncan Aviation facilities.

Along with installations on Bombardiers, Gogo and partners are developing STCs for Avance installations on more than 40 bizjet models, while installations on most other models are covered by existing STCs, according to Gogo.