Bombardier’s Singapore service center has completed its first installation of a high-speed, Ka-band Internet connectivity system on a Global 6000. In July 2016, the Seletar Airport facility installed its first of the Honeywell JetWave systems on a Global 5000. “Our OEM-owned service centers have become masters of the installation to ensure aircraft are returned to service within a minimum downtime,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, the airframer’s vice president and general manager for customer experience. Bombardier has been working closely with the equipment provider to streamline the installation, so operators can adopt the technology with minimal disruption to their flight schedules. According to the OEM, Ka-band installation on a Global 6000 takes 18 days and fits into Bombardier’s optimized 60-month inspection.

Ka-band technology offers the industry’s fastest in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing passengers to surf the Internet, stream live TV and movies, or conduct a video conference anywhere they fly, as if they were in their home or office. “In Asia-Pacific, business owners and operators are demanding better, faster, and more consistent in-flight Wi-Fi that is identical to what they have on the ground,” noted Andy Gill, Honeywell Aerospace’s regional senior director for business and general aviation. “With Honeywell’s JetWave and GoDirect Cabin services, business jet owners and operators now have the ability to manage usage and bandwidth to be cost effective.”

In 2015 Bombardier became the first OEM to announce plans to offer Ka-band connectivity on its new and in-service aircraft and began deliveries the following year. The Canada-based manufacturer received certification to offer the system on its new and in-service Challengers last year.

“Our customers need to stay connected no matter where they are in the world, and Bombardier continues to lead the industry in offering the most advanced in-flight media experience available today on both its new and in-service aircraft,” explained  Gallagher. “With Ka-band, passengers can remain connected across oceans, at 41,000 feet, and virtually everywhere they fly.”

Bombardier’s Seletar facility is one of nine company-owned service centers worldwide, and is recognized for its retrofit capabilities. The facility provides scheduled and unscheduled maintenance to Bombardier customers in the region, along with AOG support. It has more than quadrupled its engineering and technician staff since it opened in 2014.