Nearly nine months after Viasat announced it would offer Ka-band connectivity on Bombardier Challenger 300s and 350s, the satcom provider has received STCs from the FAA and EASA for these super-midsize business jets. The STCs allow the installation of Viasat’s Ka-band Global Aero Terminal 5510 at Bombardier service centers.

“Achieving STC approval for the Challenger 300 and 350 enables operators to take advantage of Viasat’s ‘no speed limit’ Ka-band IFC service—our fastest, most robust business aviation IFC offering in the super-midsize business jet market,” said Viasat business area director of business aviation Claudio D’Amico. “Our service supports business-critical productivity capabilities, including videoconferencing and VPN access, as well as simultaneous use of entertainment apps including video and audio streaming.”

Viasat’s terminal communicates with its ViaSat-1, ViaSat-2, and KA-SAT satellite platforms and is expected to be forward-compatible with its next-generation satellite system, allowing customers to install the Viasat hardware and subscribe to its service with assurances that they can access additional satellite capacity and expanded coverage once the ViaSat-3 constellation is launched and operational. ViaSat-3 launch is scheduled for 2022.