FAA Approves Viasat’s Ka-band In-Flight Connectivity System for Dassault Falcon 900EX Series Aircraft

Viasat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, and Dassault Falcon Jet, today announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the installation and use of Viasat’s Ka-band in-flight connectivity (IFC) system, powered by the Global Aero Terminal 5510, on Dassault Falcon 900EX series aircraft. Effective immediately, Viasat’s high speed connectivity solution is available at Dassault owned service centers globally.

With Viasat’s Ka-band service, Dassault Falcon 900EX series operators can benefit from similar connectivity in-flight as they do on the ground. In fact, this year Viasat reported a 50 percent increase in typical connectivity speeds delivered previously to its Ka-band business jet customers. That level of consistent connectivity, made possible by Viasat’s satellite network capacity, will allow all connected passengers to enjoy in-flight applications such as video conferencing, streaming video, corporate VPN access, and more during all phases of flight, including taxi, takeoff and landing.

“Key to offering incredible connectivity speed and performance to Falcon 900EX series operators, as with other aircraft types, is our high-capacity, Ka-band satellite network,” said Kai Tang, Head of Business Aviation at Viasat. “We’re focused on delivering even more of a step-change in the pace and scope of future innovation for operators and partners like Dassault Falcon Jet service centers, always with the aim to stay ahead of the speed, flexibility, depth of capacity, coverage and security that today’s business aviation customers demand.”

In-flight Connectivity Demand on the Rise

The FAA’s approval of the installation of Viasat’s Ka-band IFC system on Falcon 900EX series aircraft comes as demand for high quality in-flight connectivity continues to accelerate. According to a recent global survey of business aviation professionals, 82% of respondents believe inflight connectivity is now a passenger expectation, rather than a ‘nice to have’. The survey also reinforced that simply having connectivity onboard is no longer enough. Passenger expectations have significantly evolved in recent years, especially during the pandemic as the importance of staying connected – whether for business or leisure purposes – has heightened. As a result, the three most important factors when selecting a connectivity system, in order, were: consistent performance, 100 percent route coverage and high speed.