[Avionics Today 10-21-2014] ViaSat is improving the performance of its In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) network for General Aviation (GA) customers. The company is increasing network capacity and improving speed for its Yonder Internet service for GA and bringing Exede In The Air to business executives, fractional owners, charter and jet card flyers, and others who rely on GA aircraft.
Cessna Caravan is one of the GA aircraft that could benefit from the improved ViaSat network. Photo: Cessna
According to a statement released by ViaSat, the higher capacity and improved economics of the Ka-band satellite network aim to allow business aircraft passengers to stay connected while en route with the same applications and services they use on the ground. Flight tests have recently validated multiple devices simultaneously using high-bandwidth applications such as multi-site videoconferencing, social media, and live streaming of HD TV and movies while switching between Ku and Ka satellites.
“With more than 500 aircraft on our near-global footprint for Ku-band Yonder service, we’ll continue to meet the needs of ultra-long range business jets while adding Exede Ka-band services for high-density flight routes over North America, Europe, the Mediterranean, and northern Africa,” said Leo Conboy, business area director for ViaSat’s GA division.