A Gulfstream G650, is one of the aircraft that has received JetWave installations. Photo: Honeywell Aerospace
This is the second part of a three-part Q&A session with Honeywell Aerospace focused on their support of connectivity for business jets. Brought to you by Honeywell. If you missed the first part of our interview, check it out here.
In the second part of our Q&A, Bret Aldieri, senior manager of cabin connectivity for Honeywell Aerospace discusses regional trends and how business jet operators actually install and start using JetWave.
Can you tell us how the average business jet operator is purchasing JetWave connectivity these days?
In the business jet market, we normally do not sell directly to the operators. While we have salespeople out showing operators how the system works and what value it brings, it typically depends on the region in terms of how they will actually get that connectivity onboard their aircraft and start using it.
As an example, in the African market we might sell through our dealer network that has locations throughout the region or even in some cases through the aircraft OEMs. Those are the folks that complete the installation, an aftermarket dealer, or MRO or the OEM. We help turn on the service once all those transactions are completed.
So Honeywell is not actually performing the installations itself typically?
Honeywell typically does not do the installations; we’re not in the aircraft service business. However, we do have a lot of content, we’ve established a pretty extensive network to support business jets globally.
Has Honeywell introduced any new features or updates to the JetWave hardware since it was first certified?
We’ve had a pretty robust program with a goal of updating the software every year, and we also look for any feedback from operators that give us the opportunity to address any open issues. Currently we have no open items, but at the same time we’re always trying to bring on innovative new features in response to input from customers.
Is Honeywell able to provide those software updates completely remote, or does it require a mechanic or maintenance technician to go out to the aircraft?
The software is available remotely, but it tends to require at least some person to go out to the airframe because you really want to have that process controlled when that occurs. It is a pretty straightforward process for somebody to, board the aircraft and upload the software update from time to time.