Estimated reading time 2 minutes, 45 seconds.
The Flying Colours Corp. avionics team has completed its first installation of the Honeywell JetWave Ka-Band satellite communications system. Work on attaching the line replaceable unit’s (LRU’s) radome and tail mounted antenna has just finished at the company’s Peterborough, Ont., facility, making it one of the first Bombardier Aerospace Authorized Service Facilities (ASF) to fit the system. The connectivity upgrade is part of a wider Bombardier Global Express aircraft cabin refurbishment project, which is expected to be completed by the end of July.
The installation of the high-speed data delivery system will ensure that the undisclosed Global customer can enjoy the same level of avionics and connectivity, as purchasers of brand new Bombardier Global aircraft who can select the system as a line fit option.
“Our customer travels extensively for business and needs uninterrupted connectivity globally,” said Eric Gillespie, executive vice-president, Flying Colours Corp. “We advised him to install the Honeywell system as it gives him flexible, high-speed, and modern technology, that will fulfill his need to be continuously connected.”
Ka-Band connectivity delivers ultra-high speed connectivity to the business jet market, and ensures a seamless connectivity experience via Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) Aviation service, which delivers high speed broadband via its global satellite network. The increased data speed enables greater access to live TV and video streaming across multiple on-board devices for business jet users. It also supports uninterrupted Wi-Fi enabled email, web browsing, video conferencing, data file transfers, and voice and text capabilities.
“We are pleased to be able to maximize our status as an ASF to offer and fit these state-of-the-art avionics systems,” said Gillespie. “As an increasing number of owners of mid- to long-range aircraft want to upgrade their connectivity, we are well positioned to provide the service through our in-house avionics experience and knowledge.”
The avionics upgrade forms just one part of a major overhaul for the Global Express aircraft which included a pre-buy review, maintenance inspections, full interior and exterior refurbishment, IFE upgrades, and a floorplan modification.
