Honeywell Aerospace on Tuesday launched its next-generation in-flight connectivity platform for business aviation.
The company said JetWave X, an upgrade to its JetWave satellite communications system that arrived in 2017, has entered service and is now available for order. Customers can contact Honeywell or authorized third-party channels to determine the installation timeline and availability for specific aircraft models. They can also independently check the supplemental type certificate (STC) status for their aircraft as the rollout progresses.
“Business jet owners, operators, flight crews, and passengers all benefit from JetWave X’s uninterrupted global connectivity,” said Adam Sheppard, general manager for services and connectivity at Honeywell Aerospace, in a news release. “As the need for high-speed data increases, JetWave X enables aircraft operators to deliver an internet experience that more closely resembles what users expect at home or in the office.”
According to its website, Honeywell is targeting STCs for the following business aircraft in 2026:
- Boeing BBJ 737
- Bombardier Challenger 300/350/3500
- Bombardier Challenger 601/604/650
- Bombardier Global 5000/5500
- Bombardier Global 6000/6500
- Bombardier Global 7500
- Dassault Falcon 10X
- Dassault Falcon 2000
- Dassault Falcon 6X
- Dassault Falcon 7X
- Dassault Falcon 8X
- Dassault Falcon 900
- Embraer Praetor 500/600
- Gulfstream G500
- Gulfstream G550
- Gulfstream G600
- Gulfstream G650
- Gulfstream G700
- Gulfstream G800
- Textron Cessna Longitude
The company has agreements with Dassault to line-fit and retrofit JetWave X on Falcon jets, and with Gulfstream to certify the system for the GIV, GV, G450, G500, G550, G600, G650 and G700. It also announced Monday a JetWave X Hatch Mount Antenna (HMA) for C-130 operators, supporting enhanced communications for military aircraft.
What Is JetWave X?
Claudio D’Amico, vice president of OEMs, partners, and fleets for business aviation at Viasat, said JetWave X is the first terminal able to use its full network and will provide “even more capacity, uncapped speeds, and increased network prioritization for an enhanced connectivity experience.”
The platform connects to Viasat’s satellite network—including its ViaSat-3 Ka-band, marking a first in business aviation—to provide consistent global coverage and up to 300 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed. The architecture is also designed to tap into legacy Global Xpress satellites and connect with future satellites as they launch.
A connectivity management system combines multiple satellite and air-to-ground links at different orbital altitudes into a single onboard network. It automatically prioritizes traffic by application type, tailoring bandwidth to different user groups and activities, such as streaming or video conferencing. The system is also designed to react in real time to outages or coverage gaps.
According to Honeywell, the upgrade to JetWave requires only minor structural and wiring modifications, which will make it fast and affordable for existing customers, who can take advantage of a trade-in program and other perks. The company is also offering incentives for early JetWave X adopters, including service discounts and one year of free data link.
According to Honeywell’s 35th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook, which has expanded to include turboprops and personal jets, the company projects about 14,000 total business aircraft deliveries, a 29 percent global fleet expansion, and a 34 percent rise in flight hours through 2035.
The outlook found that Europe accounts for 13 percent of global flight activity despite comprising about 10 percent of the global fleet, “reflecting the importance of cross-border connectivity.” Honeywell said the survey “helped to identify opportunities for investments” in enhanced aircraft connectivity offerings, among other areas, meaning there could be more to come.
