FAA and EASA Approve Viasat’s Ka-band In-Flight Connectivity System for Bombardier Challenger 300-Series Aircraft

Rhea-AI Summary

Bombardier has received regulatory approval for the installation of Viasat’s Ka-band in-flight connectivity system on Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft, enhancing in-flight internet speeds. This approval, issued by the FAA and EASA, allows operators to benefit from the fastest available connectivity in the super midsize segment.

With this installation, Bombardier enhances its worldwide support network, offering improved cabin experiences and connectivity for passengers and crew.

Positive

• Regulatory approval received from FAA and EASA for Viasat's Ka-band system.
• Enhances in-flight connectivity speed for Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft.
• Improves passenger experience and supports business-critical activities like video conferencing.

Negative

• None.

• Certification enables operators of Bombardier Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft to benefit from Viasat’s fastest available download speeds in the super midsize segment
  
  
• Bombardier continues to enhance available services for customers via its growing worldwide support network

MONTREAL and CARLSBAD, Calif., April 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier and global communications company Viasat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT) are pleased to announce regulatory approval for the installation and use of Viasat’s Ka-band in-flight connectivity (IFC) business aviation system on in-service Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft, for their fastest available download speeds in the super midsize segment. This solution is also offered for new Challenger 350 business jets, further strengthening the aircraft’s winning combination of performance and cabin experience. Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) have been successfully received from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Viasat first announced it would bring enhanced cabin connectivity to Bombardier Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 business jets in July 2020. Regulatory approval clears the way for operators of those aircraft to have Viasat’s Ka-band Global Aero Terminal 5510 installed for a premier in-cabin internet experience over the most heavily travelled flight routes and regions. Installation of the Viasat system will be available at Bombardier’s worldwide network of service centres.

“Bombardier is excited to offer customers the Viasat Ka-Band system, which provides enriched in-flight connectivity for passengers and crew in all phases of flight,” said Elza Brunelle-Yeung, Senior Director of Products, Pricing and Digital for Bombardier’s Service and Support, and Corporate Strategy organization. “This enhanced connectivity further elevates the unmatched cabin experience and smooth ride aboard our Challenger 300-series aircraft.”

With recent announcements highlighting the rapid growth of Bombardier’s worldwide support network, including in Melbourne and Berlin, the introduction of several exciting new products and services and the latest developments in the Smart Link Plus program, Bombardier continues to build on its commitment to provide customers with the best service experience in the industry today.

Claudio D’Amico, Viasat’s business area director, Business Aviation, added: “Achieving STC approval for the Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft enables Challenger operators to take advantage of Viasat’s ‘no speed limit’ Ka-band IFC service – our fastest, most robust business aviation IFC offering in the super midsize business jet market. Our service supports business-critical productivity capabilities including video conferencing and VPN access, as well as simultaneous use of entertainment apps including video and audio streaming.”

Today, the Viasat Global Aero Terminal 5510 terminal communicates with Viasat’s ViaSat-1, ViaSat-2 and KA-SAT satellite platforms, and is expected to be forward-compatible with Viasat’s next-generation satellite system. Forward-compatibility will allow customers to install the Viasat shipset and subscribe to a Viasat service package today, with assurances that they can access additional satellite capacity and expanded coverage once the ViaSat-3 constellation is launched and operational.

For more information about Viasat’s business aviation solutions, please visit: www.viasat.com/business-aviation or reach out to: business-aviation@viasat.com.

For more information regarding the installation of the Viasat Ka-band connectivity system on Bombardier Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft, please contact service.sales@aero.bombardier.com.

About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For more than 30 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections to impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat, visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat's Corporate Blog, or follow the Company on social media at: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.

About Bombardier
Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, creating innovative and game-changing planes. Our products and services provide world-class experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, Bombardier is present in more than 12 countries including its production/engineering sites and its customer support network. The Corporation supports a worldwide fleet of approximately 4,900 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments and private individuals.

News and information is available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements about the experience passengers and crew can expect on Bombardier Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft; and the forward-compatibility of Viasat’s Global Aero Terminal 5510 with its ViaSat-3 satellite system. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: our ability to successfully implement our business plan for our broadband services on our anticipated timeline or at all; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key suppliers, and technologies that do not perform according to expectations. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. 
Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Notes to Editors
Visit the Bombardier Business Aircraft website for more information on our industry-leading products and services. Follow @Bombardierjets on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Business Aircraft. To receive our press releases, please visit the RSS Feed section.

Copyright © 2021 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

“No speed limits” means that there is no cap set on the speed delivered to a terminal. Speeds may still be limited by terminal equipment capabilities, network and environmental conditions, and other factors.

Bombardier, Challenger, Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 are unregistered or registered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

For Information
Bombardier
Louise Solomita
+ 1 514-855-5001 ext. 25148
Louise.Solomita@aero.bombardier.com

Viasat Inc.
Scott Goryl	Paul Froelich/Peter Lopez
External Communications	Investor Relations
+1 760-893-2796 Scott.Goryl@viasat.com	+1 760-476-2633 IR@viasat.com

FAQ

What is the significance of the Viasat Ka-band approval for Bombardier's Challenger aircraft?

The approval allows the installation of high-speed in-flight connectivity on Challenger 300 and 350 aircraft, enhancing their market competitiveness.

Which organizations approved the installation of Viasat's connectivity on Bombardier aircraft?

The installation received approval from the FAA (U.S. Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency).

How does the Viasat Ka-band system improve the Challenger 300 and 350 aircraft?

It offers the fastest available download speeds in the super midsize segment, enhancing the in-flight internet experience.

What does the Viasat Ka-band system enable for Challenger aircraft operators?

It enables operators to utilize business-critical applications such as video conferencing and streaming during flights.