Embraer has become the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to select Viasat’s high-speed, high-capacity Ka-band connectivity solution for its Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 executive jets.
Aircraft will be equipped with Viasat’s Global Aero Terminal 5510, which will tap into the ViaSat-1, ViaSat-2 and European Ka-band satellite platforms today, and will be forward-compatible with Viasat’s future-generation satellite constellation, ViaSat-3 – enabling use of the ViaSat-3 capacity with no additional hardware upgrades. ViaSat-3 is an ultra-high capacity satellite platform, which will be comprised of three ViaSat-3 class satellites offering global coverage. Each ViaSat-3 satellite is expected to deliver one terabit per second capacity, which is more than the total network capacity of the approximately 400 commercial communications satellites in space today – combined
“We are excited to lead the industry with the Viasat solution as it will elevate the user experience for non-stop business connectivity and in-flight entertainment,” said Luciano Froes, senior vice-president, Marketing, Embraer Executive Jets. “By adopting innovative technologies that deliver higher performance, we are adding true value to our customers’ experience.”
The Embraer/Viasat partnership also marks the first Ka-band satellite broadband connectivity linefit selection for a medium cabin business jet. This enables Embraer’s customers to have immediate access to Viasat’s connectivity system directly from the factory. Initial speeds offered are expected to be 16 Mbps; Viasat expects those speeds to increase as it brings more capacity online. In addition, Viasat will offer a live TV streaming feature, which will give passengers the ability to watch live TV, content and entertainment on their portable electronic devices.
Jerry Goodwin, vice president, Network Services, Viasat, added: “We’re very excited about our partnership with Embraer. They have a vision that strongly aligns with ours: to enable Embraer aircraft to have an excellent connectivity experience, exceeding what is available in the market today for any class of business jet. Our capacity-rich satellites are proven to deliver superior internet connections during all phases of flight, ensuring business jet owners can be as productive in the air, as they are in their offices and homes.”
