How Modern Business Jets Keep You Online Above the Clouds

Business aviation has come a long way from the days when flying meant being completely cut off from the world below. What started as a nice-to-have feature has become essential for today’s executives and travelers who want to stay productive during flight.

The Challenge of High-Speed Internet in the Sky

Think about it: you’re cruising at nearly 600 mph, miles above the earth, and you expect the same internet speed you get in your office. That’s no small feat. Engineers have had to solve some pretty complex problems to make this work.

The aircraft is constantly moving, which creates what’s called Doppler shift (the same phenomenon that makes an ambulance siren change pitch as it passes by). Satellites have to track the plane, compensate for this movement, and maintain a strong signal through changing weather conditions and atmospheric interference.

Today’s systems can deliver speeds of 50 Mbps or more, fast enough for video calls, large file transfers, and multiple passengers browsing simultaneously. Getting there required teams of radio frequency engineers, software developers, and aviation specialists working together to turn complex theory into reliable, flight-certified equipment.

The Technology Behind the Connection

There are several satellite communication systems available, each with its own characteristics and advantages.

Ka-band systems (26.5–40 GHz) offer the highest data speeds, ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications, though they require precise antenna alignment and may be affected by heavy rain.

Ku-band (12–18 GHz) strikes a solid balance between speed and reliability, making it a popular choice for many operators.

L-band (1–2 GHz) provides global coverage using compact, lightweight antennas, but with lower data throughput.

JetSupport supports and supplies all of these systems, allowing us to deliver tailored connectivity solutions based on your operational profile and mission requirements.

Connectivity Options for Business Aviation

We’ve partnered with the industry’s top connectivity providers to give our clients the best options:

Honeywell (in cooperation with Viasat)

• JetWave X | Ka-band (Viasat GX, GEO)
  
  High-speed global broadband ideal for video streaming, VPNs, and real-time data. Designed for seamless installation and optimal performance during long-haul operations.
• SwiftJet | L-band (Inmarsat via Viasat, GEO)
  
  Offers consistent global coverage with moderate speeds, ideal for light internet use, messaging, and voice communication.

Iridium Certus

• L-band (LEO)
  
  Delivers truly global coverage via a constellation of 66 low-Earth orbit satellites. While speeds are modest, it’s a highly reliable solution for cockpit connectivity and basic cabin data, with compact hardware and lower installation impact.

Collins Aerospace

• LuxStream | Ku-band (SES, GEO)
  
  Provides high-speed, global internet optimized for large-cabin aircraft and heavy data demands. Built-in error correction ensures a stable connection in varying conditions.
• IRT NX | L-band (Iridium Certus, LEO)
  
  Lightweight and low-drag, this system supports both cockpit safety services and basic passenger connectivity, with minimal power consumption.

Gogo Business Aviation

• Gogo Galileo | Ku-band (OneWeb, LEO)
  
  Offers low-latency, high-speed internet with two antenna options:
  • HDX: Up to 60 Mbps for all aircraft types
  • FDX: Up to 195 Mbps for larger aircraft
    
    Seamlessly integrates with Gogo AVANCE platforms for quick upgrades and simplified installation.

Airtext

Affordable, easy-to-install options for SMS and email messaging via Iridium L-band.

• Airtext LT & LT+: Portable solutions for smaller aircraft or occasional use
• Airtext+: Fully installed system with support for voice, text, and email — up to 22 users.

Starlink Aviation

• Ku-band (LEO constellation by SpaceX)
  
  Delivers high-speed, low-latency internet with speeds up to 350 Mbps and latency as low as 25ms globally. Available even over oceans and remote regions where traditional connectivity fails. Supports streaming, video conferencing, and cloud-based applications for multiple users simultaneously. Built with flat-panel antennas and advanced satellite technology, Starlink Aviation provides reliable inflight connectivity that keeps pace with ground-based performance.

Tailored Solutions for Every Aircraft

We work across popular business aircraft including Bombardier Challenger and Global series, Dassault Falcons, the entire Cessna Citation family, and Embraer Phenom jets. Each requires a custom approach based on the aircraft’s unique characteristics and the owner’s specific needs.

Certified Excellence

Our work is backed by certifications from EASA, FAA, and Transport Canada. We maintain facilities in Amsterdam, Paris, Nice, and Munich, strategically positioned to serve European business aviation with both planned installations and emergency support when aircraft are grounded with connectivity issues.

Making It Work for You

Our approach is straightforward: understand how you use your aircraft, analyze what connectivity solution fits your mission, and implement it efficiently. We’ve built relationships with all the major equipment manufacturers, which means we can often complete installations faster and with less disruption to your schedule. A satcom installation can even be carried out during scheduled maintenance, helping to reduce overall downtime.

The technology keeps advancing, but our focus remains the same: keeping you connected when and where you need it most.

For specific questions about connectivity options for your aircraft, contact our team at sales@jetsupport.nl or visit our engineering facility at Schiphol Airport for a detailed consultation.