Bombardier WAVE Will Be Available On New Aircraft And Via Retrofit In 2016

Bombardier Business Aircraft today announced that testing and validation for the fastest worldwide high-speed in-flight Internet connectivity and productivity solution in business aviation is nearing completion following multiple successful tests aboard its Global aircraft experimental test bed.

Bombardier WAVE (Wireless Access Virtually Everywhere) will leverage the latest in satellite communication technology to provide true worldwide coverage and in-flight Internet access at speeds never before seen in business aviation. Passengers can now stage a videoconference, browse the Internet or stream online shows high above land and water, as seamlessly as they would on the ground.

Bombardier is the first business aircraft manufacturer to make ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi services available in flight globally and the first to offer performance commitments for network availability and speed.

Bombardier brought in a celebrity to introduce the service. Actor William Shatner was the first person to use the system aboard a Bombardier aircraft on his flight between California and Las Vegas. Shatner used the service to download a draft version of a new documentary on which he's been working while in flight. The movie is about a cross-country motorcycle journey with veterans of the Vietnam War called "Ride".

Bombardier WAVE features a wide range of service packages and comes available on new Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft, as well as a retrofit option for Global Express, Global Express XRS, Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft. Bombardier's network of wholly-owned service centres will offer the first retrofit packages as of 2016, followed by progressive availability within the broader authorized service facility network.

"Our Global aircraft can link virtually any key city pair worldwide, non-stop, at close to the speed of sound, and the Bombardier WAVE system is intended to match this performance with its exceptional speed, promise of reliability and worldwide reach," said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "WAVE is a further example of how Bombardier is leading the industry in delivering the ultimate cabin experience to its customers. Passengers will be able to remain truly connected, productive and entertained while in flight."

Bombardier WAVE leverages Honeywell Aerospace's JetWave(TM) hardware and Inmarsat's JetConneX solution to deliver ultra-high-speed access, consistent performance and seamless coverage across the globe. Jet ConneX is powered by Inmarsat's next generation Ka-band satellite constellation, which has steerable beams that can boost bandwidth in high traffic areas and direct capacity where it matters.

"Our JetWave hardware, coupled with Inmarsat's JetConneX solution, is ushering in a new era of connectivity in the skies," said Kristin Slyker, Vice President, Business and General Aviation, Honeywell Aerospace. "The industry continues to demand better, more consistent and faster in-flight Wi-Fi to make the travel experience better and our next generation technology is leading the way to satisfy these demands."

"Passenger demand for in-flight connectivity has fundamentally shifted in recent years and through an important service innovation, such as Bombardier WAVE, using our new Jet ConneX solution and Honeywell's JetWave hardware, the business aviation sector can now meet rising expectations for high-speed, reliable and consistent connectivity on private jets, with worldwide coverage," said Kurt Weidemeyer, Inmarsat Vice President of Business Aviation.

(Source: Bombardier/Honeywell news release. Staff image)

FMI: www.bombardier.com