The right connections

Want to run the Jet ConneX broadband service on your business jet? Here’s how.

Inflight broadband on business jets is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Business passengers want VIP service in just about everything they do, including their inflight Wi-Fi. It needs to be fast, reliable and consistent – around-the-clock, everywhere and anywhere. Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX fulfils those needs.

It’s the world’s only high-speed broadband service for business jets. Powered by Inmarsat’s wholly-owned Global Xpress satellite network, it uses the Ka-band frequency and spot-beam technology to give business flyers the internet speed and reliability that they’d expect in their office.

The Global Xpress satellite network comprises four satellites that cover the globe. Our next three satellites (GX5, GX6a and GX6b) will all deliver further Ka-band bandwidth, providing additional Global Xpress capacity in regions of highest demand.  The first of these, GX5, is scheduled to launch in 2019. Our newly announced evolution of Global Xpress provides certainty of supply going forward for years to come.

Each current satellite operates 89 highly efficient Ka-band spot beams supplemented by the network’s 24 unique steerable beams. These steerable beams, three times as powerful as spot beams, can direct additional capacity to high-traffic airspace during peak times giving greater ‘regional depth’. It means high traffic routes like the North Atlantic or American East Coast can be covered more effectively.

With several hundred systems already installed and flying, the Jet ConneX service is ready to go. Here’s the hardware that can make it happen.

The equipment

Inmarsat has partnered with Honeywell for its connectivity equipment needs. The following kit helps to create a seamless inflight broadband experience, offering business flyers data rates up to 15Mbps – with the industry’s only data rate guarantee. Installation can be slotted in to fit with regular maintenance or inspection schedules.

The beams are received by Honeywell’s JetWave antenna, mounted on the exterior of the aircraft (tail-mount or fuselage, depending on aircraft type) and protected by a streamlined radome.

Alongside the antenna the KRFU, or Ka-band radio frequency unit, controls and converts the throughput on the antenna, and is a high-power amplifier for transmitting the signal.

The KANDU (Ka-band network data unit) provides power and positioning control to the antenna, and interfaces with the KRFU – it also takes the data through from the antenna to the modem manager.

The MODMAN (modem manager) is the overall system controller – it controls the KRFU and through it the antenna, and provides user interfaces and built-in tests for the whole system.

The Aircraft Personality Module (APM) plugs into the MODMAN and stores airframe and customer specific information for the terminal equipment, such as user operational preferences.

The MODMAN contains the iDirect modem which feeds through to the onboard router providing Wi-Fi  to passengers in the cabin.

The equipment is lightweight – to minimise fuel burn – and robust, which maximises time between maintenance. And, for installation, the receivers can be fitted with standard tools, minimal labour and much less downtime than other terminals. It takes days, not weeks, to get fully connected.

Just like Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network, Jet Connex's onboard hardware is continually being optimised, to ensure private and business jet operators will face the future with confidence. Because business leaders deserve a leading-edge service.

No drop-offs: only reliable connectivity

Thanks to its dual receivers, JetWave enables critical ‘make before break’ handoffs between satellite beams. This is unique. Other solutions have built-in outages every time a terminal needs to be ‘handed off’ between satellites, adding significant service interruption and downtime for users.

Supplemental Type Certificates

STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates) already exist for over 30 aircraft from all major manufacturers. STC updates are issued regularly. 

The equipment is also certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for safety, environmental and installation standards. 

Who do I buy the Jet ConneX service from?

Inmarsat has a global network of four specialist distribution partners (DPs). They offer several package options on a monthly subscription basis which include technical support, billing and services designed to manage usage and optimise bandwidth. They can also help with installation, cyber security and supporting equipment such as Apple TV and Slingbox.

Collins Aerospace/ARINC Direct

Satcom Direct (SD)

Honeywell GoDirect