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Equipment shipset for new JetWave X satellite communications terminal.
Honeywell Aerospace announced Oct. 20 that its next-generation JetWave X broadband satellite communications (satcom) terminal has entered into service, supporting download speeds of up to 300 Mbps with global coverage.
The JetWave X terminal connects to Viasat’s Ka-band network, including new ViaSat-3 and former Inmarsat Global Xpress geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites. The system’s open architecture is designed to take advantage of the network’s continued growth as future satellites enter service, Honeywell says.
“Business jet owners, operators, flight crews and passengers all benefit from JetWave X’s uninterrupted global connectivity,” said Adam Sheppard, Honeywell Aerospace general manager for services and connectivity. “As the need for high-speed data increases, JetWave X enables aircraft operators to deliver an internet experience that more closely resembles what users expect at home or in the office.”
Honeywell originally provided JetWave terminals as an equipment supplier and value-added reseller for Inmarsat before Viasat acquired Inmarsat in 2023. Viasat has branded its inflight broadband service for business aviation as JetXP.
Viasat plans to integrate Telesat Lightspeed low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite capacity by late 2027 as part of a multi-orbit strategy for JetXP.
“JetWave X is the first terminal able to use our full network: the fully operational ViaSat-3 constellation, which has tripled the bandwidth available across Viasat’s network, together with the proven global coverage of our GX satellites,” said Claudio D’Amico, Viasat vice president for business aviation. “For customers, that means even more capacity, uncapped speeds and increased network prioritization for an enhanced connectivity experience wherever they fly.”
Honeywell’s JetWave X terminal features advanced data control routing software that supports data transmission using Ka-band frequencies over both GEO and LEO satellite networks. The software directs traffic over the optimal link based on application requirements. For latency-sensitive applications like video conferencing, traffic is routed through the lower-latency LEO network.
The software enables “packet duplication” over both links, ensuring continuity of service if one connection is interrupted.
Upgrading aircraft to JetWave X “is fast and affordable,” Honeywell says, because in most cases the new terminal uses existing Ka-band radomes and wiring. Legacy JetWave customers also benefit from a simple upgrade path with a trade-in program when moving to JetWave X.
Operators should check the supplemental type certificate status for their aircraft to understand certification availability and installation readiness, Honeywell advises.
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