Bombardier Business Aircraft will be the launch business aircraft manufacturer for Honeywell Aerospace's etWave Ka-Band satellite connectivity system. Honeywell's JetWave hardware exclusively supports Inmarsat's forthcoming Jet ConneX (JX) service which, when it goes live in 2015, will provide business jet passengers with high-speed, in-flight connectivity virtually anywhere in the world.

Bombardier will be the first business aviation manufacturer to equip JetWave and plans to offer the technology across the Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 7000 and Global 8000 platforms. A retrofit offering will also be available for all Global aircraft currently in service.

“With JetWave securing the backing of a leading business jet manufacturer in Bombardier, we celebrate a major milestone in the evolution of business aircraft connectivity,” said Brian Sill, president, Business and General Aviation, Honeywell Aerospace. “The industry is showing a clear desire for high speed, global, consistent in-flight connectivity and is turning to Honeywell and Inmarsat to deliver it.”

“Our customers want to be online everywhere they go. They will now experience the same level of connectivity in the air that they have come to expect on the ground without a drop in connectivity performance once they leave their homes or offices,” said Eric Martel, president,Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The introduction of this technology allows us to further strengthen the industry-leading cabin experience that we are offering to our customers.”

Honeywell's JetWave hardware will allow passengers to video-conference, send and receive large files and access streaming content while on the move by enabling them to access Inmarsat's JX service. A range of service packages will be available to Bombardier customers, enabling them to select the speed that is right for their operations. In an industry first, each service package will be covered by a minimum service guarantee ensuring passengers experience a remarkable step forward in connectivity when compared to currently available technologies.

In 2012, Honeywell signed an agreement with Inmarsat to be the exclusive hardware provider for its Ka-Band GX Aviation connectivity service, branded Jet ConneX for the business aircraft market. Honeywell is also the master distributor of airtime for the business aviation market, working alongside channel partners Satcom1, Aircell, ARINC Direct, Satcom Direct and OnAir.