How JetWave Changed the Face of Satellite Communications

Two decades ago, business jet passengers pretty much disconnected from the world the minute they buckled their seatbelts. It was the “dark ages” of inflight communications, because you were essentially cut off from the outside world, delaying your ability to make decisions and keep information flowing.

Back then, you were limited to working on an offline laptop or tablet, reviewing paperwork or catching up on your reading. Your entertainment options were generally whatever was preloaded on your computer or available on the cabin entertainment system.  

JetWave Leads Passengers Out of the Dark Ages

The dark ages officially ended in 2015 when Honeywell introduced JetWave in partnership with the GX satellite network from Inmarsat (now Viasat). 

JetWave was a game-changer, delivering internet speeds 10 to 20 times faster than the most popular systems of the day. For the first time, passengers could enjoy high-speed internet access from block-to-block, over land or water – virtually anywhere on the planet. 

With JetWave, business travelers could stay connected, sign in to company networks, send and receive emails, upload and download large files, hold video conferences and stream live video – on the tarmac or at 45,000 feet. Essentially, it created a virtual office or living room in the sky.   

Today's JetWave is Better Than Ever 

Over the last 10 years, Honeywell’s engineers have made JetWave faster, more reliable and more global than ever before. 

Before JetWave, satellite communication speed was measured in the hundreds of kilobits. JetWave was the first to offer committed data rates, delivering speeds up to 40 Mbps, ensuring users always have the speed they need to stay connected.

The JetWave product line has continued to expand. About two years ago, we introduced JetWave MCX to meet the unique needs of military, government and VVIP widebody aircraft operators. JetWave MCX provides secure access to both civilian and government satellite networks, enabling mission-critical applications. Today, JetWave powers connectivity for more than 2,000 aircraft around the world.

Honeywell Forge complements the JetWave offerings with flexible airtime service plans and subscription options and features that enhance the connectivity experience while managing costs.

JetWave X: The Future of Aviation Connectivity 

Honeywell is committed to evolving and supporting the current-generation of JetWave for many years to come. Today, it’s the best-performing satellite communications system for business aviation. But we’re not stopping there.

Our innovative team of Futureshapers is getting ready to introduce the next member of the JetWave family – JetWave X.

JetWave X will connect to all Viasat satellites, including those in the powerful new Viasat 3 network, as well as future Ka-band networks. JetWave X will deliver download speeds of up to 200 Mbps in busy flight corridors, with multi-network capabilities that dramatically reduce the likelihood of dead zones during flights.

A Remarkable Evolution 

Looking back, it’s truly astonishing how far aircraft connectivity has come. We’ve transitioned from the days of spotty connections, limited access and inconsistent performance to a world in which high-speed internet allows us to stay connected, productive and entertained anywhere we fly. 

The future of in-flight connectivity is incredibly exciting, and with innovations like JetWave X on the horizon, the sky is no longer the limit.