Up Close with Honeywell’s High Speed Internet Solution, Jetwave and JetConnex Services

Getting operators and dealers to experience how Wi-Fi in the air works is always an interesting proposition. It’s even better when it can be done using one of Honeywell’s own aircraft. They get first-hand experience with JetWave Ka-band satellite communications system and Inmarsat’s JetConneX service specifically for business jets. With speeds of up to 15Mbps, Honeywell offers a fast and reliable in-office internet solution that can be experienced at 40,000 feet in the air.

In September 2018, we had the privilege of inviting dealers and operators on board one of Honeywell’s corporate jets in Sydney, Australia. A Gulfstream G650, it is capable of speeds of up to Mach 0.9, fly-by-wire precision, long-range travel, and is equipped with some of Honeywell’s state-of-the-art avionics and satellite communication systems.

For a more personal demonstration, the event was divided into three 90-minute demonstrations. With six to eight attendees at each session, people could listen and speak to the pilots, view the cockpit and generally move around the aircraft – all while downloading a movie, looking at sports channels and/or speaking to family/friends on FaceTime.

“Allowing operators and dealers to experience high speed connectivity on board one of our jets not only gives them a true sense of the current capabilities of JetWave and JetConneX but also opens their minds to the future benefits of the Connected Aircraft, such as predictive and preventative maintenance possibilities with ground staff getting real-time maintenance requirements from the aircraft before it touches down at its next destination,” said Rick Wong, Area Sales Manager for the Pacific region.

“In addition, engaging directly with the pilots allowed them to share their perspective on some of Honeywell’s Forge services that are accessed in real time via the internet and how its services like live Weather, Flight Planning, Pilot Services and more have helped enhance safety, comfort and convenience for all on board.”

The event was held at the ExecuJet fixed-base operator’s premises on Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport. In addition to having a private apron and Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) Services Hangar, the impressive FOB facility features a luxurious interior and amenities for passengers and crew alike. The ultramodern facilities are also manned by a team of highly trained professionals offering seamless, discreet and first-class services.

ExecuJet is also a Honeywell authorized dealer for avionics, connectivity and mechanical services. The company has facilities around the world certified to work on many business jets, conducts many installations/upgrades across a wide variety of platforms and can sell Honeywell Avionics Protection Plans (HAPP). Most recently, they successfully installed their first JetWave system at their South African site.

“Working with Honeywell provided us an opportunity to jointly promote their products and services,” said Grant Ingall, ExecuJet Director of Maintenance. “By utilizing our FBO for such events, we hope to generate more leads for JetWave and other connected services offerings.”