Honeywell + Inmarsat · GEO Ka-band Satellite
Honeywell JetWave
Honeywell JetWave is the Ka-band hardware platform on most modern business jets. It connects ultra-long-range and large-cabin private jets to Inmarsat's Jet ConneX network. Starlink Aviation is now displacing it on new installs.
JetWave is the antenna, modem, and aircraft-side hardware that connects ultra-long-range and large-cabin business jets to Inmarsat's Jet ConneX Ka-band network. It comes standard on most modern Gulfstream G650, G700, and G800 deliveries, plus Bombardier Global 6000, 7500, and 8000 aircraft, Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X, and Embraer Praetor 600 fleets. NetJets, VistaJet, Clay Lacy Aviation, and Flexjet all run JetWave on their long-haul aircraft. Starlink Aviation is starting to displace JetWave on new installs and retrofits, but JetWave remains the most widely-installed system on private jets delivered in the last decade.
Strengths
- Designed for business aviation, certified across major OEMs
- True global Ka-band coverage, oceans and polar routes included
- Mature hardware with a decade of refinements
Drawbacks
- Starlink is faster and increasingly the preferred new install
- Monthly subscription runs $1,500-7,000 per aircraft
- Latency about 600ms makes video calls a struggle
- Per-tail data is sparse since this is mostly a private-jet system
How fast is Honeywell JetWave in flight?
Around 50 Mbps in flight, latency about 600ms. Streaming, email, and cloud apps work fine. Video calls do not. Coverage is genuinely global. The hardware has been refined over a decade. The drawback is subscription cost. Jet ConneX runs $1,500-7,000 per aircraft per month depending on the data plan, which is why operators are switching to Starlink Aviation (similar monthly cost, 5x the speed) as soon as install slots open.
Is Honeywell JetWave free?
Free to passengers on charter or fractional flights. The operator pays the monthly subscription. NetJets, VistaJet, and other full-service programs include unlimited WiFi in card hours. On owner-flown aircraft, the owner pays the subscription directly.
Honeywell JetWave FAQ
Which private jets have Honeywell JetWave?
Most modern Gulfstream G650, G650ER, G700, and G800; Bombardier Global 6000, 7500, and 8000; Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X; Embraer Praetor 600; and Boeing Business Jet variants. JetWave was the default Ka-band option on factory deliveries of these aircraft from roughly 2017 through 2024.
How fast is Honeywell JetWave?
Around 50 Mbps download. Latency about 600ms. Plenty for streaming, browsing, and cloud apps. Choppy for video calls.
Is JetWave free on private jets?
Free to the passenger. The operator or owner pays a monthly subscription. NetJets, VistaJet, Flexjet, and most full-service operators include WiFi in their pricing.
JetWave vs Starlink for business jets?
Starlink is faster (200+ Mbps vs 50), much lower latency (30ms vs 600), and the monthly cost is similar. New installs and retrofits are increasingly Starlink. JetWave is still the most widely-installed system on the existing private jet fleet.
Which charter operators have JetWave?
NetJets, VistaJet, Flexjet, Clay Lacy Aviation, Solairus Aviation, Jet Aviation, Executive Jet Management, and most premium full-service charter operators. Many are mid-transition to Starlink Aviation.
Is JetWave being retired?
Not retired, just no longer the default for new installs. Inmarsat has confirmed continued service support for Jet ConneX through the end of the decade and beyond. Existing aircraft will keep JetWave for years.
Does JetWave work over the ocean?
Yes. Full global coverage, including polar routes. JetWave was designed for transoceanic business jet operations. Air-to-ground systems like Gogo AVANCE fail past the coast; JetWave does not.
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