Pilatus has introduced Gogo Galileo as a factory-installed connectivity option for the PC-24 business jet, bringing global high-speed internet access through the OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.
The system has received certification from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), allowing it to enter service on new aircraft. Existing PC-24s can also be retrofitted with the equipment.
Unlike several recently announced business aviation connectivity solutions that rely on SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, Gogo Galileo uses the OneWeb network, offering operators an alternative provider for broadband internet during flight.
Pilatus said the installation was designed to minimize aerodynamic penalties. The antenna fairings were integrated into the airframe to reduce drag while preserving the aircraft’s takeoff performance, climb capability and cruise speed.
The company said the system supports applications such as video conferencing, cloud-based services and media streaming through low-latency satellite communications with worldwide coverage.
Alongside the connectivity upgrade, Pilatus has introduced a new cabin entertainment system developed with Lufthansa Technik. The package includes a 10-inch touchscreen, a moving-map display, upgraded audio system, mood lighting, USB charging ports and onboard media storage.
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Customers can also select a new side-facing divan measuring nearly two meters in length. The seat converts into a bed during flight and incorporates storage compartments for bedding.
The PC-24 entered service in 2018 and has become one of Pilatus’ fastest-selling aircraft. Certified for operations from short and unpaved runways, the twin-engine business jet occupies a niche between traditional light business jets and larger utility aircraft.
