Tamarack Aerospace Announces AirConnect IFC for Citations

Tamarack Aerospace has introduced AirConnect, a permanently installed in-flight connectivity system designed for the Cessna CitationJet and most of the CJ family. An FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) application is now winding its way through the approval process.

The system uses low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite technology and features a fuselage-mounted antenna with an aerodynamically optimized low-drag fairing. Unlike portable connectivity solutions commonly used by Citation operators, AirConnect is engineered for permanent installation and operates with no ground speed restrictions, according to the company.

Covered in the initial STC program are all models under the Cessna 525, 525A, and 525B type certificates, meaning the CitationJet, Citation M2, CJ1/1+, CJ2/2+, and CJ3/3+. The system includes aircraft-grade cabin Wi-Fi distribution, certified electrical integration, and a complete FAA STC documentation package. Once certified, installation is expected to take approximately three days at a Tamarack-authorized service facility.

Tamarack has already completed installation of AirConnect on a customer-owned Citation CJ1. The equipment has been operating in that aircraft since March under experimental certification in support of the STC program.

The system is designed to be compatible with multiple LEO satellite networks, including Starlink and Amazon Leo. “LEO satellite technology has proven the performance. What owners have been waiting for is a certified solution that’s engineered correctly and supported like any other aircraft system. That’s what we’re delivering with Tamarack AirConnect,” said Tamarack CEO Nick Guida.

The Sandpoint, Idaho-based company currently supports a fleet of more than 200 aircraft equipped with its FAA-approved active winglet upgrade for the CitationJet family. Tamarack is now accepting reservations for AirConnect, and pricing has not yet been announced and no payment is required to reserve a position.