Hughes Network Systems has completed test flying of the Gogo Galileo HDX electronically steered antenna (ESA) on a Bombardier Challenger 300, while Wheels Up announced plans to equip its entire fleet with Galileo HDX satcom systems and Textron Aviation became the first OEM to offer Galileo HDX as a factory-installed option for the Cessna Citation Longitude, Latitude, and Ascend. Galileo service, which runs on Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, is set to begin by the end of the year.
The half-duplex HDX antenna will be available for the Longitude in 2026 and for the Latitude and Ascend at a date to be announced later.
“At Textron Aviation, we are committed to enhancing the flight experience for our customers,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior v-p of global sales and flight operations for Textron Aviation. “By offering Gogo Galileo HDX, we ensure that passengers on these Citation business jets enjoy a seamless and superior in-flight Wi-Fi experience, no matter where their journey takes them.”
Wheels Up plans to begin Galileo installations in mid-2025 as supplemental type certificates are approved covering its fleet types.
"Exceptional onboard Wi-Fi is a central in-flight experience feature our members and customers value when selecting an aircraft," said Wheels Up CEO George Mattson. "Gogo is a long-term proven partner of ours and their next-generation Galileo HDX system is a key element of our fleet modernization plan.”
Gogo’s Galileo HDX antenna can fit on any business aircraft and weighs 21.6 pounds and measures 24 inches long, 11.8 inches wide, and 2.1 inches high. The FDX (full-duplex) will fit on larger jets and will be available in the first half of 2025. It weighs 40 to 45 pounds, with a length of 30 inches, width 24.6 inches, and height the same at 2.1 inches.
Service speed for HDX is up to 60 Mbps download and 11 Mbps upload, while the FDX will offer 195 Mbps download and 32 Mbps upload. Prices range from $3,500 per month for 25 GB to $10,500 for unlimited data. The system price as an add-on to Gogo Avance L5 is $120,000 for HDX or $190,000 for FDX.
Hughes Network Systems manufactures the terminals, including the antennas, for Gogo in Germantown, Maryland. “Business jet owners can unlock the full potential of LEO connectivity with the Hughes ESA to deliver a seamless, gate-to-gate connectivity experience,” said Reza Rasoulian, senior v-p of Hughes’ aviation business unit.