Textron Aviation Expands Airborne Connectivity Options

Textron Aviation has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of Gogo 5G air-to-ground connectivity in midsize Citations and is also offering aftermarket installation of Starlink low-earth-orbit satcom systems in the Citation Excel/XLS series.

Gogo’s Avance LX5 5G STC is available for the Citation Longitude, X+, X, Sovereign+, Sovereign, Latitude, XLS Gen2, XLS+, XLS, and Excel. Aircraft already equipped with an Avance system can be upgraded to the LX5 version, which provides high-speed connectivity at up to 80 Mbps in the contiguous U.S. and parts of Canada. Development of an STC for LX5 installations in the CJ4, CJ3+, and CJ3 is underway.

Excel/XLS-series owners now have the option of having SpaceX’s Starlink satcom installed at a Citation service center, in the U.S. and Europe, under an STC developed by AeroMech. This includes Starlink installation in the Citation Ascend, the latest version of the 560XL series.

“Customer feedback continues to shape how we enhance the ownership experience, and expanding Starlink availability for the Citation Ascend and 560XL series is a direct response to customer demand,” said Brian Rohloff, senior v-p of customer support at Textron Aviation. “Offering Starlink as an aftermarket option gives customers flexibility to equip their aircraft with the connectivity solution that best supports their missions and reinforces our commitment to listening and delivering a best-in-class aviation experience.”