Textron Aviation Retrofits Citation Fleet with Gogo 5G Connectivity
Event summary
- Textron Aviation has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for Gogo 5G connectivity upgrades.
- The upgrade is now available for nine Cessna Citation models: Longitude, X+, X, Sovereign+, Sovereign, Latitude, XLS Gen2, XLS+, XLS and Excel.
- The aftermarket solution provides faster speeds, lower latency, and improved WiFi performance.
- Textron Aviation plans to expand availability to the Citation CJ4, CJ3+, and CJ3 pending FAA approval.
The big picture
This move underscores the increasing importance of in-flight connectivity for business aviation, driven by passenger expectations and the need for seamless remote work capabilities. Textron Aviation’s retrofit program demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the competitiveness of its Citation fleet, but also highlights the ongoing capital expenditure required to keep pace with evolving technology. The availability of Gogo 5G across a significant portion of the Citation fleet positions Textron Aviation to capitalize on the growing demand for high-speed in-flight connectivity.
What we're watching
- Expansion Speed
- The timeline for FAA approval and subsequent rollout to the CJ series will indicate the level of internal prioritization and potential demand for the upgrade.
- Competitive Response
- Other business aviation connectivity providers will likely observe Textron’s adoption of Gogo 5G and may adjust their offerings or pricing to remain competitive.
- Customer Adoption
- The rate at which Citation operators choose to retrofit their aircraft will reveal the perceived value of the Gogo 5G upgrade and its impact on aircraft resale values.
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