Collins Aerospace’s ArincDirect unit and Viasat have extended the companies’ relationship, so Collins can now offer customers the full range of Viasat in-flight connectivity solutions, including Ka-, Ku Advanced, and dual Ku-/Ka-band satcom. The announcement today is for the addition of Viasat’s Ka-band satcom to the ArincDirect value-added reseller agreement.

Under the agreement, Collins can add Ka-band systems for its customers, both for new installations and also as an upgrade to existing Viasat Ku-band systems and dual Ku-/Ka-band satcom. The installations can use existing aircraft wiring, and the equipment fits in the same LRU footprint, according to Viasat.

System speed with the Viasat solution for ArincDirect customers is “typically greater than 20 Mbps,” Viasat said. The satcom systems will also be compatible with Viasat’s next-generation ViaSat-3 satellite network.

“This milestone will help corporate flight departments modernize their passenger experience, and at the same time reduce the headache of coordinating across multiple disparate aircraft and operations services,” said Thomas Sterling, director of business aviation digital solutions at Collins Aerospace.

“This agreement opens up new business opportunities for both of our organizations,” said Claudio D’Amico, Viasat’s business area director, business aviation. “We have a competitive [in-flight connectivity] product and service that we believe can be the go-to choice for any mid-to-large-cabin business aircraft.”