Cessna Citation jets gain free global connectivity with FAA-certified Gogo system
Textron Aviation becomes the first aircraft maker to offer factory-installed satellite internet at no charge on its flagship and midsize business jets.
Textron Aviation announced FAA certification of Gogo Galileo HDX for the Cessna Citation Longitude and Citation Latitude on October 15, marking the first time the aircraft manufacturer offers factory-installed global connectivity at no charge to customers. New aircraft delivered from 2028 onward will be eligible for the system without additional cost, a distinction that sets Textron apart from competing manufacturers.
The Gogo Galileo HDX system draws on Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-earth-orbit network to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity across the globe. The antenna mounts to the aircraft fuselage, a design that Gogo says simplifies installation and operation compared with other satellite systems currently available. Customers who opt for the system also receive a preferred worldwide service rate locked in for three years and access to round-the-clock technical support, with on-site technician dispatch within 24 hours if required.
The two aircraft
The Citation Longitude, Textron’s flagship model, carries up to twelve passengers and offers a range of 3,500 nautical miles with a full-fuel payload of 1,600 pounds.
The Citation Latitude midsize jet seats up to nine passengers, achieves a four-passenger range of 2,700 nautical miles at high-speed cruise, and operates from runways as short as 3,580 feet at maximum weight. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW306D1 engines and is said to offer at least 15 percent lower operating costs than competing aircraft in its class.
Why it matters
Business-jet customers operate globally and increasingly expect uninterrupted connectivity in flight. Chris Hearne, senior vice president of engineering and programs at Textron Aviation, framed the certification as a response to that demand. “In order to stay productive wherever they fly, our customers rely on connectivity and they’re looking for solutions that perform reliably around the world,” Hearne said in the announcement. “Achieving FAA certification of Gogo Galileo HDX on the Citation Longitude and Citation Latitude is the result of a strong effort across our teams and gives customers another factory-supported connectivity option to keep them connected wherever their missions take them.”
Christopher Moore, chief executive officer of Gogo, emphasized the breadth of the offering. “Gogo customers not only get high-performance connectivity but leading cybersecurity and data privacy protections as well as 24/7/365 customer support, which includes getting a technician on the tarmac within 24 hours, if needed,” Moore said.
Key facts
- FAA certification covers the Citation Longitude and Citation Latitude
- Factory-new aircraft delivered from 2028 onward are eligible for free system installation
- The system uses Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-earth-orbit satellite network
- Preferred service rates are guaranteed for three years
- 24/7 technical support includes on-tarmac technician dispatch within 24 hours
This article was compiled by the CityLifeBytes editorial desk from the official announcements and reporting listed under Sources.
