In today's fast-evolving aviation landscape, staying ahead means more than just maintaining your...
Breaking down the top in-flight internet systems so you can choose what fits your aircraft and mission best.
In today’s always-connected world, in-flight Wi-Fi isn’t just a luxury—it’s practically a requirement. Whether you're answering emails over Idaho or joining a Teams meeting somewhere above Texas, staying online in the air has become table stakes for operators who expect their aircraft to function as airborne offices.
But not all in-flight Wi-Fi is created equal. Choosing the right connectivity system can mean the difference between crystal-clear video calls… and hearing “You’re frozen again, Dave” for the fifth time in a row.
So let’s break it down—buffering jokes included.
Why Is In-Flight Wi-Fi So Complicated?
Unlike your Wi-Fi router at home, aircraft connectivity has a few... challenges:
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You’re 6 miles above the Earth.
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Moving at 450+ knots.
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Bouncing between satellite beams or ground towers.
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Surrounded by carbon fiber, aluminum, and a dozen smartphones all trying to stream ESPN.
The technology has improved dramatically, but matching the right system to your mission, aircraft, and passengers’ expectations is where it gets tricky. Let's go over a few of the big players....
Viasat
Type: Satellite (Ka-band)
Speed: Up to 30 Mbps (yes, you can stream Netflix)
Coverage: North/Central America, the Caribbean, Brazil, North Atlantic, and Europe
Best for: Heavy Zoom users, frequent international trips
Pros: Fast. Seamless streaming. Flexible Regional and Global service plans. Unlimited plans. Currently running a promo of 6 months of Global Unlimited service.
Cons: Limited Global coverage. Higher monthly cost than Starlink.
Big-picture insight from Rob Reed, Director of Aircraft Modifications at Stevens Aerospace:
“This solution really checks all the boxes for operators who need true global connectivity,” says Reed. “It’s already approved in over 200 countries, with a solid network of 21 satellites—and even more coming by 2027. The coverage is expanding into the Arctic, which says a lot about how future-ready this system is. What really sets it apart is the consistency: strong performance even in busy airspace, guaranteed data rates, 24/7 support, and serious cybersecurity. It’s a great fit for long-range aircraft like the Bombardier Global series or Gulfstreams such as the G450 through G550.”
GoGo AVANCE LX5
Type: Air-to-ground (ATG)
Speed: 3–25 Mbps
Coverage: Continental U.S. + parts of Canada/Alaska
Best for: Domestic operators with high device use
Pros: Fast for ATG, quick install. Can easily add Galileo global internet. Lower monthly cost than SATCOM.
Cons: Doesn’t work over water, lower bandwidth ceiling
Big-picture insight from Rob Reed, Director of Aircraft Modifications at Stevens Aerospace:
“This is a great option for operators who fly mostly within the U.S. and want reliable, fast internet without breaking the bank,” says Reed. “It’s solid right out of the gate, but also gives you the flexibility to upgrade later—whether that’s to 5G or even a global LEO system like Galileo. We’ve got it available for a wide range of aircraft, from King Airs and Citations to Bombardiers and Gulfstreams. For someone who’s okay being offline during the occasional international leg, it’s a smart, scalable choice.”
Starlink 
Type: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite
Speed: Estimated 40–220 Mbps
Coverage: Expanding globally
Best for: Early adopters willing to experiment
Pros: Insanely fast speeds. Lower latency.
Cons: Limited FAA certifications for mid-size aircraft (for now). Large antenna.
Big-picture insight from Rob Reed, Director of Aircraft Modifications at Stevens Aerospace:
“This is hands down the fastest internet you can get for aircraft right now,” says Reed. “We offer STCs for a wide range of models—from King Airs and Citations to Challengers, Globals, Gulfstreams, and Praetors. It’s perfect for operators who need true global high-speed connectivity and don’t mind paying a bit more each month for that top-tier performance.”
Gogo Galileo HDX
Type: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite-based broadband system
Type: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite-based broadband system
Speed: Expected peak speeds up to 60 Mbps
Coverage: Global - full connectivity across oceans, remote regions, and international routes
Best for: Operators who need seamless, high-speed broadband anywhere in the world
Pros: True global coverage. Low latency, ideal for video calls, VPN access, and cloud apps. Smaller antenna and streamlined hardware for easier install. Future-ready with planned expansion of Gogo's LEO satellite network. Works on the ground.
Cons: Not yet certified for all airframes. Higher initial investment and monthly service than some air-to-ground systems.
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Big-picture insight from Rob Reed, Director of Aircraft Modifications at Stevens Aerospace:
“Gogo Galileo HDX is really a game-changer. It's a high-speed global SATCOM system that works across a wide range of aircraft-from smaller aircraft like King Air and Citation to larger platforms like Gulfstream and Bombardier. While most large cabin business jets are only using 30-40MBPS, the HDX at 60MBPS should provide years of buffer-free performance for most any sized aircraft. STCs are already in the works for a lot of those. It's perfect for operators who want fast, reliable internet anywhere in the world and are okay with a higher monthly cost than what you'd see with traditional ATG systems. If staying connected globally is a priority, this is the solution."
Making the Call: What’s Right for Your Jet?
If you’re flying a Challenger 300, Citation CJ4, Gulfstream G450—or if you’re a turboprop guy flying a King Air—your connectivity options will vary depending on where you fly, how often you fly, and what your passengers expect. Whether that’s checking emails, streaming Netflix, or hosting virtual meetings at 30,000 feet, the right setup makes all the difference.
This is where a conversation with your MRO (hi, that’s us 👋) makes all the difference. We’ll look at your mission profile, aircraft limitations, and tech budget to help you choose the right setup—and handle the install, and testing so your first flight online isn’t a flop.
Stay Connected the Smart Way
In-flight Wi-Fi is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s a vital business tool. Whether you're leading client calls from 41,000 feet or just want to make sure your passengers can stream uninterrupted, your aircraft's connectivity system needs to keep up. And if you're still flying with outdated equipment or suffering through slow speeds, it might be time for an upgrade. Because life’s too short—and airtime too expensive—for buffering.
Got questions or feeling overwhelmed by all the technical jargon? Our experts are ready to help you cut through the noise. Give us a call at 800-513-9164 or visit StevensAerospace.com to connect with one of our avionics specialists. We’re here to make your in-flight connectivity simple and seamless.