Gogo Galileo HDX Gains Gulfstream G650 Approval and Pilatus PC-24 Factory Option

Gogo has expanded the reach of its Galileo HDX Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) broadband system with two developments aimed at business aviation operators. The company received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) covering the Gulfstream G650 and G650ER, and Pilatus has added the terminal as a factory option on the PC-24 super versatile jet.

Both moves widen the installed base for a system that connects to the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO constellation, giving operators an alternative to geostationary satellite service for cabin connectivity.

STC clears the way for G650 and G650ER installations

The STC for the Gulfstream G650 and G650ER opens one of the larger long-range fleets in business aviation to the Galileo HDX. Operators of those aircraft can now schedule retrofit installations through Gogo's dealer network.

The HDX terminal uses an electronically steered antenna designed to track LEO satellites without moving parts. Gogo positions the hardware as suitable for midsize through large cabin aircraft, and the G650 certification extends that footprint to one of the highest utilisation ultra-long-range platforms in service.

Gogo has said the Galileo service supports typical office applications, video calls, and streaming from the cabin. The company markets the HDX alongside the smaller Galileo FDX, which targets a broader range of airframes.

Pilatus adds LEO connectivity to the PC-24 line

Pilatus confirmed that the Galileo HDX will be available as a factory-installed option on new PC-24 jets. The Swiss manufacturer becomes one of the first OEMs to offer the terminal directly from the production line, rather than leaving connectivity choices to aftermarket integrators.

The factory option gives PC-24 buyers a way to specify LEO broadband at the point of order, avoiding the downtime and coordination associated with a post-delivery installation. For an aircraft often used in mixed passenger and cargo missions, and one certified for short and unpaved runways, adding satellite broadband broadens the type's utility on longer segments where cellular coverage is not an option.

Pilatus has not disclosed pricing for the factory option. Deliveries with the equipment installed are expected to follow the standard PC-24 production cadence.

How the Galileo HDX fits in the market

The Galileo HDX relies on the OneWeb constellation, which Eutelsat operates in Low-Earth-Orbit. LEO satellites orbit closer to the ground than traditional geostationary satellites, which reduces latency and can improve performance for real-time applications such as voice and video calls.

Gogo entered the LEO segment as competition intensified in business aviation connectivity. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has secured STCs on a range of business jets and has been adopted by several OEMs and completion centers. Viasat and Intelsat continue to serve the segment with geostationary Ka and Ku band systems.

For operators, the choice between systems often comes down to antenna size, aircraft compatibility, coverage, and service pricing. The HDX's electronically steered antenna is designed to fit aircraft where a larger mechanically steered dish would be impractical.

Installation and service considerations

Retrofit installations on the G650 and G650ER will be handled through authorized dealers. Gogo has built out a network that includes major maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers and completion centers. Operators considering the upgrade will need to plan for aircraft downtime, antenna placement, and integration with existing cabin management systems.

On the PC-24, the factory option removes several of those variables. Pilatus engineers the installation into the aircraft during production, which typically results in a cleaner integration and known performance parameters at delivery.

Service plans for Galileo are sold separately from the hardware. Gogo offers tiered plans that scale with data usage, and operators can adjust their subscriptions based on mission profiles.

What operators should watch next

The G650 STC and PC-24 factory option follow earlier certifications on other airframes, and Gogo has signaled that additional STCs are in the pipeline. Operators of aircraft not yet covered can check with the company or their preferred service center for timing.

For flight departments evaluating a connectivity upgrade, several factors matter. Coverage over primary routes, particularly on transoceanic and polar segments, remains a key differentiator among LEO and geostationary systems. Antenna size and weight affect installation feasibility on smaller airframes. Service pricing and data allowances influence total cost of ownership over the life of the equipment.

The Pilatus factory option also signals a broader trend. OEMs are moving to offer LEO connectivity as a standard configurable option rather than treating it as an aftermarket decision. Buyers benefit from certified installations and warranty coverage that extends to the connectivity hardware.

Bottom line

The Gulfstream G650 and G650ER STC brings Galileo HDX to a fleet segment where high bandwidth cabin connectivity is often expected. The PC-24 factory option extends the system to a light jet platform with a growing operator base. Together, the two announcements expand Gogo's addressable market and give operators more choices as LEO broadband becomes a standard feature in business aviation cabins.

Operators interested in either program can contact Gogo, their Gulfstream service center, or Pilatus directly for installation scheduling, pricing, and service plan details.