This article is based on an official press release from Airbus Corporate Jets.

On May 27, 2026, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) officially granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ). According to an official press release from the manufacturers, this certification allows for the installation of the Gogo Galileo Full-Duplex (FDX) connectivity system on ACJ320ceo and ACJ320neo series aircraft.

The newly certified FDX system promises to deliver unprecedented in-flight connectivity speeds for the ACJ narrowbody family. By leveraging Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, the system achieves download speeds of up to 195 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 32 Mbps, marking a significant leap in airborne digital capabilities.

Airbus is targeting this advanced connectivity solution at government officials, heads of state, and top-tier corporate executives who require highly secure, low-latency, and reliable communications while in transit.

The Technological Leap to Full-Duplex (FDX)

Transitioning from HDX to FDX

The integration of the Gogo Galileo system falls under the “ACJ Connect” platform, a joint initiative between Airbus and Gogo first announced in February 2025. As noted in industry reports from Runway Girl Network and Globalair.com, the aviation sector has been steadily moving toward LEO networks to replicate terrestrial internet experiences in the sky.

Prior to this milestone, EASA had approved the Gogo Galileo Half-Duplex (HDX) solution for the ACJ319 and ACJ320 families in March 2025. The HDX system offered maximum speeds of up to 60 Mbps for downloads and 11 Mbps for uploads, limited by its ability to only transmit or receive data within a given time slice. The new FDX architecture overcomes this limitation.

Hardware and LEO Integration

According to the technical specifications released, the FDX installation centers on an electronically steerable flat antenna (ESA). Unlike its predecessor, the FDX version features two separate arrays, one dedicated exclusively to transmission and the other to reception, enabling simultaneous two-way data transfer.

The service utilizes Eutelsat OneWeb’s constellation of more than 640 LEO satellites. This network provides significantly lower latency and broader global coverage compared to traditional geostationary (GEO) satellite networks, ensuring a seamless connection for passengers.

Strategic Market Positioning and Security

Meeting High-Demand Operator Needs

Airbus is supplying the complete FDX solution directly through its network of service centers, which includes the STC, antenna hardware, and installation kits. The company confirmed in its release that the first ACJ320-series aircraft is currently entering cabin outfitting with this new system.

The target demographic for the ACJ320 family demands secure, high-reliability communications capable of supporting low-latency video conferencing and large data transfers.

“We are delighted to be among the first corporate aircraft manufacturers to offer and support a certified, fully integrated LEO in-flight connectivity solution.”

, Chadi Saade, President of Airbus Corporate Jets

Prioritizing Data Privacy

A critical selling point for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and government operators is data security. Gogo has explicitly addressed these concerns, emphasizing strict data privacy protocols to protect its high-profile users.

“We only use customer data for operations and never for any other purpose, including the development of other products or artificial intelligence.”

, Michael Skov Christensen, Chief Commercial Officer at Gogo, via Aviation International News

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the EASA certification of the Gogo Galileo FDX system as a critical competitive differentiator for Airbus Corporate Jets. The VIP and corporate aviation market is highly competitive, and the ability to offer factory-supported, fully integrated LEO connectivity with speeds approaching 200 Mbps directly addresses the primary pain point of legacy airborne internet systems: latency and bandwidth bottlenecks.

Furthermore, Gogo’s explicit guarantee against using customer data for AI training is a timely and strategic move. As data scraping for artificial intelligence becomes a widespread concern, establishing a secure, closed-loop data environment will likely resonate strongly with government and head-of-state operators who prioritize operational security above all else.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft are compatible with the new Gogo Galileo FDX system?
The EASA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) covers the Airbus ACJ320ceo and ACJ320neo series aircraft.

What speeds does the FDX system offer?
The system delivers download speeds of up to 195 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 32 Mbps.

How does FDX differ from the previous HDX system?
The Full-Duplex (FDX) system features two separate antenna arrays for simultaneous transmission and reception. The previous Half-Duplex (HDX) system could only transmit or receive data within a given time slice, limiting its speeds to 60 Mbps download and 11 Mbps upload.

Sources

• Airbus Corporate Jets

This article is based on an official press release from Textron Aviation.

On May 27, 2026, Textron Aviation Inc. announced a multi-aircraft purchase agreement with Hamburg-based charter operator Platoon Aviation. According to the official press release, this acquisition will establish Platoon Aviation as the largest European fleet owner of the Cessna Citation Longitude, a flagship super-midsize business jet.

Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled to commence in 2027. While the exact number of jets ordered and the financial terms were not publicly disclosed in the announcement, industry data notes that the list price for a new Citation Longitude is approximately $29 million.

For Platoon Aviation, this agreement marks a significant strategic expansion. The company is transitioning from its established role as a light-jet operator into a major competitor within the long-range, super-midsize European charter market.

Platoon Aviation’s Strategic Fleet Expansion

Founded in 2021, Platoon Aviation quickly built its reputation by operating a uniform fleet of Pilatus PC-24 light business jets. The operator currently manages approximately 10 to 11 of these aircraft. According to supplemental market research, Platoon is recognized for maintaining one of the youngest private jets fleets in Europe, boasting an average aircraft age of under three years.

“Platoon Aviation is redefining what business aviation can look like in the next decade. The Citation Longitude fleet expansion reflects our commitment to building a future-proof, next-generation aviation platform that combines operational efficiency, sustainability and uncompromising comfort. The aircraft position us to meet the evolving expectations of modern travelers while giving our clients greater flexibility, reliability and connectivity across Europe and beyond.”

, Deniz Weißenborn, CEO, Platoon Aviation

Stepping Up to the Super-Midsize Category

The decision to integrate the Cessna Citation Longitude represents a major step up in aircraft class for the German operator. This fleet expansion will allow Platoon to offer longer-range flights and larger cabin capacities, catering to a broader clientele seeking transcontinental travel options without sacrificing the modern fleet standards the company is known for.

The Cessna Citation Longitude Profile

Certified by the FAA in September 2019, the Cessna Citation Longitude serves as the flagship of the Citation family. The aircraft features a maximum range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers) and a maximum cruise speed of 476 knots (Mach 0.84). These performance metrics enable nonstop flights on key European and transatlantic routes, such as Hamburg to Madrid, London to Athens, and London to New York.

In terms of passenger capacity and comfort, the Longitude seats up to 12 passengers and includes a 6-foot (1.83 meters) flat-floor stand-up cabin. Textron Aviation markets the jet as having the quietest cabin in its class. Furthermore, it offers a low cabin altitude of 4,950 feet while cruising at 41,000 feet, a feature designed to reduce passenger fatigue on longer journeys.

Operational Economics and Support

The aircraft is powered by FADEC-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines. According to the manufacturer, it boasts best-in-class airframe inspection intervals of 18 months or 800 hours, which contributes to lower direct operating costs for charter operators.

“From performance and cabin experience to the strength of our global support network, the Citation Longitude provides charter operators with the confidence to grow their fleets and serve customers at the highest level. This agreement with Platoon Aviation underscores the Longitude’s leadership in the super-midsize segment and the trust customers place in Cessna and our team.”

, Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Textron Aviation

AirPro News analysis

We view Platoon Aviation’s rapid evolution from a 2021 startup to a leading super-midsize operator as a notable success story in the European charter market. The super-midsize segment is fiercely competitive, with the Citation Longitude battling established rivals like the Bombardier Challenger 350/3500, the Embraer Praetor 600, and the Gulfstream G280. While competitors like the Praetor 600 offer slightly more range, Platoon’s selection of the Longitude likely hinges on a combination of cabin quietness, favorable direct operating costs, and Textron’s robust European maintenance infrastructure.

Textron supports European operators through five company-owned service centers, a European Parts Distribution Center (EUDC), and 24/7 Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) assistance. For a charter operator like Platoon, minimizing maintenance downtime through this localized support network is critical to maintaining the high fleet utilization required for profitability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• When will Platoon Aviation receive the new aircraft?
  Deliveries of the Cessna Citation Longitude to Platoon Aviation are expected to commence in 2027.
• How much does a Cessna Citation Longitude cost?
  While the specific financial terms of the Platoon Aviation deal were not disclosed, industry data indicates the list price for a new Citation Longitude is approximately $29 million.
• What is the range of the Citation Longitude?
  The aircraft has a maximum range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers), allowing for nonstop transatlantic flights such as London to New York.

Sources

• Textron Aviation Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Signature Aviation.

Signature Aviation Breaks Ground on $10 Million Expansion at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport

On May 26, 2026, Signature Aviation announced the groundbreaking of a major infrastructure project at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport (ROA). According to an official press release from the company, the development represents an investment of more than $10 million into the Virginia Blue Ridge region’s aviation capabilities.

The project centers on a new 22,000-square-foot aircraft hangar designed to expand storage capacity for modern business aviation. This development follows Signature Aviation’s successful 2024 bid to continue serving as a primary aviation hospitality and support provider at ROA, a relationship that dates back nearly seven decades.

With construction now officially underway, the project highlights a broader initiative by the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals to modernize its facilities and accommodate the evolving dimensions of contemporary corporate aircraft.

Project Specifications and Future-Proofing

The centerpiece of the $10 million investment is the expansive 22,000-square-foot hangar. According to the project specifications outlined in the company’s release, the facility will also feature an attached 3,000-square-foot office complex and a 14-bay parking lot to support flight crews and passengers.

Accommodating the Next Generation of Business Jets

A notable design element of the new hangar is its 28-foot-high door. The company states this strategic clearance is specifically engineered to accommodate the tallest generation of new corporate jets currently entering the market. Construction is being managed by Roanoke-based general contractor Lionberger Construction, with the facility’s completion slated for 2027.

Deepening a Seven-Decade Legacy at ROA

Signature Aviation’s footprint at ROA is historic, originating in 1957 when it operated under the name Piedmont Aviation. The current hangar project is part of a broader, comprehensive renewal of the company’s facilities at the airport aimed at serving a diverse customer base.

Recent Infrastructure Upgrades

Beyond the new hangar and office space, Signature is actively rebuilding its fuel storage infrastructure at the airport. In December 2025, the company completed the installation of a self-serve avgas fuel pump. According to the release, this addition was specifically targeted at providing a cost-effective and convenient refueling option for small piston aircraft owners and pilots, ensuring that general aviation remains supported alongside corporate traffic.

Economic Impact and Local Partnerships

The expansion is expected to bolster ROA’s position as a critical gateway for corporate aviation in the Roanoke Valley. Local leaders have expressed strong support for the development, noting its potential to drive regional economic growth.

“General aviation plays a key role in the economic health of our region, spurring growth through global air connectivity for the Roanoke Valley and far beyond,” said Mike Stewart, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, in the press release. “We’re thrilled with Signature’s commitment to building new facilities that will support the growing demand for first-class corporate aviation hangar space and services at ROA. Signature’s investments reflect their confidence in the future business needs of our region and will make ROA more attractive to the aircraft owners, operators, and businesses that rely on this airport.”

AirPro News analysis

We observe that Signature Aviation’s decision to incorporate a 28-foot door clearance is a necessary adaptation in today’s fixed-base operator (FBO) market. As manufacturers introduce ultra-long-range business jets with taller tail heights, legacy hangars frequently fall short of clearance requirements. By future-proofing this facility, Signature ensures ROA remains a viable destination for top-tier corporate traffic. Furthermore, awarding the $10 million contract to a local firm like Lionberger Construction serves as a strategic community investment, reinforcing the company’s long-standing regional ties following its 2024 contract renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• When will the new Signature Aviation hangar at ROA be completed? According to the company, construction is slated for completion in 2027.
• How much is being invested in the project? Signature Aviation is investing more than $10 million into the hangar and office development.
• Who is building the new facility? The project is being led by Lionberger Construction, a local general contractor based in Roanoke.

Sources

• Signature Aviation Press Release