Business Aviation
EASA Certifies Gogo Galileo FDX Connectivity for Airbus ACJ320 Series
EASA grants certification for Gogo Galileo Full-Duplex system on Airbus ACJ320ceo and ACJ320neo, enabling high-speed LEO satellite in-flight connectivity.
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.
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Photo Credit: Airbus ACJ