Textron Aviation Announces Gogo Galileo HDX Connectivity System for Cessna Citation Jet Fleet with Expected FAA Certification by Late 2025
Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), has announced that the revolutionary Gogo Galileo HDX satellite-based in-flight connectivity system will soon be available as an aftermarket upgrade for a wide range of Cessna Citation jet models, once the anticipated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) is granted by the end of 2025. This announcement marks a major milestone in the evolution of airborne communication technologies for business aviation, offering seamless high-speed internet access across the globe.
The Gogo Galileo HDX system, powered by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, is designed to deliver fast, reliable, and consistent inflight connectivity no matter where a flight takes place—be it over oceans, remote territories, or major metropolitan areas. By introducing this system as a retrofit option, Textron Aviation is equipping existing aircraft with the capability to match modern-day demands for digital connectivity, without the need for a factory-new airframe.
Revolutionizing In-Flight Productivity and Connectivity
Business aviation customers are increasingly reliant on real-time data, seamless communication, and uninterrupted internet access to stay connected while in the air. Whether for business meetings, data transfers, email communication, or entertainment, passengers now expect ground-level connectivity in flight. The Gogo Galileo HDX system is designed to meet these expectations head-on.
“Our customers expect to stay connected and productive while in the air, and integrating the Gogo Galileo HDX system ensures they have access to high-speed internet in-flight,” said Brian Rohloff, Senior Vice President of Global Customer Support at Textron Aviation. “This advanced connectivity solution underscores our commitment to providing our customers with cutting-edge technology that enhances their flying experience.”
The Gogo Galileo HDX is purpose-built for the demands of business aviation, leveraging a design focused on performance, minimal downtime for installation, and seamless integration with existing aircraft systems. The system architecture includes only two Line Replaceable Units (LRUs): a fuselage-mounted HDX antenna and the powerful AVANCE router, which handles onboard network management and facilitates content delivery with high efficiency. This compact design allows for faster and less invasive installation, keeping aircraft downtime to a minimum.
Wide Applicability Across Citation Models
One of the most notable aspects of the upcoming STC is its broad scope across Textron Aviation’s Citation family, reinforcing the company’s commitment to extending technology upgrades to a wide customer base. The Gogo Galileo HDX system will be available for aftermarket installation on the following Cessna Citation jet models:
- Citation X+ and Citation X
- Citation Sovereign+ and Sovereign
- Citation Latitude
- Citation XLS Gen2, XLS+, XLS, and Excel
- Citation CJ4 Gen2 and CJ4
- Citation CJ3+ and CJ3
- Citation CJ2+ and CJ2
- Citation M2 Gen2 and M2
- Citation CJ1+ and CJ1
This comprehensive list ensures that Citation owners and operators across nearly every category—from light jets to super-midsize—can benefit from the transformative power of next-generation satellite-based connectivity.
FAA Certification Paves Way for Global Approvals
Textron Aviation expects to receive the FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Gogo Galileo HDX installation in late 2025. Following the FAA’s approval, Textron will seek corresponding certifications from international aviation authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). These certifications are crucial for expanding the availability of the system to operators around the world, particularly those who fly internationally and across regions with varied regulatory frameworks.
Once certified, the installations will be carried out at Textron Aviation’s domestic service centers across the United States. These facilities are well equipped and staffed with highly trained technicians who specialize in Citation aircraft, ensuring that customers receive top-tier service and support throughout the upgrade process.
A Strategic Leap in Connectivity for Business Jets
The decision to integrate LEO-based satellite technology reflects a major strategic step by Textron Aviation in aligning with industry-wide trends that are shaping the future of aviation connectivity. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, LEO satellites orbit the Earth at much lower altitudes, allowing them to deliver lower-latency and higher-speed communication. This makes them ideal for aviation use, where latency, reliability, and bandwidth can significantly impact the user experience.
With the addition of the Galileo HDX system, Citation jet owners will be able to stream video, conduct video conferencing, access cloud services, and maintain secure connections with ground operations while flying anywhere on the planet. This is particularly important for charter operators, corporate fleets, and owner-operators who require secure and uninterrupted digital access in flight.
Supporting Customers with End-to-End Service
Textron Aviation’s ability to offer Galileo HDX as an aftermarket installation reflects its commitment to long-term customer service. Through its global network of service centers and experienced support staff, Textron ensures that Citation operators not only receive top-of-the-line products, but also industry-leading support to match.
This connectivity upgrade will join a growing list of modernization services offered through Textron’s aftermarket division, which includes avionics upgrades, paint and interior refurbishments, engine enhancements, and more. Gogo Galileo Customers looking to improve aircraft value, passenger experience, or operational efficiency can explore available options through Textron’s upgrade portal at upgrades.txtav.com/connectivity.
Enhancing Aircraft Value and User Experience
In today’s digital-first landscape, high-performance inflight connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Equipping business jets with systems like Gogo Galileo HDX can have a direct impact on passenger satisfaction, crew coordination, and even resale value. Aircraft with advanced communication systems are often more attractive to charter clients and buyers alike, given the increasing reliance on real-time data and seamless communication.
By making this technology available across a wide spectrum of Citation models, Textron is helping owners protect and enhance the long-term value of their aircraft, while simultaneously delivering measurable improvements to the passenger experience.
The upcoming deployment of Gogo Galileo HDX across Citation jets signals the dawn of a new era for inflight connectivity. As business aviation continues to evolve toward smarter, more connected aircraft, solutions like these will play an increasingly central role in shaping flight operations, maintenance, and customer satisfaction.
Textron Aviation’s partnership with Gogo Galileo and its proactive pursuit of FAA certification underscore the company’s position as a forward-thinking leader in aviation technology. With Galileo HDX, Textron is giving its customers the power to stay connected—wherever the skies may take them.
About Textron Aviation service
Textron Aviation, through its Gogo Galileo Beechcraft and Cessna brands, is renowned for its unrivaled global service network dedicated to complete life-cycle support. In addition to its expansive company-owned footprint, Textron Aviation’s jet and turboprop customers have access to a global network of more than 300 authorized service facilities. Textron Aviation also offers a mobile support program featuring more than 40 mobile service units and on-site service technicians and support. Find additional information about Textron Aviation’s service programs at http://txtav.com/en/service.
About Textron Aviation
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight.
