SD Government, a subsidiary of Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO), along with Pilatus and Pro Star Aviation, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval to install the Gogo Galileo HDX satellite connectivity system on the Pilatus PC-12 turboprop, according to a press release.

The STC covers multiple PC-12 variants, including those configured for special missions. The first PC-12 modified under the approval is expected to return to service shortly and is part of a previously announced SD Government federal contract to provide multi-orbit, multi-band airborne satellite communications to a U.S. government agency.

The Gogo Galileo HDX uses Eutelsat OneWeb's low earth orbit (LEO) satellite network and features an electronically steered antenna. Pro Star Aviation, a U.S. Pilatus Sales and Service Center, worked with Pilatus to develop and certify the STC. Approvals from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) are expected to follow.

The system is set to be available as both a retrofit for in-service PC-12s and as a line-fit option for new aircraft.

"This certification marks another important step in expanding the capabilities of the PC-12 for government, defense, and special missions operators worldwide," said Möhl Oliver, CEO and President of Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd.

Ben Massey, SVP of Government Sales for SD Government, noted that the company is "already experiencing high demand for this upgrade from a variety of global operators" beyond its U.S. government launch customer.