FAA approved engineering and PMA installation kits bring repeatable, fixed-price connectivity upgrades to Learjet, Citation, Hawker, Falcon, and Gulfstream operators
NEW ORLEANS, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Apcela, in collaboration with Liberty Partners, today announced a structured program that gives operators of legacy business aircraft a faster, more predictable, and cost-effective path to modern in-flight connectivity. The program will be featured at the NBAA Maintenance Conference, May 5–7, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
With the FCC's extension of the Gogo Classic ATG network sunset to November 8, 2026, operators of legacy airframes have an updated window to plan deliberate Wi-Fi upgrades — and the program is built for that window. The initiative supports upgrades across select Learjet, Citation, Hawker, Falcon, and Gulfstream aircraft and accommodates a range of installation models, including operator in-house maintenance facilities, third-party MROs, and hybrid on-site approaches.
"Combining approved engineering data with PMA installation kits lets operators and installers avoid unnecessary customization and cost," said Martha Diaz, President at Liberty Partners. "Just as important, the major alteration approval process is designed to conform to the STCs Apcela expects to pursue as fleet adoption grows. Operators who upgrade now won't be stranded on a one-off approval — their installations are built to migrate cleanly into the subsequent STC."
"We have STCs on most newer model airframes. For older airframes that we have not yet reached with STCs, like a Lear 45 or Hawker 800, those don't need a clean-sheet STC program to get modern connectivity, they need approved data, the right hardware, and a team that can install it," said Mike Dodson, CTO at Apcela ATG. "Pairing Apcela ATG's connectivity platform with Liberty Partners' engineering and PMA hardware lets operators upgrade efficiently, without the cost, downtime, or uncertainty of a bespoke or upfront STC program."
Program highlights
- Upgrade support for select Learjet, Citation, Hawker, Falcon, and Gulfstream aircraft
- FAA approved engineering and data packages from Liberty Partners
- Standardized, PMA-manufactured installation parts kits from Liberty Partners
- Major alteration engineering designed to conform to future STCs, so early installations migrate cleanly onto the STC as it is awarded
- Firm, fixed pricing for engineering packages and installation hardware, improving budget predictability
- Flexibility to install at the operator's home-base or at a preferred MRO
- Field approvals now, STCs as fleet adoption grows
FAA major alteration approvals now, STCs as fleet adoption grows
The FAA major alteration approval pathway is deliberate: it gets operators upgraded on a timeline that fits the FCC sunset window without waiting on full STC development. As participation grows across each airframe family, Liberty Partners will pursue model-specific STCs, with FAA major alteration approved engineering already structured to roll forward as the certification basis. The result is a near-term path to modern connectivity that doesn't obsolete itself when the STC is awarded.
Meet the Apcela team at NBAA Maintenance
Apcela representatives will be available throughout the NBAA Maintenance Conference to discuss aircraft eligibility, installation pathways, and program participation. Operators can learn more or begin enrollment at apce.la/legacy-wifi. Schedule a meeting at Booth #112 or at apce.la/legacy-wifi.
About Apcela ATG
Apcela ATG is the air-to-ground broadband in-flight Wi-Fi platform built for business aviation. Powered by a network of more than 300 cell sites across the continental United States, the patented Apcela ONE ATG and DUAL ATG systems deliver 30-plus Mbps performance, supporting streaming, real-time communications, and dozens of connected devices for 15-plus passengers and crew. With flexible installation options and Sign & Flyâ„¢ financing and rebates, Apcela ATG makes upgrading to next-generation in-flight connectivity straightforward for operators, dealers, and maintenance organizations alike.
About Apcela
Apcela provides mission-specific, high-performance networks that accelerate and secure business-critical applications around the world. Its global platform delivers lower latency, greater reliability, and faster access to applications across legacy, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. Apcela's services power some of the largest organizations in the world, including leaders in finance, healthcare, biopharma, defense and aerospace, and government.
About Liberty Partners
Liberty Partners is a FAA certification and engineering services provider, with PMA manufacturing, and AS9100D certification; supporting aviation modifications and upgrades. The company is led by Martha Diaz and provides custom FAA approved data packages, in support of FAA STC and major alteration approvals. Liberty Partners fabricates PMA installation kits designed for repeatable, compliant installations across diverse aircraft makes and models.
Connect with us on #GoFaster or .
Media Contact:
Apcela ATG Marketing
Media Contact
Mark Casey, Apcela, 1 703.608.6903, [email protected],
SOURCE Apcela
Share this article