Garmin announces product updates

The company also received certification for the retrofit of its G5000 flight deck in Cessna Citation XLS+ and XLS Gen2 aircraft.

inReach Messenger Plus is Garmin’s first satellite communicator to add photo and voice messaging to global two-way texting, location sharing, and SOS capabilities. The device can function alone or when paired with a compatible smartphone using the Garmin Messenger app, and allows the user to exchange group texts as well as voice and photo messages, and share locations.

During emergencies, the system can send interactive SOS text, voice, or photo messages to Garmin Response, an international service that coordinates emergency assistance. Garmin said its inReach satellite technology has saved many lives by contributing to more than 14,500 SOS activation responses.

When paired with Garmin Messenger, the system allows users to send messages via Wi-Fi or the cellular connection of a compatible phone. When cell service is lost, the Messenger app will automatically switch to satellite.  

“The new and enhanced messaging capabilities of the inReach Messenger Plus [give] users a more personal and emotional way to communicate with friends and family when cell service isn’t available,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of global consumer sales. “Tell your family you’ll be home late, send a photo of the epic view to your friends or simply exchange voice messages to hear the person on the other end of the line.”

The G5000 update for the Cessna Citation XLS+ and XLS Gen2 is designed to improve situational awareness, ease the cockpit workload, and reduce operating costs while helping the jets avoid equipment obsolescence. The installation features  upgrades including a digital automatic flight control system, emergency descent mode, and underspeed protection.  

“The successful certification of the G5000 for Cessna Citation XLS+ and XLS Gen 2 business jets is a significant achievement for Garmin and our customers. We are thrilled to expand our G5000 program, offering a cutting-edge avionics suite that provides safety-enhancing tools, situational awareness and operational efficiency to now over 1,000 eligible aircraft,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing at Garmin. “With this certification we are bringing even more advanced features and capabilities to the Citation Excel and XLS fleet, ensuring these aircraft remain at the forefront of technology for years to come.”