CARLSBAD, Calif., October 17, 2023 – Viasat, Inc., a global communications company, today unveiled enhanced business aviation in-flight broadband service options that harmonize its Viasat Ka-band solution with the Jet ConneX solution from its recently acquired Inmarsat business.
An expanded range of service options will be available to business aviation customers using Viasat’s existing GAT-5510 terminal, as well as three upcoming next-generation Jet ConneX terminals - Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Ka-band, Orbit’s AirTRx30, and Honeywell’s JetWave X. These will be available in early 2024 for aircraft equipped with the GAT-5510 and upon entry-into-service for aircraft with any next-generation Jet ConneX terminal.
The expanded service options have been developed using extensive feedback from customers and partners to deliver even greater flexibility, while ensuring the factors they appreciate the most, such as a consistent broadband experience for passengers wherever and whenever they fly, are still maintained.
Customers will benefit from the strength of Viasat’s network, which has more Ka-band capacity than any other in-flight Wi-Fi provider, in addition to the innovative technology and lightweight designs of the next-generation terminals, which optimize performance and reduce costs, while also simplifying installation and maintenance.
With fewer line-replaceable units (LRUs), the next-generation terminals are well suited for various types of business jets, including large cabin and smaller aircraft, making them an excellent choice for aircraft operating globally or within just one region. In addition, these systems are all designed for installation outside of the pressure vessel, saving valuable baggage space.
Viasat has also announced an incentive for business aviation customers that use its SwiftBroadband (SBB) and SwiftJet L-band in-flight connectivity, acquired as part of its recent Inmarsat acquisition, and upgrade to any Viasat Ka-band solution, so they can benefit from near-term savings and other benefits that SBB offers.
Kai Tang, Head of Business Aviation, Viasat, said: “We’re excited about the positive impact that Viasat’s acquisition of Inmarsat will deliver to our business aviation customers. The harmonization of our Ka-band services is a prime example of what can be achieved by bringing the best of both companies together. It reflects the enhanced service options and innovations that we’re bringing to the market, based on direct feedback from customers and partners, to ensure that Viasat continues to exceed passenger expectations around fast, reliable and consistent in-flight connectivity for many years to come.”
In addition to feedback sessions with customers and partners, Viasat recently conducted a survey of business aviation professionals in partnership with Corporate Jet Investor (CJI), which found that consistent performance was deemed the most important factor when selecting a connectivity solution (31% ranked it as the number one factor, while 62% put it first or second), with 100% route coverage the second most important factor, and high speeds third. In addition, 70% of respondents said improved passenger experience was the main benefit of equipping their aircraft with a connectivity solution – though the benefits of enhancing re-sale value (12%) and future-proofing investments (9%) were also noted.
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About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. On May 30, 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube.
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Press Release Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements that refer to expected performance of Viasat in-flight connectivity and services. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of the satellite(s) used to supply these services, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; contractual problems; product defects; manufacturing issues or delays; regulatory issues; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key suppliers; technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and other factors affecting the aviation sector generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in our SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.