People who fly with Wi-Fi enabled smart phones, laptops, and tablet computers expect to be able to use them. They want more than just Internet browsing and email; they want to watch movies, connect to their company VPN, and download large files from corporate servers.

With ViaSat, commercial airlines can offer true in-flight wireless broadband, enabled by ViaSat-1, the world's highest-capacity satellite, and the ViaSat SurfBeam® 2 ground system:

• Higher speeds and more bandwidth for each customer
• Lower installation and airtime pricing for service plan flexibility

The breakthrough bandwidth economics of ViaSat-1 create a world of possibilities for a personalized broadband experience, whether it is an "office-in-the-sky" or multimedia entertainment. Through a relationship with LiveTV, we have been selected by JetBlue Airways and United Continental Holdings to be the first commercial airlines to offer this new broadband wireless access:

• JetBlue will offer the service on its entire fleet of 170 EMBRAER E190 and Airbus A320 aircraft
• Continental Airlines will offer service on 200 Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft

In addition to the high-value passenger experience, your crew will be able to accomplish traditional manual tasks such as cabin and flight deck operations, Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) systems, and flight attendant reports in-flight using the satellite Internet connection.

Ka-band In-flight Internet

 Read about the new Ka-band in-flight broadband system we're building for JetBlue.

 Listen to a podcast from AirInsight about our Ka-band inflight system plans. (need to register for free Podomatic access)

An Antenna Portfolio for Commercial Airlines

ViaSat is developing a portfolio of medium profile, fuselage mounted antennas designed to airline industry standards. These antennas enable airborne SatCom terminals that provide broadband connections to the cabin and flight deck.

The first airline terminal will operate over Ka-band, for either narrow or wide body aircraft.

The second system is a dual-band terminal able to automatically access either Ku-band or Ka-band satellite coverage, depending on an aircraft’s geographical location. The dual-band terminal will be able to operate over the ViaSat Yonder® global mobile broadband service and Ka-band networks employing ViaSat’s mobility enhancement.

Future enhancements will support additional Ka networks. As part of the Yonder service, there is a comprehensive customer support package for either terminal that includes 24 x 7 x 365 customer support, field engineering, and spares.

Partnered with a Leader in IFE

ViaSat and LiveTV intend to partner to bring the same advanced Ka-band satellite broadband services to the LiveTV customer base of airlines.

ViaSat will provide satellite broadband terminals along with two-way transmission bandwidth services using the WildBlue satellite broadband network. LiveTV will manage the Federal Aviation Administration certification, integrate the ViaSat components onboard the aircraft, and provide the Wi-Fi enabled services in the cabin.

A Global Network

This new in-flight Ka-band system is a key step in the expansion of the Yonder global mobile satellite network to Ka-band in key international markets. ViaSat is working with its regional partners, such as Eutelsat, Yahsat, and Asia Broadcast Satellite, to add capacity that will be accessible to a rapidly growing base of aviation, maritime, and government subscribers now getting high-speed access from Ku-band satellites.