Viasat launches direct service for business aviation

Viasat Inc. has launched Viasat Select, a first-of-its-kind direct service model for business aviation Ka-band In-flight Connectivity (IFC).

The new service introduces custom IFC solutions and connectivity plans that are tailored to match a business aircraft’s specific operational profile.

The Viasat Select service plans include global and regional unlimited plans that feature uncapped data paired with Viasat’s “No Speed Limit” Ka-band IFC. It also offers entry-level service plans, including a sub-$3ooo regional plan that delivers Ka-band connectivity at a significant value, especially when compared to current air-to-ground or other satellite-based IFC options.
Claudio D’Amico, Viasat business area director, Business Aviation, said: “We’re launching Viasat Select at a time when there is incredible demand for in-flight connectivity and just before we bring an immense amount of additional Ka-band capacity to market with our next-generation satellite constellation. Operators overwhelmingly told us that selecting products in the market with data and speed caps was a key challenge for in-flight connectivity. With Viasat Select, we can eliminate those constraints by leveraging our capacity while offering unmatched economics since we manage the service from end-to-end. With Viasat Select, operators with different connectivity requirements and aircraft operational profiles can choose a plan that will best match their needs. Every plan will offer the same performance and deliver our leading customer experience, care and support. With ViaSat-3 coverage and capacity augmentation scheduled for next year, we will further enhance our customers’ overall experience.”

With the Viasat Select Ka-band service plans, business jet operators can benefit from similar connectivity in-flight as they do on the ground, typically with speeds greater than 20 Mbps.
In addition to offering its new direct service, Viasat will continue to offer Ka-band service through its network of value-added resellers (VARs), ensuring operators have multiple options for procuring their industry-leading IFC service and the ability to utilise additional services offered by Viasat’s VARs.