Viasat Launches Amara: Next Generation In-Flight Connectivity Solution to Deliver a Connected Experience Unique to Each Airline
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has unveiled Amara, its next-generation In-flight Connectivity (IFC) solution for commercial aviation. The system features advanced satellite network design, hardware improvements, and digital products suite. Currently deployed on over 3,000 aircraft serving approximately 10,000 daily flights, Amara offers multi-network connectivity through a simple software upgrade.
The company also announced Viasat Aera, a new electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal, scheduled for commercial service in 2028. This terminal will enable dual-beam connections across GEO, HEO, and LEO satellites, featuring quick installation using existing ARINC 791 attach points.
The solution integrates with multiple satellite orbits, including recently announced LEO Ka-band capacity from Telesat Lightspeed, designed to provide global coverage and scalable connectivity to meet increasing airline demands.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) ha presentato Amara, la sua soluzione di connettività in volo di nuova generazione (IFC) per l'aviazione commerciale. Il sistema presenta un design avanzato della rete satellitare, miglioramenti hardware e una suite di prodotti digitali. Attualmente installato su oltre 3.000 aerei che servono circa 10.000 voli giornalieri, Amara offre connettività multi-rete attraverso un semplice aggiornamento software.
L'azienda ha anche annunciato Viasat Aera, un nuovo terminale con antenna elettronica steerable (ESA), previsto per il servizio commerciale nel 2028. Questo terminale permetterà connessioni a doppio fascio tra satelliti GEO, HEO e LEO, con un'installazione rapida utilizzando i punti di attacco ARINC 791 esistenti.
La soluzione si integra con più orbite satellitari, compresa la recente capacità Ka-band LEO annunciata da Telesat Lightspeed, progettata per fornire copertura globale e connettività scalabile per soddisfare le crescenti esigenze delle compagnie aeree.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) ha presentado Amara, su solución de conectividad en vuelo de nueva generación (IFC) para la aviación comercial. El sistema cuenta con un diseño avanzado de red satelital, mejoras de hardware y una suite de productos digitales. Actualmente desplegado en más de 3,000 aeronaves que operan aproximadamente 10,000 vuelos diarios, Amara ofrece conectividad multi-red a través de una simple actualización de software.
La compañía también anunció Viasat Aera, un nuevo terminal de antena electrónicamente dirigida (ESA), programado para entrar en servicio comercial en 2028. Este terminal permitirá conexiones de doble haz entre satélites GEO, HEO y LEO, con una instalación rápida utilizando los puntos de conexión ARINC 791 existentes.
La solución se integra con múltiples órbitas satelitales, incluida la capacidad Ka-band LEO recientemente anunciada por Telesat Lightspeed, diseñada para proporcionar cobertura global y conectividad escalable para satisfacer la creciente demanda de las aerolíneas.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT)는 상업 항공을 위한 차세대 비행 중 연결(IFC) 솔루션인 Amara를 공개했습니다. 이 시스템은 고급 위성 네트워크 설계, 하드웨어 개선 및 디지털 제품군을 특징으로 합니다. 현재 3,000대 이상의 항공기에 배치되어 하루 약 10,000편의 비행을 지원하는 Amara는 간단한 소프트웨어 업그레이드를 통해 다중 네트워크 연결을 제공합니다.
회사는 또한 Viasat Aera를 발표했으며, 이는 2028년에 상업 서비스가 예정된 새로운 전자 조향 안테나(ESA) 터미널입니다. 이 터미널은 GEO, HEO 및 LEO 위성을 통해 이중 빔 연결을 가능하게 하며, 기존 ARINC 791 부착점을 사용하여 신속하게 설치할 수 있습니다.
이 솔루션은 최근 발표된 Telesat Lightspeed의 LEO Ka-band 용량을 포함하여 여러 위성 궤도와 통합되어 있으며, 이는 항공사의 증가하는 요구를 충족하기 위해 글로벌 커버리지와 확장 가능한 연결을 제공하도록 설계되었습니다.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) a dévoilé Amara, sa solution de connectivité en vol de nouvelle génération (IFC) pour l'aviation commerciale. Le système dispose d'une conception avancée du réseau satellite, d'améliorations matérielles et d'une suite de produits numériques. Actuellement déployé sur plus de 3 000 avions servant environ 10 000 vols quotidiens, Amara offre une connectivité multi-réseaux grâce à une simple mise à jour logicielle.
La société a également annoncé Viasat Aera, un nouveau terminal à antenne électroniquement dirigée (ESA), prévu pour un service commercial en 2028. Ce terminal permettra des connexions à double faisceau entre des satellites GEO, HEO et LEO, avec une installation rapide utilisant les points d'attache ARINC 791 existants.
La solution s'intègre avec plusieurs orbites satellites, y compris la capacité Ka-band LEO récemment annoncée par Telesat Lightspeed, conçue pour fournir une couverture mondiale et une connectivité évolutive afin de répondre à la demande croissante des compagnies aériennes.
Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) hat Amara vorgestellt, seine nächste Generation der In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) Lösung für die kommerzielle Luftfahrt. Das System bietet ein fortschrittliches Satellitennetzwerkdesign, Hardwareverbesserungen und eine Suite digitaler Produkte. Aktuell auf über 3.000 Flugzeugen installiert, die etwa 10.000 tägliche Flüge bedienen, bietet Amara Multi-Netzwerk-Konnektivität durch ein einfaches Software-Upgrade.
Das Unternehmen kündigte auch Viasat Aera an, ein neues elektronisch gesteuertes Antennenterminal (ESA), das für den kommerziellen Einsatz im Jahr 2028 geplant ist. Dieses Terminal ermöglicht Dual-Beam-Verbindungen über GEO-, HEO- und LEO-Satelliten und bietet eine schnelle Installation unter Verwendung bestehender ARINC 791-Anschlussstellen.
Die Lösung integriert sich mit mehreren Satellitenorbitalen, einschließlich der kürzlich angekündigten LEO Ka-Band-Kapazität von Telesat Lightspeed, die entwickelt wurde, um globale Abdeckung und skalierbare Konnektivität bereitzustellen, um den steigenden Anforderungen der Fluggesellschaften gerecht zu werden.
- New Amara system requires only software upgrade for existing 3,000+ aircraft fleet
- Upcoming Aera terminal enables dual-beam satellite connections across multiple orbits
- Partnership with Telesat Lightspeed expands Ka-band capacity coverage
- Quick installation time (less than one day) for Aera terminal upgrades
- New Aera terminal won't be commercially available until 2028
Insights
Viasat's Amara platform represents a strategic evolution in the company's in-flight connectivity (IFC) portfolio with significant competitive implications. The announcement delivers two key innovations: immediate software upgrades for Viasat's existing 3,000+ aircraft installations and the forthcoming Aera electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal slated for 2028.
What makes this announcement particularly meaningful is the low-friction upgrade path for current customers—enabling Viasat to potentially secure its installed base against competitive threats through software upgrades while developing next-generation hardware. The multi-orbit capabilities (GEO, HEO, LEO) address a critical industry need for redundancy and global coverage, particularly with the integration of Telesat Lightspeed's LEO capacity.
Viasat's approach intelligently balances near-term market protection with long-term technological advancement. By offering software upgrades now while developing advanced hardware for 2028, the company creates a sustainable technology roadmap that doesn't strand current customers.
The monetization focus through digital products like Viasat Ads aligns with airlines' increasing desire to transform connectivity from a cost center to a revenue generator. This positions Viasat beyond just a bandwidth provider into a more strategic partner for airlines' digital transformation.
While the announcement lacks specific financial projections, maintaining Viasat's footprint on 3,000+ aircraft (serving approximately
Viasat simultaneously introduces Amara-compatible, proprietary electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal, Viasat Aera
CARLSBAD, Calif., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications and the market leader in In-flight Connectivity (IFC), announced its next-generation solution for commercial aviation, Viasat Amara. Powering the new IFC solution are innovations in core satellite network design, hardware advancements, and a suite of digital products. Coupled with additional features, including smart network enhancements and application-level data linking to satellites in multiple orbits, Viasat Amara is designed with powerful scalability so airlines can differentiate a future-proof onboard passenger experience.
“Viasat Amara goes far beyond fast and free high-speed Wi-Fi,” said Don Buchman, SVP & GM, Global Commercial Aviation, Viasat. “It’s a cutting-edge solution designed to meet the unique needs of each airline and every individual user – and in real-time across a smart multi-orbit network. Our pioneering mission remains to help our airline customers maximize connectivity’s enormous potential for brand, loyalty, and growth.”
Building on the company’s market leadership, Viasat Amara combines proven technology and capabilities with an innovation roadmap that integrates multi-network, multi-orbit systems with guaranteed quality of service, flexible business models, and a suite of best-in-class digital products.
Next-generation hardware innovation, Viasat Aera
Viasat Amara offers optimized, multi-network connectivity today via a simple software upgrade with Viasat’s proven terminal, which is deployed on more than 3,000* aircraft around the world servicing approximately 10,000 flights per day. No additional hardware is required.
As part of its forward-looking terminal roadmap, Viasat is also announcing a proprietary electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal, Viasat Aera. This will unlock simultaneous, dual-beam connections across satellites in GEO, HEO, and LEO, enabling a best-in-class IFC experience to airlines and their passengers with a single antenna. The new terminal is under development and is devised to dynamically adapt connectivity in a way that capitalizes on the strengths of all available transmission assets, delivering a streamlined experience for each application in use across the global network.
Expected for commercial service in 2028, upgrading to the new Viasat Aera terminal is designed to be achieved in less than a day by re-using the ARINC 791 antenna attach points with no change to the in-cabin network.
Unique passenger experiences, powered by multi-orbit
On Viasat Amara’s roadmap are innovations that unlock opportunities in every orbit, with GEO, HEO, and LEO satellite compatibility, by integrating a robust, high-capacity ecosystem of Viasat and partner satellites. This includes the recently announced LEO Ka-band capacity from Telesat Lightspeed.
Viasat Amara will deliver high-capacity, high-quality service with truly global coverage, connectivity that is engineered to scale with the increasing demands of commercial airlines and support rapid multi-network, multi-orbit evolution. This ongoing innovation continues Viasat’s pioneering track record of raising the bar for its enterprise grade service and guaranteed, high quality passenger experience with leading per unit economics, regardless of ever-increasing passenger adoption rates and usage patterns.
“Viasat Amara will help our airline customers achieve their greatest ambitions – creating long-lasting competitive advantage and meaningful passenger experiences and loyalty,” added Meherwan Polad, SVP & CCO, Viasat Commercial Services. “Airlines can truly take hold of the differentiating opportunities that in-flight connectivity presents. The monetization and brand boosting opportunities provided by our powerful digital products, such as Viasat Ads, accentuate this even further. Amara will forever change what connectivity brings to airlines and their passengers – and we’re excited to work alongside our airline partners to realize their unique goals.”
Viasat believes no two airlines are the same. As such, Viasat Amara additionally supports the company’s industry-leading suite of digital products and services, which allow for flexible business models focused on what airlines care most about: increasing customer satisfaction, loyalty, and profitable growth.
For more information about Viasat Amara, please visit: https://www.viasat.com/aviation/commercial-aviation/own-your-space/
*Source: Valour Consultancy
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. In May 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 LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube.
Copyright © 2025 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered trademarks in the U.S. and in other countries of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Viasat, Inc. Contacts:
Scott Goryl, External Communications, Corporate & Aviation, Scott.Goryl@viasat.com
Lisa Curran/Peter Lopez, Investor Relations, IR@viasat.com
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 related to Viasat’s next-generation In-flight connectivity solution, Viasat Amara; future innovations in satellite network design, hardware, and digital products; capabilities to conduct application-level data linking to satellites in multiple orbits; the continued development and availability of multi-network, multi-orbit systems with guaranteed quality of service; the availability of capacity on partner satellites; and the timing, availability, features and benefits of Viasat’s future electronically steered antenna terminal, Viasat Aera, and its ability to dynamically adapt connectivity across a global network. 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: our ability to successfully implement our business plan for our broadband services on our anticipated timeline or at all; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellite, 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 Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's 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. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
FAQ
When will Viasat's new Aera terminal be available for commercial aviation?
How many aircraft currently use Viasat's connectivity system?
What satellite orbits will Viasat Amara support?
How long does it take to upgrade to the new Viasat Aera terminal?
