JetBlue Airways has agreed to deploy the first Ka-band commercial aviation broadband network using the ViaSat-1 satellite. The agreement, which formalizes the memorandum of understanding first announced last September, includes an order valued at over $30 million for Ka-band airborne terminals and services to outfit the JetBlue fleet of more than 170 aircraft. The equipment will be installed beginning in 2012 on the airline’s Airbus A320 and Embraer E190 aircraft along with two-way transmission bandwidth services using the WildBlue satellite broadband network, including the high-capacity ViaSat-1 satellite.
“Over the past few months we have worked closely with JetBlue and LiveTV to finalize a user-friendly and scalable satellite network for in-flight broadband,” said Mark Dankberg, ViaSat CEO and chairman. “We believe the economics of Ka-band will create an environment that will engage more passengers and offer a broader range of online experiences in the air.”
JetBlue will be the first airline to receive the ViaSat Ka-band system, and those initial installations are expected to be quickly followed by deployment onboard the Continental Airlines fleet, as announced on March 22 by JetBlue’s wholly-owned subsidiary, LiveTV, and subject to final agreement. http://www.viasat.com http://www.jetblue.com
