Virgin America announced a new technology partnership with ViaSat to bring faster satellite broadband to the airline’s 10 new A320 aircraft deliveries, beginning in September of this year. Virgin America will tap the power and economics of ViaSat-1, the highest capacity Ka-band satellite in the world, offering 140 gigabits-per-second, to deliver the fastest in-flight Wi-Fi service for high-quality video streaming.
The deal will make Virgin America the first commercial airline to offer an in-flight Wi-Fi service that can operate in both Ku- and Ka-band satellite networks on the same aircraft.
Virgin America will begin installation of ViaSat’s systems immediately – with the first Ka-band antenna equipped aircraft to take flight in the continental U.S. in September 2015. Aircraft scheduled for Hawaii flights will be outfitted with ViaSat’s hybrid Ku/Ka-band antenna in early 2016. During the beta period rollout of the ViaSat product, Virgin America will offer free Wi-Fi access on its first ViaSat equipped aircraft. The airline will introduce pricing for the service in 2016.
“Our competitive advantage is rooted in the unique bandwidth economics of ViaSat-1 and the forthcoming ViaSat-2 satellite networks. We can empower airlines to engage all of their guests in an in-flight, online experience just like they’d get on the ground – including streaming high quality video,” said Don Buchman, Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Mobility Business, ViaSat. “Virgin America is a brand that shares our love of innovation and strives to bring the best service possible to the traveler. By leveraging our technology, Virgin America can maximize passenger engagement and increase customer loyalty.”
http//www.virginamerica.com
http//www.viasat.com
