Viasat has launched a new next-generation solution for commercial aviation, Viasat Amara featuring new innovations in core satellite network design, hardware advancements and a suite of digital products.
“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 maximise connectivity’s enormous potential for brand, loyalty, and growth.”
The company says its Viasat Amara solution 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. It provides optimised, multi-network connectivity today via a simple software upgrade with Viasat’s proven terminal, which the company says is deployed on more than 3,000 aircraft around the world servicing approximately 10,000 flights per day.
Viasat has also shared details about a proprietary electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal, Viasat Aera, which the company is working on. The technology will unlock simultaneous, dual-beam connections across satellites in GEO, HEO, and LEO, enabling a best-in-class IFC experience with a single antenna. The new terminal is devised to dynamically adapt connectivity in a way that capitalises on the strengths of all available transmission assets and is expected for commercial service in 2028.
“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 monetisation 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 realise their unique goals.”
