For the past few years Etihad has been rolling out Viasat‘s inflight internet service on its new aircraft. This week the carrier confirmed it will shift its connectivity portfolio fully to Viasat’s Amara multi-orbit offering.
This partnership also ensures Etihad has access to Viasat’s latest technology as it evolves, keeping us at the forefront of in-flight connectivity. It’s about giving our guests the freedom to enjoy their flight time exactly as they choose.
– Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer for Etihad
The release states the Amara solution will be deployed across the entire Etihad fleet. That’s easy to achieve with the A350, A321neo, and 787s which already arrive at the airline with Viasat’s hardware installed. The A330neo deal announced this week at the 2025 Dubai Air Show is also covered by the Viasat deal.
When pressed for details about retrofits of existing aircraft, however, Viasat slightly altered its position, noting the deal “covers the majority of Etihad’s wide and narrow body fleet.” The companies declined to provide additional details on which planes would be retrofit to the Viasat kit or a timeline for that effort.
The Etihad aircraft will see Viasat’s GM-40 terminal installed for the foreseeable future. A Viasat spokesperson confirms that the current install framework “allows for easy transition to Aera, without any additional structural modifications” when the ESA becomes available. But, for now, there are no (public?) commitments to install that system.
Investing in a Platform, not a Connection
In announcing the deal Meherwan Polad, Viasat Aviation’s Chief Commercial Officer, drew a distinction between his company’s offering and those of competitors.
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More news from the 2025 Dubai Air Show
- Emirates Confirms Starlink Inflight Internet Upgrade
- Gogo Adds First Middle Eastern BBJ for Galileo FDX
- SkyFive, flynas (re)Commit to Inflight Internet
- flydubai Picks Starlink to Bring Back Inflight Internet
- Vallair, AeroX Team for Starlink Install Services
- Emirates Taps Safran Seats, Panasonic Avionics in Updated Retrofit Plans
- Etihad Expands Viasat Inflight Internet Commitment
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