Starlux will shift its inflight internet offering to Viasat‘s Ka-band satellite offering. The companies announced a full fleet program, addressing both new installations and retrofit of existing aircraft.
Some 48 aircraft are covered by the deal, including the carriers A330-900, A350, and A321neo fleets. Starlux will deploy Viasat’s GM-40 terminal for service on the ViaSat-3 constellation. Existing aircraft will see “expedited retrofits” while new planes will have the hardware installed from the factory.
Through this expanded relationship, we look forward to not only providing high quality connectivity, but a comprehensive solution with the capability and flexibility to empower STARLUX to create an advanced, refined connected experience that suits its ambitions and goals. – Don Buchman, Senior Vice President and GM, Commercial Aviation at Viasat
The deal is a notable win for Viasat. Also, the company is essentially taking over business from itself. The existing/legacy offering was repackaging of capacity from the Inmarsat GX Ka-band satellite network managed by SITAONAIR. Since Viasat bought Inmarsat it owns both networks. The hardware on the planes will be swapped, but the same company will be responsible for delivering the bits and bytes on board.
The carrier’s “Galactic Wi-Fi” service advertises complimentary access for passengers in the premium cabins. Economy class received free messaging. Future pricing is not mentioned, but it seems unlikely prices would increase with the shift.
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