Viasat took in $1.2 billion last quarter, but also recognized $1.6 billion in write-offs related to satellite failures and program cancellations. More interesting, however, is growing clarity of what the future constellation will look like – and who the future customer base will be – for the combined companies.
Inmarsat
Viasat, Telekom extend EAN contract
For years Viasat worked to beat the European Aviation Network, both through commercial and legal channels. Now that it owns EAN, however, the company is keen to extend and expand the offering in partnership with the terrestrial provider Deutsche Telekom.
Lufthansa joins the free inflight messaging bandwagon
Lufthansa is the latest airline to add a free inflight internet tier. And, like the others, it has tied the shift to membership in its loyalty program.
Viasat updates pricing plans in BizAv push
Viasat expects to deliver improved inflight connectivity to its business aviation customers from early 2024. This “expanded range of service options,” announced at NBAA 2023 in Las Vegas, will be available across a range of antenna terminal hardware
Qatar Airways adds Starlink option for inflight internet
Qatar Airways will add SpaceX’s Starlink inflight internet service to some of its planes. The carrier announced the deal on Friday, noting the system will be installed “onboard specific aircraft and routes.”
SkyFive sees “wildly inconsistent” performance across inflight connectivity services
Which is the best inflight internet service flying today? SkyFive recently performed a series of measurements across Europe, benchmarking various systems. The results are, as expected, less than compelling.
Wi-Fi now active on Korean’s A321neo, powered by Viasat
Korean Air activated inflight Wi-Fi on its A321neo fleet this month. The carrier selected Viasat as the provider, diversifying its supplier base.
Viasat suffers power anomaly on I6 F2
For the second time this summer Viasat has seen a failure of efforts to grow its global satellite constellation. The I6-F2 satellite, launched in February by Inmarsat, “suffered a power subsystem anomaly during its orbit raising phase” and will not enter service as planned.
Malaysia Airlines picks Viasat for MAX inflight internet, entertainment
Malaysia Airlines’ upcoming fleet of 737 MAX 8 aircraft will offer inflight internet and wireless entertainment on board, powered by Viasat.
Viasat doubles down on interoperability to address short, mid-term capacity challenges
Despite the troubles with its first flagship ViaSat-3 satellite, Viasat continues to maintain a positive outlook. Yes, the lack of capacity from the new satellite over the Americas is a problem. But for the next couple years that should only impact its terrestrial connectivity business, not the higher-margin mobility or government business lines.