In-flight internet connectivity is one of the most important services offered to the premium customers while onboard these days by the operators. It’s also important to know how this system works and who all provides such services. Mr. Claudio D’Amico, Vice President of Strategic Market Engagement, Business Aviation at Viasat, one of the global leader’s in providing in-flight connectivity for the business aviation industry in an online interview with Mr. Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World explained his company’s latest developments from tech innovations to partnerships and what to expect from the rest of 2025 and beyond. Excerpts…
Q: What services does Viasat provide to its customers? Also, what types of products are available to support these services?
A: Viasat is a leading in-flight connectivity provider for the business aviation industry. Our reliable, consistent and high-performance solutions are onboard over 5,000 private jets worldwide, keeping our customers connected wherever and whenever they fly, from the busiest airport to the most remote locations.
We recently launched JetXP, which delivers our best ever in-flight broadband experience to business aviation customers. It unleashes the full power of Viasat’s global Ka-band network and harmonises our service offering following our acquisition of Inmarsat. It truly offers the best of both worlds, marrying a range of combined strengths: from our powerful capacity and reliable global coverage to our advanced network management techniques, trusted expertise and world-class innovation. Importantly, it also brings our legacy Jet ConneX and Viasat Ka services together under one unified brand.
Hundreds of customers have activated JetXP since it launched in October 2024, showing a strong market uptake. These early adopters are reporting an even higher quality of experience and snappier internet, with speeds that exceed 100Mbps over Europe and other regions, without compromising on our trademark consistency, reliability and seamless global connectivity, complemented by the white-glove customer service and 24/7 support of Viasat distribution partners – Collins Aerospace, Gogo and Honeywell.
JetXP service plans are available using the Honeywell JetWave, Gogo Plane Simple Ka-band and Viasat Global Aero Terminal (GAT) 5510 terminals. These will be joined by Honeywell JetWave X later this year.
Additionally, we provide our Swift Broadband (SBB) service over L-band, offering reliable in-flight voice and data connectivity with global coverage that is always available to meet the core needs of users. It is a proven, dependable way to stay connected, regardless of which aircraft type is being operated or which route is being flown across the world. Our new SwiftJet connectivity service over L-band will enter commercial service this year, delivering up to six times the performance of SBB. It ensures passengers can stay connected with the ability to communicate over email, text, instant messaging and video calls, browse the internet and social media, and even enjoy single device streaming.
JetXP 2025 ( Pix Courtesy: Viasat)
Q: How does it work, like OEMS get the product installed or it’s the aircraft owners who looks for such add on services?
A: Our business aviation in-flight connectivity services are certified on a range of different private jets and available as line-fit and retro-fit options. Honeywell’s JetWave terminal, for example, is certified on all large cabin jets and has established itself as a trusted solution to access Viasat connectivity over the past decade. Honeywell also has strategic line-fit and retrofit agreements with leading OEMs such as Bombardier and Dassault for its JetWave X terminal, with more expected later this year and beyond.
Gogo’s Plane Simple Ka-band terminal has received Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for aircraft including Gulfstream’s G650ER, G650, G550, GV and G280, with other key airframes expected in the coming months. Viasat’s GAT 5510 terminal is available as a linefit option on the Gulfstream G280, Bombardier C3500 and Embraer Praetors, it is also a retrofit option through Viasat’s network of authorized dealers, with Supplemental Type Certificate (STCs) on several popular airframes.
Q: Do you have any customers or business presence in India as well?
A: Yes, Viasat has many Indian business aviation customers, although we cannot disclose their details for obvious reasons. They are served by our trusted local partner BSNL, who is the only operator authorized by the Indian government to provision and support Viasat Ka-band services for the India domestic market.
Q: What are the various types of plans offered for usage? Also the role of your distribution partners in this process?
A: We offer flexible service plans to cater to varying levels of demand, with an emphasis on providing an overall quality of experience, rather than just focusing on speed. Our distribution partners, including Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, and Gogo, play a crucial role in delivering these services. They provide white-glove customer service, 24/7 support, and ensure a reliable and robust connectivity experience for business aviation principals, no matter where or when they fly.
Q: Your thoughts on tech innovations and how does Viasat adapt to such practices in terms of to enhance the business jet connectivity experience?
A: We recognize the importance of technological innovation and actively adapt to emerging trends to enhance the business jet connectivity experience. The development of JetXP is a prime example of Viasat’s responsiveness to customer feedback and evolving data usage patterns.
It was developed following extensive consultation with customers, partners and research agencies, in addition to detailed analysis of usage trends over recent years. The results indicated that expectations around business aviation connectivity have evolved considerably. Traditional speed-based plans are now outdated, especially those that advertise a top-speed without details around when, where and how frequently it will be achieved. Instead, the business aviation industry has broadened its focus to the overall experience and that’s where JetXP really excels.Feedback from early adoptions of JetXP has been very positive. They can use multiple devices across flight routes for activities such as seamless high-definition video calls, content streaming, and even bulk file transfers without experiencing frustrating interruptions or slowdowns.
And this is only the start. Watch this space, as we’re excited to share details of other exciting developments in the pipeline, such as our multi-orbit strategy, which aims to intelligently orchestrate transformative GEO and Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) networks to stay ahead in service innovation and differentiation across multiple markets.
Viasat BizAv Extended Coverage ( Pix Courtesy: Viasat)
Q: What’s the data usage trends over the recent years? How does Viasat ensures to provide all together new experience to its end users onboard?
A: Recent years have seen a huge shift in data usage trends among business aviation principals – put simply, much more bandwidth and a much better experience is required. While traditional activities like emailing and messaging remain popular, there’s been a significant increase in the use of video conferencing tools and streaming high-definition video content. Notably, the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has also surged. Our latest statistics with CJI found that 42% of travellers reported using generative AI ‘often’ or ‘almost always.’ AI use in flight now even outpaces activities like gaming. To cater to these evolving needs, services like JetXP ensure a comprehensive and enhanced onboard experience, so that passengers can take advantage of data-intensive applications.
Q: How do you ensure safety and privacy of data of your customer’s ?
A: Our customers, including those from the business aviation market, demand the highest levels of data security and integrity. Fortunately, cyber security is a fundamental part of our in-flight connectivity offering and we’re extremely well positioned to deliver secure bandwidth and capacity. Our network includes robust features that are backed by deep layers of security, engineered into our end-to-end systems from the outset. There is constant network monitoring to evaluate threats and anomalies, providing solutions for resolution without the need for additional hardware on the aircraft. In addition, for business aviation, our value-added resellers consistently add another layer of security, ensuring the peace of mind that principals are accustomed to and require when they travel.
