Viasat directs its focus on strengthening in-flight connectivity in India

Global provider of satellite communications, Viasat is strengthening its focus on in-flight connectivity in India, drawing on its experience in global aviation and the work of its India-based engineering teams that support large-scale satellite connectivity operations worldwide.

The company received authorization to provide in-flight connectivity services in India in 2020. Since then, it has been offering connectivity to commercial airlines, business jets and strategic platforms operated by the Government of India. Viasat has also established dedicated ground infrastructure in the country to support aviation connectivity.

“We have built four ground stations in India. One of them is for safety services and the second is for in-flight connectivity. On in-flight connectivity, we received authorization in 2020 and have since been providing services to business jets and strategic platforms. Globally, Viasat is one of the major providers of satellite connectivity for commercial aviation. We have been working in aviation for over a decade and today support more than 60 airlines worldwide,” said Gautam Sharma, Managing Director, Viasat India.

Viasat’s aviation services provide onboard internet and telephony access, as well as live television, wireless in-flight entertainment and streaming facilities.

According to Sanjay Lala, Vice President – Business Development at Viasat, the company currently supports more than 60 airlines and connects approximately 14,000 flights each day, accounting for over three million flight hours every month.

“This is a large-scale global operation. We offer flexible business models that allow airlines to decide how these services are offered to passengers. We provide the core services and customise them according to each airline’s requirements. While Viasat already supports flights operating worldwide, discussions with Indian airlines are ongoing,” he said.