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ViaSat Receives Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Ka-Band Satellite Antenna and Hybrid Ku-/Ka-Band Radome

April 18, 2016

ViaSat Inc. received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the FAA to install its advanced Ka-band satellite antenna and radome on Airbus A320 aircraft. This certification, coupled with ViaSat's in-cabin distribution STC, enables airlines to deploy ViaSat's complete end-to-end in-flight connectivity system, giving passengers access to the industry's fastest, highest capacity in-flight internet service.

"Reaching this milestone is significant as it sets a high bar for how to build and install a best in-flight internet service for global coverage," said Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, Commercial Mobility, ViaSat. "We now have FAA approval for our radome, antenna and in-flight cabin system – which gives airlines and passengers access to the real internet – not cached content – with the most reliable, scalable streaming capabilities."

ViaSat offers a vertically-integrated in-flight internet offering, inclusive of FAA certifications, wireless IFE system support, passenger-facing internet access portals, and an end-to-end in-flight entertainment and connectivity service that extends from ViaSat's industry-leading highest capacity satellite system to passengers' personal devices. The system, deployed by ViaSat on new Virgin America aircraft, provides both internet connectivity and broadcast TV across ViaSat's Ka-band and hybrid Ka-/Ku-band terminals.

ViaSat's high capacity Ka-band in-flight internet service is deployed on nearly 500 commercial planes in the U.S. The service provides gate-to-gate internet access with speeds that are typically 8 to 10 times faster than any other in-flight Wi-Fi system available on the market today. The ViaSat in-flight internet service gives passengers access to the real internet for entertainment and connectivity. The service offers unmatched quality, performance, scale and speed, which ranges from 12 to 20 Mbps to each connected device.