ViaSat Receives Supplemental Type Certificate for its Gen-2 In-flight Connectivity System on Boeing 737 Aircraft

July 25, 2017

ViaSat Inc.  announced today it received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the FAA for its second generation (Gen-2) in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) system. The certification allows ViaSat to offer internet service on Boeing 737 aircraft. The first installation of the Gen-2 equipment was certified on a Qantas 737-800 aircraft in June 2017. 

Achieving STC approval demonstrates the flight worthiness of ViaSat's Gen-2 Ka-band radome, antenna, entertainment software and in-cabin Wi-Fi distribution system. The Gen-2 equipment can enable:

• Even Faster In-Flight Internet Speeds: The Gen-2 system provides an onboard internet experience that consumers typically expect from ground-based Wi-Fi systems, with speeds that are 10 times faster than any other in-flight Wi-Fi system.
• More Capacity, More Streaming: The Gen-2 equipment drives more capacity from ViaSat's satellites, with an advanced modem set to support throughput levels of up to 1 Gigabit per second, and an upgraded antenna that will double the useable satellite capacity from ViaSat's satellites. Greater capacity will enable streaming at-scale – even at highly congested areas, including airport hubs.
• A Future-Proofed Broadband Solution: The Gen-2 system is forward and backward compatible with the ViaSat-2 and ViaSat-3 class satellites, allowing airlines to cost-effectively deploy the Gen-2 equipment today, and take advantage of the more than 3.5 terabits per second of total global capacity ViaSat expects to offer in the next few years. In addition, the Gen-2 equipment is compatible with most other Ka-band satellites, giving airlines greater choice in satellite solution provider.
• Streamlined Installation: The Gen-2 system leverages the durable and aerodynamic ARINC 791 adapter plate, which streamlines installation with its standardized design.
• Enhanced Entertainment: The Gen 2 system supports the ViaSat wireless In-flight Entertainment (w-IFE) software package for a fully integrated IFEC experience.
• Added Storage for New Applications: The Gen-2 system comes packed with 30 terabytes of solid-state storage, far exceeding the capabilities of other in-flight servers deployed today. With added storage, airlines can host more crew and passenger-focused applications within its open platform server.

"By achieving approval for the first ViaSat-2/ViaSat-3 compatible terminal STC, we are enabling airlines to offer in-flight internet service with unmatched quality, performance, scale and speed – both today and well into the future," said Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, Commercial Mobility, ViaSat. "This critical milestone will allow our airline customers and prospects to meet growing broadband needs at the best satellite economics."