More than 150 additional aircraft expected
to be equipped with the European Aviation Network connectivity
solution as Lufthansa Group continues to focus on exceptional
passenger experience.
CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 24,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a
leader in global communications, today announced that Lufthansa
Group has selected Viasat to equip more than 150 additional
aircraft – across its Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines
fleets – with the European Aviation Network (EAN) in-flight
connectivity (IFC) solution. EAN combines S-band satellite coverage
provided by Viasat with a complementary ground component network
operated by long-standing Viasat and Lufthansa Group partner,
Deutsche Telekom, delivering a service that supports streaming and
other high bandwidth requirements.
This announcement continues a successful, enduring partnership
between the companies. Inmarsat, which was recently acquired by
Viasat, has provided its Ka-band IFC service to Lufthansa Group
since 2015. This connectivity solution is already onboard 240
Lufthansa Group narrow-body aircraft.
The new selection showcases Lufthansa Group's ongoing commitment
to driving an exceptional passenger experience, offering a
consistent connectivity experience across its fleets, ensuring that
no matter which route or aircraft passengers take, they can benefit
from reliable in-flight connectivity. The additional 150+ aircraft
include Airbus A320s, A320neos and A220s fleet types.
EAN is a unique example of European technological and regulatory
leadership, which allows air travelers in Europe to benefit from an outstanding
pan-European IFC experience. Additionally, EAN takes advantage of
small, low weight, low drag terminals, enabling Lufthansa Group to
unlock cost-saving opportunities and enhance its sustainability
credentials. These factors were important in Lufthansa Group's
selection of EAN terminals for their A320 and A220 fleets, to bring
consistent in-flight connectivity as efficiently as possible.
Lufthansa Group airlines recently unveiled a new release of its
onboard portal, FlyNet®, which will be accessible on
EAN-equipped aircraft. The portal gives passengers the opportunity
to login to in-flight connectivity using their Travel ID or Miles
and More logins, and to access information from menus for onboard
food and beverage, to duty free offers and advertisements.
Don Buchman, GM and VP,
Commercial Aviation at Viasat, said: "We're so pleased to continue
our long-standing partnership with Lufthansa Group, bringing the
consistent, seamless in-flight connectivity solution that
passengers want via the European Aviation Network. With so many
passengers set to benefit, we're excited to see the impact that EAN
has on Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines' fleets – especially
in helping them remain at the forefront of offering a superior
passenger experience, no matter which intra-European route or
aircraft they fly."
David Fox, Vice President,
Inflight and Connectivity Services at Deutsche Telekom, said: "EAN
is a game-changer in inflight connectivity. The service adapts
perfectly to Europe's unique telco
infrastructure and provides an exceptional connectivity experience
for passengers while they fly above the European continent. EAN
also offers a highly compelling business case for carriers due to
its lightweight, small and low maintenance equipment."
This further enhances the onboard experience for passengers, as
Viasat's 2023 Passenger Experience Survey found that 83% of
passengers surveyed would rebook with an airline that offered
quality in-flight Wi-Fi, while 81% say Wi-Fi is important to
them. This showcases the importance of quality in-flight
connectivity to passengers' perceptions of an airline.
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company
that believes everyone and everything in the world can be
connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our
mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and
militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is
developing the ultimate global communications network to power
high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to
positively impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground,
in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space.
On May 30, 2023, Viasat completed its
acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and
resources of the two companies to create a new global
communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the
Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram,
LinkedIn, X or YouTube.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains
forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors
created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, among
others, statements that refer to the number of additional aircraft
to be equipped with the EAN connectivity solution; the features and
performance of the EAN connectivity solution; and the benefits to
airlines and passengers of the EAN connectivity solution. Readers
are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and
adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks
associated with the construction, launch and operation of the
satellite(s) used to supply these services, including the effect of
any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite
performance; contractual problems; product defects; manufacturing
issues or delays; regulatory issues; changes in relationships with,
or the financial condition of, key suppliers; technologies not
being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not
perform according to expectations; and other factors affecting the
aviation sector generally. In addition, please refer to the risk
factors contained in our SEC filings available at www.sec.gov,
including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of
the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Copyright © 2024 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the
Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of
Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used
for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their
respective owners.
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SOURCE Viasat, Inc.