Delta and Viasat Partner for Inflight Connectivity

Viasat Inc, a global communications company, has announced that Delta Air Lines has selected Viasat’s Ka-band satellite inflight connectivity (IFC) solution for more than 300 mainline narrowbody aircraft, including both new delivery and retrofits on A321ceo, 737-900ER and select 757-200 aircraft.

Delta expects to bring the Viasat technology onboard these aircraft starting in summer 2021, with Delta having the option to add it to other aircraft in its fleet.

Delta will be upgrading its current IFC system to Viasat’s more advanced Ka-band satellite-powered technology to provide all customers with enhanced and reliable inflight Internet capabilities – including faster, more consistent connections and an ability to stream all types of entertainment and popular over-the-top content – to any Internet-ready device, gate-to-gate.

The Viasat/Delta relationship will lay the groundwork toward a true full, fast and free inflight Internet experience as well as future enhancements and personalization on customer seatback screens.

“We are constantly looking for new ways to delight our customers and offer an unparalleled onboard experience,” said Bill Lentsch, chief customer experience officer, Delta. “In working with Viasat, we gain the tools needed to deepen customer interactions and bring us closer to delivering more personalized inflight content as well as an ability to consistently provide free, fast, streaming WiFi in the future.”

Delta’s aircraft will be outfitted with Viasat’s latest Ka-band IFC system, and will be compatible with the company’s complete fleet of satellites, including its first-generation spacecraft and partner satellites; its second-generation spacecraft ViaSat-2, and the forthcoming ViaSat-3 class of satellites, which are expected to offer global coverage with nearly eight times more capacity than Viasat’s current fleet.

delta.com, viasat.com