Qantas accelerates Viasat connectivity rollout on international fleet

Qantas is accelerating the rollout of Viasat-powered inflight connectivity on its international fleet, saying the “fast and free” streaming level of service will be progressively switched on from the end of the year.

The carrier has long offered Viasat high-speed Internet on select Boeing 737-800s and Airbus A330-200s flying domestically and on certain international routes, and it recently extended the service to select Airbus A220-300s. The Australian National Broadband Network’s (NBN’s) Sky Muster high-capacity Ka-band satellites help to support the service.

Now, as Viasat readies to launch its own high-capacity ViaSat-3 F3 geostationary satellite for the Asia-Pacific region in calendar 2024, Qantas sees an opportunity to make good on its stated commitment to bring Wi-Fi to its international fleet.

“The expansion of Wi-Fi to the airline’s international fleet was deferred until global satellite technology was able to deliver a similar quality connection that Qantas customers have when travelling domestically,” Qantas explains in a statement.

First in line for retrofit are the carrier’s Airbus A330-200LR twinjets. Connectivity will be installed on these birds as part of their existing heavy maintenance schedule starting in March 2024. Installation is expected to be complete by the end of the year, coinciding with the ViaSat-3 F3 launch.

Thereafter, installation programs for the Boeing 787s, Airbus A380s and Airbus A330-300s will commence from 2025, says Qantas. New aircraft currently on order, including the Airbus A350 and new 787 fleets, will be Wi-Fi capable when delivered.

Qantas LCC subsidiary Jetstar will not be left in the dust, with Qantas saying that onboard Wi-Fi will be brought to Jetstar’s international widebody fleet from 2026, as part of its Boeing 787 cabin refresh.

“The speed and reliability of Qantas’ domestic Wi-Fi service has driven average take-up rates of 75 percent, with some routes showing up to 100 percent uptake,” reveals Qantas.

It assures that Qantas “will offer ‘fast and free’ international Wi-Fi with enough bandwidth for every passenger to enjoy a fast and consistent connection”.

Don Buchman, who serves as Viasat’s vice president and general manager for commercial aviation says: “A significantly higher parentage of Qantas customers connect to in-flight Wi-Fi than the industry average, so we recognize what an important step it is to partner with Qantas to bring the same exceptional connectivity experience to its international fleet.

“We applaud Qantas’ commitment to prioritizing Wi-Fi and the digital experiences it can provide — from live TV and Sports to social media and streaming — not just today, but looking to the future.”

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Featured image source: Qantas