Why Smarter In-Flight Wi-Fi Is Now a Business Imperative

Skift

a day ago

As demand for high-speed connectivity soars, in-flight Wi-Fi is no longer a perk — it's a loyalty driver. With its hybrid, multi-orbit approach, Viasat is delivering what the future requires: smarter, faster, more reliable in-flight internet that scales globally and sustainably. Here's how it works.
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In today's always-connected world, travelers expect their digital lives to continue uninterrupted — even at 35,000 feet. In fact, a recent survey found that 75% of airline passengers say in-flight Wi-Fi availability influences their airline choice. As expectations for seamless connectivity rise, Viasat is stepping up to redefine what's possible in the sky.
Known for delivering high-performance satellite connectivity to airlines around the world, Viasat isn't limiting itself to a single orbit or satellite type. Instead, it's pioneering a multi-orbit future — one that blends the expansive reach and capacity of geostationary satellites (GEO) with the low-latency, real-time responsiveness of low Earth orbit (LEO) systems.
'We've always believed that every passenger should be able to do in the air what they typically do at home — stream, work, message, stay connected,' said Sandeep Moorthy, CTO of Viasat Commercial Services. 'That vision is finally becoming reality at scale.'
The Connectivity Expectation Has Changed
Once considered a luxury, in-flight Wi-Fi is now a baseline expectation — one that directly impacts loyalty, Net Promoter Scores, and competitive differentiation.
'Whether they want it or not, passengers feel the need to be connected,' Moorthy said. 'Whether it's a message from a loved one, watching a live event, or catching up on a show during a ten-hour flight, that expectation is now embedded.'
And it's global. While North America led the charge, Moorthy noted that 'more and more of the global market is starting to adopt this need for always-on connectivity.'
Understanding GEO and LEO Satellite Networks
Delivering internet to aircraft flying 500 mph at 35,000 feet is no small feat. The complexity multiplies when considering the two types of satellite architectures:
Geostationary (GEO) satellites orbit about 22,300 miles above Earth, providing wide coverage, high capacity, and operational flexibility. Because they remain fixed relative to the Earth's surface, GEO satellites are well-suited for delivering consistent coverage across large regions — particularly those designed to flex or shift capacity to 'hot spot' areas with concentrated demand. However, their higher altitude results in greater latency — the delay between sending and receiving data — which can cause slight lags when loading websites or streaming video.
satellites orbit about 22,300 miles above Earth, providing wide coverage, high capacity, and operational flexibility. Because they remain fixed relative to the Earth's surface, GEO satellites are well-suited for delivering consistent coverage across large regions — particularly those designed to flex or shift capacity to 'hot spot' areas with concentrated demand. However, their higher altitude results in greater latency — the delay between sending and receiving data — which can cause slight lags when loading websites or streaming video. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, by contrast, orbit below 1,200 miles from Earth, enabling lower latency and, in certain scenarios, faster data transfer. However, their limited field of view and rapid movement relative to the Earth mean they cover smaller areas and lack the flexibility of GEO satellites. To achieve consistent global coverage, LEO networks require large constellations of satellites working in unison.
The Advantages of a Multi-Orbit, Hybrid Approach
Rather than picking one over the other, Viasat is taking a hybrid approach with its new in-flight connectivity solution, Viasat Amara. It partners with Telesat for a sustainable LEO network while continuing to build on its own GEO powerhouse along with other non-geostationary (NGSO) satellites. Viasat's multi-orbit system combines the high capacity and flexibility of GEO with the augmented coverage of LEO, giving passengers the best of both worlds: fast connectivity even in high-demand areas and broad reach.
'It's about matching the right supply to the right demand, at the right time and place,' Moorthy explained. 'Connectivity needs vary by region, flight path, and even time of day — demand is not uniform.'
Viasat Amara orchestrates connectivity to meet these various needs. It uses machine learning to intelligently route traffic based on passenger activity, aircraft location, and available satellite resources.
'For streaming Netflix or watching a live event, GEO satellites are more economical and effective,' Moorthy said. 'But if someone's on a Zoom call, LEO can provide that extra edge in latency.'
The Business Case for Airlines
Viasat's in-flight connectivity is not just about keeping passengers online. It's becoming a critical part of how airlines enhance customer experience and improve business performance. High-quality Wi-Fi unlocks new revenue opportunities through digital advertising, content partnerships, e-commerce, and loyalty program engagement.
Connectivity also plays a growing role in operational improvements, supporting real-time inventory tracking, fraud detection, and remote diagnostics to help crews and ground teams make better decisions.
Because Viasat manages the entire system, including satellites, ground stations, onboard equipment, and software, it offers a flexible and scalable solution that can be tailored to each airline's needs.
'We're line-fit on virtually every Boeing and Airbus model,' Moorthy said. 'When a plane rolls off the factory floor, Viasat can be ready on day one. Then it's just about software and service configuration.'
Built for Global Reach and Flexibility
While many connectivity providers are racing toward LEO mega-constellations, Viasat has taken a more measured approach. By partnering with Telesat for a smaller LEO footprint and continuing to invest in its own high-capacity GEO satellites, the company sidesteps some of the regulatory and geopolitical limitations of LEO-only networks.
'You can't just beam service into countries like China, India, or Brazil without permission,' Moorthy said. 'Our hybrid model gives us more flexibility to offer reliable service in restricted regions while managing cost and coverage effectively.'
Targeting With Care in a Privacy-Centric World
As connectivity enables new revenue streams, Viasat is working closely with airlines to unlock targeting opportunities that don't compromise passenger privacy. 'We adhere strictly to global data protection standards like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act),' Moorthy said.
Instead of relying on personal identifiers, Viasat uses contextual information — such as flight details and integration with aircraft avionics — to deliver relevant advertising. This approach enables tailored content while protecting passenger privacy, setting Viasat apart from systems that don't connect directly with onboard environments.
Looking Ahead: A Future-Ready, Responsible Vision
While much of the industry's focus is on what's new, Viasat's roadmap also involves building responsibly, with sustainability and longevity in mind.
GEO satellites, for example, require fewer launches and have longer operational lives than LEO mega-constellations. 'From an environmental standpoint, our hybrid model is more sustainable,' Moorthy said.
Viasat's upcoming ViaSat-3 constellation will significantly boost global capacity, while its next-generation Viasat Aera platform is set to transform the category. Unlike current systems that switch between satellites, Viasat Aera's electronically steered antenna enables simultaneous, multi-satellite connections.
'With Viasat Aera, we can talk to satellites A and B — or even C — at the same time,' Moorthy explained. 'It's not about switching. It's about combining signals to ensure the best experience at all times.'
This leap toward a more seamless, simultaneous connectivity standard positions Viasat to support not just today's streaming passengers, but also tomorrow's bandwidth-hungry applications.
A Call to Airline Decision Makers
Moorthy's message to airline leaders is clear: 'Connectivity is no longer optional. It's a utility — as essential to the brand experience as the seat or the inflight meal.'
And with Viasat's flexible, future-ready platform, airlines don't have to choose between performance, cost, and customization.
'Our systems are built to evolve with each airline's business model,' Moorthy said. 'Whether you want to offer free connectivity to every passenger or monetize it in new ways, we give you the tools to own your space — now and into the next decade.'
For more information about Viasat's commercial aviation solutions, click here.
This content was created collaboratively by Viasat and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.