Viasat Aims for Prime Position on Boeing Jets with Next-Gen Connectivity

CARLSBAD, Calif. – April 14, 2026 – Viasat has initiated a crucial step to embed its most advanced in-flight connectivity hardware directly onto the production lines of the world's largest aircraft manufacturer. The satellite communications giant announced today at the Aircraft Interior Expo (AIX) that it has entered Boeing’s technical evaluation process to qualify its Viasat AERA electronically steered antenna (ESA) for linefit installation on the Boeing 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner families.

If successful, airlines purchasing these popular aircraft could select Viasat’s next-generation system as a factory-installed option, a coveted status that streamlines delivery and solidifies a supplier’s position in the fiercely competitive aviation market. The move signals a significant push by Viasat to secure a long-term foothold in the future of air travel, where consistent, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but an expectation.

“This agreement continues our long tradition of working to bring powerful connectivity solutions to the market and is an important milestone in bringing Viasat AERA to airlines around the world,” said Brian Simone, Vice President of Aviation Products at Viasat, in a statement. “Being linefit offerable will allow us to deliver a next-generation connectivity solution that enhances the passenger experience... while reducing operational complexity for airlines.”

The Race for the Multi-Orbit Sky

Viasat's announcement does not happen in a vacuum. It lands in the middle of an industry-wide technological arms race to equip aircraft with multi-orbit antenna systems. The promise of these advanced ESAs is to intelligently and seamlessly switch between different satellite constellations—from traditional Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites miles above the equator to burgeoning Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mega-constellations—to provide an uninterrupted, low-latency connection from gate to gate.

Nearly every major airline request for new connectivity solutions now includes a multi-orbit requirement, making it the new standard for premium service. Boeing has been actively expanding its portfolio of linefit partners to meet this demand. SES has already achieved a milestone with Boeing to offer its own multi-orbit ESA, with linefit deliveries for Japan Airlines' 787s expected in 2028. Panasonic Avionics is also working to get its Stellar Blu ESA offered as a Boeing linefit option.

This crowded field includes established players like Intelsat, which is deploying its own ESA solution with carriers like Alaska Airlines, and disruptors like Starlink, whose LEO-based service is being rapidly adopted by airlines including Emirates and Qatar Airways. The competition underscores the immense value placed on securing a factory-approved position, which can significantly influence an airline's choice of provider for decades to come.

A Technical Leap in Connectivity

At the heart of Viasat's proposal is the AERA terminal, a key component of its broader AMARA connectivity solution. The company is betting on what it calls “simultaneous multibeam technology” to differentiate its offering. Viasat claims this will allow the AERA antenna to maintain connections to multiple satellite networks across different orbits (GEO, LEO, and even Highly Elliptical Orbit) at the same time, a feat it says has never been done commercially before.

This simultaneous connection capability is designed to create a more resilient and robust link. By dynamically routing traffic across the best available satellite beams, the system aims to eliminate the momentary dropouts that can occur when an aircraft switches between satellites or flies through congested airspace or challenging geographies, such as over polar routes. For passengers, this translates to a smoother, more predictable experience for streaming, browsing, and video conferencing. For airlines, it means greater reliability for both passenger Wi-Fi and critical crew applications.

Beyond its multi-orbit prowess, the AERA antenna is a solid-state, low-profile ESA. With no moving parts, it is inherently more reliable and requires less maintenance than older, mechanically steered dish antennas. Its sleek design also reduces aerodynamic drag, which can translate into tangible fuel savings over the life of an aircraft. Furthermore, Viasat emphasizes that the system is built to evolve, with future performance enhancements and support for new satellite networks delivered via software updates, protecting an airline's long-term investment.

Strategic Stakes for Airlines and Manufacturers

The potential integration of Viasat AERA as a linefit option represents a strategic alignment of interests for both Viasat and Boeing. For Viasat, it provides a direct channel to a massive market. The 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 represent the backbone of many global airline fleets, and securing a spot on the production line could dramatically accelerate adoption and grow its market share, which currently stands at over 3,700 connected aircraft.

For Boeing, offering a wider array of cutting-edge connectivity solutions makes its aircraft more attractive to airline customers. In an era where the passenger experience is a key competitive differentiator, providing airlines with choices for powerful, factory-installed internet is crucial. It simplifies the complex process of aircraft delivery and ensures that new planes are ready to meet passenger demands from day one.

Airlines, in turn, stand to gain significant operational benefits. The prospect of receiving a new aircraft with a pre-certified, state-of-the-art connectivity system eliminates the costly downtime associated with retrofitting planes after delivery. Viasat also notes that for its existing customers, the upgrade path to AERA is designed to be straightforward, reusing existing mounting points to minimize time in the hangar. The combined benefits of reduced maintenance, lower fuel burn from reduced drag, and a future-proof, software-upgradable platform directly address the core airline priorities of enhancing passenger satisfaction while rigorously controlling operational costs.

With a planned market entry in early 2028, the Viasat AERA terminal is poised to enter service just as the demand for multi-orbit solutions reaches a fever pitch, setting the stage for the next evolution of the connected aircraft.