Qantas and ViaSat Sign Memorandum of Understanding

1st Mar 2016

Passengers on Qantas Airways' domestic routes will soon be able to enjoy free, high-quality in-flight Internet access as the Australian national carrier has recently signed a MOU (memorandum of understanding with ViaSat.

This is the first time ViaSat is entering a partnership with an airline in Asia Pacific. In addition, Qantas Airways is the first airline from this region to choose ViaSat's single, hybrid Ku/Ka-band antenna. This will allow the Flying Kangaroo's planes to be connected with the one of the best satellite networks currently available in the world.

Thanks to the deal, Qantas passengers will be able to enjoy Internet speeds of up to 10 times faster than traditional global ground-based in-flight Internet services. Qantas passengers will thus be able to stream their favorite movies, TV shows, or watch live sport events while on the flight.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said about signing an MOU with ViaSat the following:

"Bringing high-speed Wi-Fi to Australia's domestic aviation market has been an ambition of ours for a long time ? and with ViaSat we now have the right partner to make it happen. Our goal is to give our customers a similar Internet experience on board to what they enjoy on the ground."

Chairman and CEO of ViaSat Mark Dankberg had this to say about the partnership with the Australian national flag carrier:

"As a global broadband services provider we are bringing the best Internet service ? with the highest capacity , speeds and take-rates ? to Qantas passengers, ensuring they enjoy the ultimate in-flight Internet experience. "

Mr Dankberg further added:

"We know as a premium airline, Qantas must deliver on its promise to bring quality services to its customers and we are flattered Qantas selected ViaSat as its in-flight parent of choice.

Qantas and ViaSat should begin testing in-flight Internet on a single Boeing 737 aircraft late this year. The plane will be fitted with ViaSat's satellite antenna, radome technology, in-cabin Wi-Fi hotspots and an Internet modem. If proven successful, they will roll it out on Qantas' Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 fleets in 2017.