Communications company Viasat has been selected by US fractional ownership and jet card provider Airshare to provide in-flight connectivity for new aircraft deliveries.
Viasat will install its Ka-band in-flight connectivity (IFC) system on Airshare’s new Bombardier Challenger 350 deliveries and future Challenger 3500 deliveries that will begin next year. Airshare said it chose Visat to allow high-speed connectivity for its fractional owners during all phases of flight including taxi, takeoff and landing, even in dense geographical areas with heavy aviation traffic.
“Choosing Viasat for our new deliveries was an important step as Airshare enters our next phase of growth,” said John Owen, president and CEO, Airshare. “Excellent connectivity is no longer simply a nice-to-have amenity while in flight.”
Airshare said it is expanding its fractional offering beyond its core markets in central US with plans to begin serving customers on the East Coast “in the near future”.
“With Airshare’s sharp focus on customer service and an exceptional in-flight experience, we look forward to supporting the new fleet’s connectivity requirements now and into the future,” said Claudio D’Amico, business area director, Business Aviation, Viasat.
In June, following its FAA approval for Dassault 7X and 8X, Viasat stockholders approved a $7.3bn deal to acquire Inmarsat. The deal is expected to close in the second half of this year subject to regulatory approvals.
