Sichuan Airlines selected Viasat’s In-Fight Connectivity (IFC) technology and equipment for installation on its Airbus A320 family of aircraft. The Viasat terminal installed on the aircraft will connect to China Satcom's Ka-band satellite network and AeroSat Link's digital IFC service to provide IFC service to passengers and crew.
The contract was signed between Sichuan Airlines, Viasat, and AeroSat Link Technology, a subsidiary of China Satellite Communications.
Don Buchman, VP and GM, Commercial Aviation, Viasat said: “Sichuan Airlines continuously seeks ways to enhance the onboard customer experience, and we are proud to be a part of the airline's pioneering effort to deliver high-quality, high-speed in-flight internet within China. Today's announcement is an exciting and meaningful milestone for our relationships with Sichuan Airlines and AeroSat Link, and we are thrilled to have Sichuan Airlines leading the way."
“This model is focused on resource integration, business innovation, technology empowerment, and operative efficiency. The objective is to improve airline operation efficiency and customer service quality and create an enjoyable IFC experience for passengers,” the airline said in a statement.
Viasat claims that the combination of its IFC equipment, China Satcom's satellite network, and AeroSat Link's digital services will enable video streaming, internet browsing, messaging, social media, business applications, and more to each connected device on these equipped aircraft.