The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has given Supplemental Type Certificate (VSTC) to Viasat to install its advanced Ka-band satellite connectivity system on the Boeing 737 aircraft series.
Following the validation of the A320 series in April 2022, this latest approval for the 737-NG series further strengthens the foundation for Chinese airlines to install and deploy Viasat’s industry-leading inflight connectivity (IFC) system, including antenna, radome, modem, server and WAPs.
Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, commercial aviation at Viasat, said: “Receiving CAAC validations is a great honor as we continue to invest in China for the long run. Incredibly, our current CAAC certifications allow us to serve over 75% of aircraft in China. We are grateful to our partners and excited to support the digital transformation of Chinese airlines both domestically and for international flights.”
Viasat’s IFC system works in cooperation with China Satellite Communications. It connects with the Ka-band ChinaSat-16 satellite system to enable video streaming, browsing, messaging, social media scrolling and more to every connected device on Viasat-equipped aircraft operating over China. Viasat’s IFC system can also connect to its global network outside of China.
Sichuan Airlines is China’s first domestic carrier to partner with Viasat’s In-Flight Connectivity Solution and China Satcom’s Satellite System.