Viasat accelerates AAM with L2 Aviation

Image courtesy Viasat

Until now, the AAM sector has focused primarily on technical feasibility demonstrations. However, scaling operations safely depends on embedding connectivity into certified avionics architectures that can operate within regulated airspace. By welcoming L2 Aviation into the Velaris ecosystem, Viasat has taken a further step towards closing that gap.
 
L2 Aviation is a globally established avionics design, engineering, certification, manufacturing and installation specialist with nearly three decades of experience delivering safety-critical aircraft modifications across commercial, business, cargo and military fleets. Through the Velaris ecosystem, L2 will apply this expertise to support the integration and certification of satellite communications (satcom) for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and AAM platforms as they transition from demonstration to deployment.
 
Viasat Velaris provides global satellite connectivity designed specifically for uncrewed and emerging aircraft, enabling command and control and other essential operational data links. The Velaris ecosystem connects connectivity, integration, and service partners to help operators move from early deployments to compliant, scalable operations.
 
The move follows March’s news that Galaxy 1 Communications is collaborating with Viasat to enhance the delivery of Velaris within the industry. Working closely with Viasat, Galaxy 1 is extending the reach of Velaris through its Distribution Partner-as-a-Service (DPaaS) model and bringing further experts, like L2 Aviation, into the ecosystem. Rather than acting as a traditional distributor, Galaxy 1 provides a managed operational layer that abstracts the complexity of provisioning, billing, compliance oversight and integration into a unified framework. 
 
“Right now the industry is focused on what it will take to enable routine, regulated AAM operations: so it is clear that certification ready connectivity and avionics integration must advance together.” said Joel Klooster, SVP Aircraft Operations and Safety at Viasat. “Bringing L2 Aviation into the Velaris ecosystem through G1 reflects that shift from proving concepts to building operational capability. Their experience strengthens how Velaris supports the next phase of AAM deployment, where safety, certification, and scalability are immediate priorities.”
 
“Advanced Air Mobility will not scale on capability alone. It will scale when that capability is engineered into certified, operational systems that regulators trust and operators can rely on every day,” said Tony Bailey, President and Chief Operating Officer at L2 Aviation. “Our role within the Velaris ecosystem is to integrate satellite connectivity into avionics architectures that meet real-world certification standards. Working alongside Viasat Inc. and Galaxy 1 Communications, we are focused on delivering systems that are certifiable, scalable, and ready to support routine AAM and uncrewed operations.” 
 
“Advancing safe, scalable UAV and AAM operations requires more than just connectivity — it demands a fully integrated, certifiable ecosystem,” said Gino Jensen, Chief Technology Officer at Galaxy 1 Communications. “Our programme is focused on delivering exactly that, combining resilient multi-network communications with the operational frameworks needed for regulated flight. Bringing on board L2 Aviation as a partner is a significant step forward. Their deep expertise in avionics integration and certification strengthens our ability to support airworthiness, compliance, and system interoperability—helping accelerate the path from innovation to real-world, commercially viable deployment.”