Viasat AERA enters Boeing technical evaluation process
Image courtesy Viasat
Viasat AERA is designed for installation using the Boeing Aerodynamic Shroud antenna fairing, reinforcing its alignment with Boeing’s future-forward connectivity architecture.
Following certification of the system, Viasat AERA will be a selectable linefit option, enabling airlines to incorporate Viasat’s next generation, innovative hardware - which is part of its widely adopted Viasat AMARA solution - directly into their aircraft configuration and future fleet planning.
Brian Simone, Vice President of Aviation Products, Viasat, said: “This agreement continues our long tradition of working to bring powerful connectivity solutions to the market and is an important milestone in bringing Viasat AERA to airlines around the world.
“Being 'linefit offerable' will allow us to deliver a next-generation connectivity solution that enhances the passenger experience through simultaneous multiorbit flexibility and smart, adaptive traffic routing, while reducing operational complexity for airlines.”
At AIX, Viasat also demonstrated progress on readiness for its planned entry of the Viasat AERA terminal into the market in early 2028, outlining innovative technologies and capabilities that will enable both airline and passenger benefits, including AERA’s simultaneous multibeam technology, designed to unlock true multiorbit flexibility in a way that has never been done commercially before. The terminal will leverage multiple satellite networks at the same time, helping ensure a very consistent connection across a wider range of geographies, airport environments and flight conditions.
Viasat AERA will be a lightweight, low-profile ESA solution built to deliver high performance with minimal maintenance demands. Its solid-state design and built-in redundancies will support long service life, mitigate service outages and help reduce aircraft downtime, lowering costs and helping keep fleets reliably online. Additionally, like the broader Viasat AMARA solution it supports, the Viasat AERA terminal is built to evolve. Its capabilities will be enhanced through software updates that support new features, performance improvements and emerging satellite networks.
For existing Viasat customers that upgrade to AERA, the hardware is engineered to simplify the process, requiring no structural aircraft changes and minimising aircraft downtime. The transition will reduce weight, cut drag and enable airlines to capture operational efficiencies, whilst delivering next generation connectivity.
