Jetstar has selected Viasat to provide in-flight connectivity across its long-range international routes, the company announced on Apr. 22. The new system will be installed on 11 Jetstar aircraft as part of a cabin modernization program aimed at improving passenger experience during long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights.
The move comes as airlines increasingly focus on providing reliable internet access for passengers, especially on longer journeys where connectivity is seen as critical. Jetstar’s decision reflects the growing demand for streaming, messaging, and browsing capabilities while in the air.
Installation of Viasat’s system has already begun, with the first equipped aircraft entering service earlier this month. Full fleet installation is expected to continue through mid-2027. The technology will deliver high-performance, multi-orbit-ready connectivity across Jetstar’s expanding network.
Don Buchman, President of Viasat Aviation, said: “Jetstar is making a deliberate investment in the future of the onboard experience, particularly for longer‑range flying. Viasat AMARA was designed for exactly this challenge — delivering a consistent, high‑quality connection today, while giving airlines a clear path to scale capacity, resilience, and performance over time through a truly multi‑orbit network architecture. By combining Jetstar’s modernized cabins with Viasat’s expanding global satellite network, we’re enabling an in-flight connectivity platform that can grow with passenger expectations and adapt as new capacity and technologies are introduced.”
Viasat AMARA uses a multi-network platform that blends satellite resources to maintain consistent performance across different aircraft types and flight conditions. For Business Class passengers on refreshed Boeing 787s, access to both Wi-Fi and entertainment options will be included; Economy passengers will have paid options available.
The partnership also supports Jetstar’s shift away from traditional seatback screens toward personal device use by travelers—a trend reflected by survey data indicating that most passengers prefer using their own devices during flights.
Looking ahead, further deployment of ViaSat-3 capacity and integration with Ka-band low Earth orbit satellites from Telesat Lightspeed are expected to enhance bandwidth availability throughout Asia-Pacific regions.
