Viasat has announced plans to expand the in-flight connectivity capabilities of its JetXP service by integrating both Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks. This move is intended to provide JetXP customers with more reliable, consistent, and high-performance internet access during flights, including improved redundancy and expanded global coverage.
JetXP will use real-time data routing between GEO and LEO satellites to optimize connectivity for different customer needs. This approach is expected to support activities that require low latency, such as interactive gaming, video conferencing, and real-time cloud collaboration on multiple devices simultaneously.
The new multi-orbit features will be offered as a single plan option for selected JetXP customers, removing the need for multiple subscriptions. Customers will need an additional flat-panel Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA), which is designed for easy installation alongside existing tail-mount antennas. Viasat plans to release further details about this offering next year.
Don Buchman, Aviation President at Viasat, stated: “We’re proud that Viasat has successfully pioneered some of business aviation’s greatest in-flight connectivity innovations over the past 35 years, all with a focus on delivering the very best experience possible to stay ahead of evolving customer needs. That’s been a key part of our success and the reason why our premium solutions are widely-adopted on more than 5,000 business jets worldwide.
“GEO remains our highly-efficient, scalable and cost-effective backbone. It will continue to single-handedly meet the long-term needs of many business aviation customers, delivering significant capacity, proven reliability and global coverage. However, we understand that certain requirements are better served with multi-orbit capabilities and have designed our network architecture to intelligently orchestrate this, as shown with our Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) payloads, which will deliver Artic coverage on selected JetXP terminals from next year. The integration of Telesat Lightspeed LEO is another breakthrough and has been scheduled to enter commercial service in late 2027.”
Viasat also introduced iQe (In-flight Quality of Experience), a new system that uses artificial intelligence and analytics to monitor network performance in real time. This system generates a single Quality of Experience score based on various metrics for principals, operators, and flight crew.
A recent report from MIT Sloan School of Management supports Viasat’s approach by noting that traditional peak-speed metrics do not reflect passengers’ actual experiences during critical moments such as video calls or streaming important events. The report recommends evaluating factors like latency, jitter, packet loss, and bandwidth using clear metrics that show whether users achieved their objectives without interruptions.
JetXP builds upon Viasat’s established record in providing global in-flight connectivity services across major markets including India and China. The solution combines legacy Jet ConneX and Viasat Ka services under one brand name while utilizing Viasat’s Ka-band network. Over 2,100 customers currently benefit from JetXP features like uncapped speeds and enhanced network prioritization through partnerships with Collins Aerospace, Gogo, and Honeywell.
