FAA Grants ViaSat Approval for its Gen-2 IFC System

ViaSat has received supplemental type certificate (STC) approval from the FAA for its second-generation (Gen-2) in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) system. The certification allows ViaSat to offer internet services on Boeing 737 aircrafts. The first installation of the Gen-2 equipment was certified on a Qantas 737-800 aircraft in June 2017.

Achieving STC approval demonstrates the flight worthiness of ViaSat’s Gen-2 Ka-band radome, antenna, entertainment software, and in-cabin WiFi distribution system. The Gen-2 equipment can enable faster in-flight internet speeds, more capacity, more streaming, and enhanced entertainment.

The Gen-2 system is forward and backward compatible with the ViaSat-2 and ViaSat-3 class satellites, allowing airlines to cost-effectively deploy the Gen-2 equipment today, and take advantage of the more than 3.5 terabits per second of total global capacity ViaSat expects to offer in the next few years. In addition, the Gen-2 equipment is compatible with most other Ka-band satellites, giving airlines greater choices in satellite solution providers. It leverages the durable and aerodynamic ARINC 791 adapter plate, which streamlines installation with its standardized design.

The Gen-2 system comes packed with 30 terabytes of solid-state storage, far exceeding the capabilities of other in-flight servers deployed today. With added storage, airlines can host more crew and passenger-focused applications within its open platform server.