ViaSat has received a follow-on order for an additional 85 airborne modems from Connexion by Boeing, a division of The Boeing Company. These modems are being ordered to grow the Connexion by Boeing network, now serving seven airlines that are either under contract or intending to offer the real-time, high-speed in-flight Internet service to their passengers.
Deliveries of the modems from this order are scheduled to begin in early 2005.
“We are pleased to receive this significant order from Connexion by Boeing and believe this is a reflection of the positive reception the service is having with the commercial airlines. The service is off to a very positive start and it appears that airline passengers are creating a pull for the service, and our technology, in the marketplace,” said John Hoffman, director, ViaSat Mobile Broadband Systems.
ViaSat has supplied ground and airborne modems for the Connexion by Boeing service on commercial airlines since 2002. Approximately 150 modems have been delivered to date, and this order increases the backlog to well over 100 additional modems.
Connexion by Boeing initiated services with launch customer Lufthansa in May 2004. The Connexion by Boeing service is offered by Lufthansa on multiple routes between the US and Europe and also between Japan and Europe.
Connexion by Boeing is also expanding the breadth of its network to include the business jet market under its eXchange partnership with Rockwell Collins and its recent announcement of maritime trial services with Teekay Shipping.
“With our ground and space infrastructure, we are closing in on the ability to extend our network around the globe,” said Connexion by Boeing vice president of Strategy and Business Development Sean Schwinn.
“We will continue to add users to our network, providing affordable high-speed, real- time communication services to an expanding, worldwide customer base.”
