Sichuan Airlines, Viasat, Inc and AeroSat Link Technology Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd. (China Satcom), announced the airline have selected Viasat’s In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) technology and equipment for installation on its Airbus A320 family of aircraft.
15 aircraft will have the equipment in the first phase as part of the agreement.
The combination of Viasat’s IFC equipment, China Satcom’s satellite network and AeroSat Link’s digital services will allow passengers to engage in video streaming, internet browsing, messaging, social media, and business applications on these equipped aircraft.
Viasat, China Satcom and AeroSat Link will each maintain its own intellectual property as part of the agreement and operates its equipment using a multi-layered approach to network services.
In Quotes
Sichuan Airlines states:
“Under China’s ‘smart civil aviation, digital cabin’ construction initiative, Sichuan Airlines has worked with its partners to create a unique, interconnected air-land business model of ‘satellite + aircraft + operation.’ This model is focused on resource integration, business innovation, technology empowerment, and operative efficiency. The objective is to improve airline operation efficiency and customer service quality and create an enjoyable IFC experience for passengers. With the joint efforts of Viasat and AeroSat Link, we believe that Sichuan Airlines will continue to launch aviation internet products with better experience and better service, so that more passengers can enjoy faster and more convenient IFC services on Sichuan Airlines,”
China Satcom and ASL jointly state:
“We are very pleased to partner with Viasat. The combination of its cutting- edge technology, reliable equipment, and rich experience with China Satcom’s powerful high-throughput Ka- band satellite network enables us to provide Sichuan Airlines an IFC experience comparable to that on the ground. We will provide high-speed, reliable, and excellent network services to more airlines and users.”
Don Buchman, VP and GM of Commercial Aviation, Viasat, Inc. added:
“Sichuan Airlines continuously seeks ways to enhance the onboard customer experience, and we are proud to be a part of the airline’s pioneering effort to deliver high-quality, high-speed in-flight internet within China,”
“Today’s announcement is an exciting and meaningful milestone for our relationships with Sichuan Airlines and AeroSat Link, and we are thrilled to have Sichuan Airlines leading the way.”
China is a big market…
China’s aviation sector – whilst adjusting to life during the pandemic – is growing. And it’s growing quickly.
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), 2021 ended with approximately 4,000 active commercial aircraft operated by Chinese carriers, of which just 842 offered onboard Wi-Fi, most of which only allowed streaming onboard content.
That contrasts with this solution that offers Internet connectivity.
With passenger growth expected to grow, that is one heck of a market to get into – provided you can get over the regulatory hurdles.
It’ll be interesting to see how many more aircraft can be fitted over the next few years, as passengers get a taste of having Internet access in the sky.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, featuring in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can follow me on Instagram too!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.
