STARLUX Commits To Viasat With Launch Of Enhanced In-Flight Connectivity Service
Rhea-AI Summary
STARLUX Airlines and Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) announced the launch of enhanced in-flight connectivity service across STARLUX's entire fleet. The rollout will cover 48 aircraft, including Airbus A330-900s, A321neos, A350-900, and A350-1000, utilizing Viasat's advanced connectivity system based on the ViaSat-3 compatible GM-40 terminal solution.
STARLUX, known for operating the world's youngest fleet with an average age of 2.06 years, becomes one of the first airlines in Asia Pacific to adopt Viasat's cutting-edge solution. The service will initially cover major Asian transport hubs including Taipei, Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, and several other key destinations.
The implementation will enable passengers to stream content, browse the internet, use messaging apps, and maintain productivity during flights through Viasat's high-capacity Ka-band satellite network over the Asia Pacific region.
Positive
- Expansion to cover entire fleet of 48 aircraft
- Implementation of advanced ViaSat-3 compatible connectivity system
- Strategic positioning as early adopter in Asia Pacific region
Negative
- None.
Insights
This comprehensive fleet-wide agreement with STARLUX represents a significant strategic win for Viasat in the highly competitive Asian aviation market. The commitment to equip 48 aircraft, including both factory installations and retrofits, provides a substantial revenue opportunity through both equipment sales and ongoing service fees.
The selection of Viasat's most advanced GM-40 terminal solution by a premium carrier validates the company's technological leadership and creates a powerful reference customer in Asia. STARLUX's reputation for luxury service and its extensive route network covering major Asian business hubs will showcase Viasat's capabilities to other potential airline customers in the region.
The timing is particularly strategic as it coincides with the deployment of ViaSat-3, which will significantly expand capacity over Asia Pacific. The multi-orbit ready nature of the solution provides future-proofing and flexibility, essential for airlines investing in long-term connectivity infrastructure.
From a competitive standpoint, this deal strengthens Viasat's position against key rivals like Inmarsat and Panasonic Avionics in the Asian market. The comprehensive nature of the agreement - covering STARLUX's entire fleet including A350s and A330neos - demonstrates strong confidence in Viasat's technology roadmap and service delivery capabilities.
The partnership with a premium carrier known for its young fleet (averaging 2.06 years) and luxury positioning aligns perfectly with Viasat's strategy of targeting high-value airline customers who demand superior connectivity performance. This could lead to additional opportunities with other premium carriers in the region who closely watch their peers' technology choices.
New, High-Speed Connectivity Set To Roll Out Across the Carrier’s Full Fleet To Further Distinguish STARLUX’s Exceptional In-Flight Experience
TAIPEI, Taiwan and CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STARLUX, a Taipei-headquartered luxury carrier, and Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced STARLUX aircraft has launched enhanced service with Viasat’s high performance in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution, marking an expanded relationship.
The phased rollout of Viasat’s high-speed, reliable in-flight Wi-Fi service will span STARLUX’s entire active fleet. In total, 48 aircraft, including Airbus A330-900s, A321neos, A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft will install or transition to Viasat's most advanced connectivity system, based on the ViaSat-3 compatible and multi-orbit ready high-performance GM-40 terminal solution. The rollout will encompass both factory installs and expedited retrofits.
Driven by the commitment to passenger-centric innovation, STARLUX distinguishes itself as one of the first airlines in the Asia Pacific region to adopt and deploy Viasat’s cutting-edge solution and onboard enablement platform for an exceptional passenger Wi-Fi experience while in-flight. Since its launch in 2018, STARLUX has consistently prioritized a premium travel experience, and the selection of Viasat’s latest and industry-leading IFC solution, enabled by its resilient multi-orbit satellite roadmap, for the carrier’s entire fleet underscores this dedication.
With Viasat's high-capacity Ka-band satellite network over the Asia Pacific region, expected to soon include one of Viasat’s next generation ViaSat-3 satellites, passengers on STARLUX flights will be able to stream their favorite movies and shows, browse the internet, stay connected with loved ones through messaging apps, and maintain productivity while traveling onboard any STARLUX aircraft.
"Viasat is proud to partner with STARLUX, an airline that shares our passion for innovation and customer satisfaction," said Don Buchman, Senior Vice President and GM, Commercial Aviation at Viasat. "Through this expanded relationship, we look forward to not only providing high quality connectivity, but a comprehensive solution with the capability and flexibility to empower STARLUX to create an advanced, refined connected experience that suits its ambitions and goals."
STARLUX is acclaimed for having the world’s youngest fleet, currently averaging 2.06 years old, and its unwavering focus on passenger comfort and well-being. It operates an all-Airbus fleet that seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with authentic Taiwanese heritage, for which Viasat’s enhanced connectivity services will now form a crucial part of this high-end journey.
Initially, Viasat-enabled aircraft will service major Asian transport hubs, including: Taipei, Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Manila, Macau, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sendai, and Hong Kong.
About STARLUX Airlines
Founded on the philosophy that luxury should be available to everyone, not just the elite, Taiwan-based STARLUX is a boutique international airline serving a total of 26 routes from Taiwan to the US, Japan, Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. STARLUX passengers traveling between North America and Asia are able to enjoy an easy transfer in Taipei with its three US routes: Los Angeles-Taipei, San Francisco-Taipei, and Seattle-Taipei. STARLUX prioritizes safety and offers unparalleled service with the goal of making flying a truly luxurious and un-forgettable experience. For more information, visit https://www.starlux-airlines.com/en-US, or on our US social channels Facebook and Instagram.
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube.
Copyright © 2025 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered trademarks in the U.S. and in other countries of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Viasat, Inc. Contacts:
Scott Goryl, External Communications, Corporate & Aviation, Scott.Goryl@viasat.com
Lisa Curran/Peter Lopez, Investor Relations, IR@viasat.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include among others, statements related to the introduction of Viasat’s in-flight connectivity service on Starlux’s aircraft, including Airbus A330-900, A321neo, and A350-900; the expected service entry of a ViaSat-3 satellite over the Asia Pacific region, including the timing thereof; the routes with anticipated service; the availability, capabilities and performance of the Viasat in-flight connectivity service. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: our ability to successfully implement our business plan for our broadband services on our anticipated timeline or at all; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of the satellite(s) used to supply these services, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; contractual problems; product defects; manufacturing issues or delays; regulatory issues; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key suppliers; technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and other factors affecting the aviation sector generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
FAQ
How many aircraft will be equipped with Viasat's connectivity system in STARLUX's fleet?
What features will STARLUX passengers get with the new Viasat connectivity?
Which cities will initially be served by VSAT-enabled STARLUX aircraft?
What type of satellite terminal will STARLUX use for the VSAT connectivity?
