Viasat’s next-gen cockpit service reaches milestone as airlines modernize communications to save fuel

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) announced that its SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) cockpit connectivity is now in service on 1,000 aircraft, highlighting rising airline demand for certified, satellite-enabled safety communications.

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) announced that its SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) cockpit connectivity is now in service on 1,000 aircraft, highlighting rising airline demand for certified, satellite-enabled safety communications.

SB-S has averaged 42% annual take-up since 2018, with a goal of serving 1,200+ aircraft by end-2026 and supporting Viasat’s broader portfolio connecting over 12,000 cockpits worldwide.

Positive

• SwiftBroadband-Safety reaches 1,000 in-service aircraft
• Average 42% annual SB-S take-up since 2018
• Target of 1,200+ SB-S aircraft by end of 2026
• More than 12,000 cockpits connected across Viasat aviation safety services
• SB-S positioned within Communication Services segment of commercial business

Negative

• None.

Argus May 26 session

+9.17% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – VSAT

In the May 26 session, VSAT gained 9.17%, reflecting a notable positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

The stock moved +9.2% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with the...

Analysis

The stock moved +9.2% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with the clearly growth-focused nature of this announcement, as SB-S reached 1,000 aircraft with average annual take-up of 42%. The stock traded up 5.37% on higher volume and is near its 52-week high, echoing the positive alignment seen after the ViaSat-3 F3 launch. Sector momentum in related names suggests broader support, though past news flow shows that not all operational wins translated into sustained upside.

Key Figures

SB-S aircraft in service: 1,000 aircraft Target SB-S fleet: more than 1,200 aircraft SB-S growth rate: 42% per year +5 more

SB-S aircraft in service

1,000 aircraft

SwiftBroadband-Safety milestone as of May 26, 2026

Target SB-S fleet

more than 1,200 aircraft

Company goal by end of 2026

SB-S growth rate

42% per year

Average annual take-up since 2018

Aviation safety portfolio

more than 12,000 aircraft

Cockpits connected across SB-S and Classic Aero

Price move

5.37%

24h change prior to/around this news

52-week range

$8.606–$77.76

VSAT 52-week low and high before this news

Market cap

$10,127,589,259

Equity value pre-announcement

Short interest days to cover

5.99 days

Based on provided float and short metrics

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 07

5 events

1. May 07

   Board, cooperation deal

   24h Move

   -1.4%

   New directors and cooperation agreement supporting strategic review efforts.

2. Apr 29

   Satellite launch success

   24h Move

   +11.2%

   Successful ViaSat-3 F3 launch and healthy initial signal acquisition.

3. Apr 23

   Defense network product

   24h Move

   -0.8%

   Launch of Tactical Mission Fabric for advanced tactical defense networking.

4. Apr 22

   Jetstar IFC contract

   24h Move

   -0.3%

   Jetstar selecting Viasat AMARA for 11 Boeing 787 in-flight connectivity.

5. Apr 20

   Launch scheduling

   24h Move

   +2.0%

   Confirmation of ViaSat-3 F3 launch date and service timeline.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

swiftbroadband-safety, acars, air traffic control (atc), air-traffic management (atm), +1 more

5 terms

swiftbroadband-safety technical

"SwiftBroadband-Safety is a certified, global safety communications service that supports..."

A safety-certified satellite data and voice service for aircraft that provides reliable, regulator-approved channels for air traffic control, flight monitoring and emergency communications. Think of it as a dedicated emergency radio and internet link that airlines use when regular ground networks aren’t available. Investors care because adoption affects airline compliance, operational reliability, retrofit and equipment sales, and recurring service revenue for suppliers in the aviation communications market.

acars technical

"It delivers highly reliable safety services via both traditional ACARS data link and..."

ACARS is an automated digital messaging system that lets aircraft send and receive short operational and maintenance messages with ground operators, like a text messaging network for planes. Investors care because ACARS data supports timely routing, fuel and maintenance decisions, on-time performance and safety reporting; reliable communication can reduce costs, limit delays, and affect an airline’s regulatory compliance and reputation, all of which influence revenue and risk.

air traffic control (atc) technical

"service that supports Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications, airline operations..."

Air traffic control (ATC) is the system of people, procedures and equipment that guides airplanes on the ground and in the sky to keep them safely separated and moving efficiently—think of it as a traffic cop and traffic lights for airplanes. It matters to investors because ATC performance and rules affect airline on-time performance, fuel and staffing costs, airport capacity and delays, and therefore can influence revenue, operating expenses and regulatory risk across carriers, airports and related businesses.

air-traffic management (atm) technical

"The service also powers Iris, Viasat’s ground-breaking air-traffic management (ATM) program..."

Air-traffic management is the system of people, procedures and technology that guides aircraft safely and efficiently through takeoff, flight and landing—think of it as traffic control for the sky. For investors, it matters because how well airspace is managed affects airline on-time performance, fuel and staffing costs, airport capacity and safety, which in turn influence revenues, operating expenses and the value of companies linked to aviation infrastructure and equipment.

telemedicine medical

"IP connectivity also enables operational efficiencies for airlines including engine monitoring, real-time weather, telemedicine..."

Telemedicine is the delivery of healthcare services remotely through digital communication tools, such as video calls or online messaging. It allows patients to consult with doctors and medical professionals without visiting a clinic in person. For investors, telemedicine represents a growing sector that combines technology and healthcare, potentially transforming how medical care is accessed and delivered worldwide.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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1,000th aircraft enters service using Viasat Swift-Broadband-Safety (SB-S): reflecting growing airline demand 
for reliable connectivity to support flight safety and improve operational efficiency.

CARLSBAD, Calif., May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced it has reached 1,000 aircraft for its SB-S service: a milestone that underscores strong adoption and accelerating momentum for satellite-enabled safety communications in aviation.

SwiftBroadband-Safety is a certified, global safety communications service that supports Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications, airline operations and regulatory compliance, helping pilots and operators improve situational awareness and operational resilience.

Since its introduction in 2018, SB-S has continued strong equipage growth with reliable international safety communications performance. Take-up from airlines has expanded at an average rate of 42% per year, with the company aiming for SB-S to be in service on more than 1,200 aircraft by the end of 2026. Across its entire aviation safety portfolio – which includes SB-S and its long-established safety service, Classic Aero – Viasat currently connects more than 12,000 aircraft cockpits globally.

Part of Viasat’s Communication Services financial segment, within its commercial business, SB-S is a secure, broadband IP datalink for both operations and safety communications in the flight deck. It delivers highly reliable safety services via both traditional ACARS data link and next-generation IP connections, helping airlines to be ready for future air traffic management evolutions. IP connectivity also enables operational efficiencies for airlines including engine monitoring, real-time weather, telemedicine, and preventive maintenance.

The service also powers Iris, Viasat’s ground-breaking air-traffic management (ATM) program with the European Space Agency. Using satellite-based data link through SB-S, Iris is designed to support several benefits for airlines and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), including minimizing flight delays, saving fuel and reducing the environmental impact of air travel.

“This milestone underscores the excitement for SB-S as airlines continue to look for proven, certified connectivity to improve flight safety and operational performance – including reduced fuel consumption, lower emission, and improved on time performance,” said Joel Klooster, Senior Vice President, Aircraft Operations & Safety at Viasat. “As the service continues to grow, SB-Safety is building a durable base of long-term value for both our aviation customers, and for Viasat.”

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 LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube.

^{Copyright © 2026 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
Richard Jones, External Communications, Corporate & Commercial Services, Richard.jones@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 regarding the expected growth, adoption and future installations of Viasat’s SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) service; projected aircraft installations and timelines; and expected operational, fuel-saving and environmental benefits for airline customers. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to: our ability to successfully implement our business plans for aviation connectivity services on anticipated timelines or at all; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our satellite network and any future satellites we may construct or acquire; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including anomalies, operational failures or degradation in satellite performance; the effect of adverse regulatory changes (including changes affecting spectrum availability or permitted uses) on our ability to sell or deploy our products and services; changes in the way others use spectrum; our inability to access additional spectrum, use spectrum for additional purposes, and/or operate satellites at additional orbital locations; competing uses of the same spectrum or orbital locations that we utilize or seek to utilize; introduction of new technologies; and other factors affecting the communications and defense industries generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in our SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including our 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. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d2ad3331-f5c9-4e4a-8e19-3e25d9ff5718

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What milestone did Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) announce for its SB-S cockpit service on May 26, 2026?

Viasat announced its SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) cockpit connectivity has reached 1,000 in-service aircraft. According to Viasat, this milestone reflects strong airline demand for certified satellite-enabled safety communications that support air traffic control, airline operations and regulatory compliance while enhancing situational awareness and operational resilience.

How fast has Viasat SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) grown in airline adoption?

Viasat reports SB-S airline take-up has expanded at an average rate of 42% per year since 2018. According to Viasat, this sustained growth supports reliable international safety communications and underpins accelerating momentum for satellite-enabled cockpit connectivity across global commercial fleets.

How many aircraft cockpits does Viasat connect globally across its aviation safety portfolio?

Viasat currently connects more than 12,000 aircraft cockpits worldwide across SB-S and Classic Aero services. According to Viasat, this broader portfolio delivers certified safety communications and forms a durable base of long-term value for aviation customers and the company’s commercial Communication Services segment.

What is Viasat’s target for SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) aircraft by the end of 2026?

Viasat aims to have SB-S in service on more than 1,200 aircraft by end-2026. According to Viasat, continued equipage growth will extend its secure IP datalink capabilities, supporting evolving air traffic management and advanced operational tools such as engine monitoring and preventive maintenance.

How does Viasat SB-S help airlines save fuel and reduce emissions?

SB-S supports the Iris air-traffic management program to help minimize delays, save fuel and cut environmental impact. According to Viasat, satellite-based data links enable more efficient routing, real-time weather updates and operational tools that can contribute to lower fuel consumption and emissions for airlines.

What capabilities does Viasat SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) provide in the cockpit?

SB-S is a secure broadband IP datalink supporting both ACARS and next-generation IP communications in the flight deck. According to Viasat, it enables engine monitoring, real-time weather, telemedicine and preventive maintenance, helping airlines improve safety communications and prepare for future air traffic management changes.