Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) and Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced that the airline will officially make high-speed Wi-Fi a priority to enhance its future passenger experience by selecting Viasat's in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution across multiple fleets. In line with the airline's strategic plan to increase and modernize its fleet, Royal Jordanian Airlines will equip more than 40 total aircraft with Viasat connectivity systems, including plans to factory-install the system on its new Embraer E2, Airbus A320, Airbus 321 and Boeing 787-9 fleets. The airline also plans to retrofit its Boeing 787-8 widebody aircraft with the advanced Wi-Fi solution.
The connectivity service will be configured to provide passengers with a high-quality online experience, including fast internet speeds, streaming entertainment possibilities, real-time communication capabilities, and productivity options designed to keep passengers and crew connected throughout the flight. Viasat's advanced, in-flight Wi-Fi will be available on various flight routes in the Middle East region and beyond, with the Embraer E2 fleet handling short-haul flights, the Airbus A320 family aircraft serving medium-haul routes, and the Boeing 787s continuing to fly Royal Jordanian Airlines' long-haul routes.
Commenting on the new IFC relationship, Samer Majali, Vice Chairman / Board Designee CEO of Royal Jordanian Airlines, said, "We are committed to providing our passengers with a superior in-flight experience. By introducing high-speed streaming Wi-Fi on our new fleets, and even installing it on some aircraft of our existing fleet, we are enabling state-of-the-art connectivity while in-flight, and providing passengers with an enhanced and curated entertainment experience. We are looking forward to introducing the first Wi-Fi on board our E2 Embraer Jets arriving by the end of this month."
Don Buchman, VP and GM of Commercial Aviation at Viasat, said, "As Royal Jordanian Airlines looks to enhance its passenger experience for the future, we are proud to be part of enabling a next-level experience through fast and resilient connectivity wherever Royal Jordanian Airlines flies. We have worked closely with the team at Royal Jordanian Airlines to develop a solution that will match its goals and provide an advanced experience for passengers. We look forward to a successful relationship for many years to come."
Adoption of Viasat's IFC solution is rising globally, in large part thanks to the company's focus on serving the aviation market by combining throughput capacity with the ability to flex that capacity to meet demand where it is highest and most concentrated. By doing so, Viasat and Royal Jordanian Airlines will be able to provide a consistently high quality, high-speed, and content-rich in-flight Wi-Fi experience, even during times of peak demand.
With anticipated flight routes across the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa, Royal Jordanian Airlines is expected to leverage Viasat's high-speed, high-capacity Ka-band satellite network, including, once launched and in service, the ViaSat-3 constellation.
For more information about Viasat's in-flight connectivity solutions, please visit the Company's Commercial Aviation page at vsat.co/commercial-aviation