Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) and Deutsche Telekom have jointly announced a significant expansion of the ground network for Viasat’s renowned European Aviation Network (EAN), aimed at bolstering in-flight broadband service in the Eastern Mediterranean. Responding to the escalating demand from air travelers, three new ground stations are now operational in the region, augmenting the existing 300-plus ground network antenna sites scattered across Europe. This expansion is poised to amplify the capacity of EAN’s satellite coverage.
The augmented capacity holds particular significance for passengers flying to and from Cyprus with the acclaimed Greek airline, AEGEAN. The airline had introduced its in-flight connectivity service powered by EAN in 2022 to elevate the onboard passenger experience. Starting this year, AEGEAN has been offering complimentary Wi-Fi access to all passengers. To date, over a million passengers have benefited from the in-flight connectivity service. The service is being integrated into AEGEAN’s Airbus A320 and A321, covering both existing aircraft and forthcoming deliveries.
Shameem Hashmi, VP of Aviation Strategy at Viasat, expressed pride in enhancing satellite capacity for passengers traveling to and from Cyprus with AEGEAN, emphasizing the commitment to delivering superior in-flight connectivity. The EAN solution has proven successful for specific fleets in Europe, ensuring reliable, high-speed broadband connectivity at 30,000 feet.
Rolf Nafziger, Senior Vice President of Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier, highlighted the continuous growth of the European Aviation Network, emphasizing its adaptability and expandability based on actual requirements. The collaboration with Viasat and Deutsche Telekom’s subsidiary in Greece, Cosmote, enabled the timely fulfillment of AEGEAN’s connectivity needs.
Dimitris Gerogiannis, CEO at AEGEAN, hailed the cooperation with EAN as a significant milestone, enabling the airline to accelerate its product offering for an enhanced and consistently connected in-flight experience. The latest infrastructure advancement ensures seamless in-flight connectivity for flights to and from Cyprus, meeting the commitment to provide high-speed connectivity to every passenger.
The European Aviation Network, a testament to European technological and regulatory leadership, offers advanced in-flight connectivity (IFC) for most intra-European flights. This includes broadband services supporting high-bandwidth applications such as streaming and real-time applications. EAN combines Viasat’s S-band satellite coverage with a network of complementary ground components operated by Deutsche Telekom, utilizing small, lightweight terminals installed on aircraft.
