Viasat advances next generation AERA terminal toward Boeing qualification

Viasat announced during AIX2026 it has entered Boeing’s technical evaluation process to assess and qualify Viasat AERA, company’s next-generation electronically steered antenna terminal, across all current Boeing commercial airplane programs. Viasat AERA is designed for installation using the Boeing Aerodynamic Shroud antenna fairing, reinforcing its alignment with Boeing’s future-forward connectivity architecture. Following certification of the system, Viasat AERA will be a selectable linefit option, enabling airlines to incorporate Viasat’s next generation, innovative hardware -- which is part of its widely adopted Viasat AMARA solution -- directly into their aircraft configuration and future fleet planning.

Brian Simone, Vice President of Aviation Products, Viasat commented: “This agreement continues our long tradition of working to bring powerful connectivity solutions to the market and is an important milestone in bringing Viasat AERA to airlines around the world. Being linefit offerable will allow us to deliver a next-generation connectivity solution that enhances the passenger experience through simultaneous multi-orbit flexibility, and smart, adaptive traffic routing, while reducing operational complexity for airlines.” 

Viasat AERA: designed to deliver the connected journey of the future

Also at AIX, Viasat demonstrated progress on readiness for its planned entry of the Viasat AERA terminal into the market in early 2028, outlining innovative technologies and capabilities that will enable both airline and passenger benefits, including:

• Viasat AERA’s simultaneous multibeam technology is designed to unlock true multi-orbit flexibility in a way that has never been done commercially before. The terminal will leverage multiple satellite networks at the same time, helping ensure a very consistent connection across a wider range of geographies, airport environments, and flight conditions. For airlines, this means greater reliability and resiliency. For passengers, it means a smooth, snappy, and predictable Wi-Fi experience from gate-to-gate.
• Viasat AERA will be a lightweight, low-profile ESA solution built to deliver high performance with minimal maintenance demands. Its solid-state design and built-in redundancies will support long service life, mitigate service outages, and help reduce aircraft downtime, benefits that lower costs and help keep fleets reliably online.
• Additionally, like the broader Viasat AMARA solution it supports, the Viasat AERA terminal is built to evolve. Its capabilities will be enhanced through software updates that support new features, performance improvements, and emerging satellite networks. This gives commercial airlines around the globe a long-term, path-forward solution that can grow alongside their connectivity strategy.
• For existing Viasat customers that upgrade to Viasat AERA, the hardware is engineered to simplify the process, requiring no structural aircraft changes and minimizing aircraft downtime. The transition will reduce weight, cut drag and enable airlines to capture operational efficiencies while delivering next- generation connectivity.