Azul selects Viasat connectivity tech for its new A330-900neo fleet

CARLSBAD, Calif. - Brazilian commercial carrier Azul in São Paulo needed in-flight connectivity technology for its new Airbus A330-900neo fleet. They found their solution from Viasat Inc. in Carlsbad, Calif. 

Azul Airlines has expanded its in-flight Wi-Fi service to include its new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, offering passengers internet connectivity throughout their flight. This service, provided in partnership with Viasat, allows travelers to purchase packages for streaming, web browsing, and messaging.

"Part of what differentiates Azul in the Brazilian market is the best-in-class connectivity experience we offer on select aircraft," said Jason Ward, Azul's Chief People and Customer Officer. "From Brazilians' thirst for real-time sports scores to their desire to stay connected to loved ones on the ground while flying, our hypothesis that this feature would be critical to customer satisfaction is playing out in the market."

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The collaboration between Azul and Viasat began in 2021, with Azul becoming the first airline in South America to provide Viasat’s in-flight internet service and offer free Wi-Fi to passengers. The service uses Viasat's Ka-band network, including capacity from the SGDC-1 satellite, owned by Telebras.

"We are excited to work with Azul to expand our connectivity onboard even more aircraft," said Don Buchman, VP and GM of Commercial Aviation at Viasat. "It remains Viasat's mission to continue delivering high-quality and consistent in-flight Wi-Fi, so that passengers can enjoy online activities while in the air as they do on the ground."

Azul is also working with Viasat to enhance the passenger experience by incorporating ad-supported streaming sessions through the Viasat Advertising platform, which it recently adopted. The airline continues to expand its Wi-Fi-enabled fleet to meet growing passenger demand.