More than a dozen Azul aircraft now offer free in-flight wifi service on board. The company aims to expand that to more than 100 planes in its fleet as part of a deal announced in 2019 with Viasat to deliver satellite-based connectivity to passengers.
Fifteen of the carrier’s A320neo and A321neo aircraft carry the kit today. Two Embraer E195-E2s also have the hardware installed. These are the first aircraft of Embraer’s newest model flying with the Viasat in-flight internet option.
The free service plan on board includes access to general web browsing, social media, and messaging services. This compares favorably to Azul’s competition in the domestic market.
GOL offers free in-flight messaging on its planes connected via the 2Ku system. Web browsing or streaming passes require additional payment.
LATAM does not offer in-flight connectivity options on its domestic Brazilian fleet
The offering leverages Telebras’s SGDC (Geostationary Satellite for Defense and Strategic Communications) Ka-band satellite. Viasat also uses that satellite for its terrestrial hotspot services in the Brazilian market.
Viasat plans to increase available capacity in the near future with the launch of its first ViaSat-3 satellite. That satellite was recently delivered to Boeing for integration ahead of launch early in 2022.