Delta delays free Wi-Fi rollout on transpacific routes until mid-late 2025

Viasat currently covers the Asia-Pacific region via the Global Xpress Ka-band satellite fleet acquired through its Inmarsat acquisition. However, full interoperability between Viasat's IFC system and GX requires hardware upgrades at airlines.

Viasat management recently informed investors that they are targeting a mid-late 2025 service entry for their ViaSat-3 F3 satellite. This aligns with Delta’s updated schedule for offering free Wi-Fi on transpacific routes. Additionally, Viasat plans to offer service over its ViaSat-3 F2 satellite in late 2025.

The ViaSat-3 constellation consists of three high-capacity Ka-band GEO satellites. The first of these satellites, ViaSat-3 Americas F1, has entered commercial service but is operating at reduced capacity due to an antenna deployment anomaly. This impaired satellite is expected to be positioned over the Middle East/Africa region eventually. The remaining ViaSat-3 F2 and F3 satellites will cover the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions respectively.

Viasat already provides high-capacity Ka coverage in North America, across the North Atlantic, and in Europe using its KA-SAT satellite. The addition of the ViaSat-3 F3 satellite aims to fill many gaps in coverage with F2 completing it. Qantas is also accelerating rollout of Viasat IFC on its international fleet according to Viasat’s timeline for introducing F3 service.

Delta acknowledges that there will be “some coverage gaps where Wi-Fi is not available until additional satellites are positioned.” The airline plans to roll out fast, free Wi-Fi on Viasat-equipped widebody aircraft “on a route-by-route basis” as service becomes available.

“Today, free streaming-quality connectivity is available on nearly 700 aircraft – more than 90% of Delta’s domestic mainline fleet – and the airline expects most customers will have access by year-end,” states Delta. The airline began moving away from Gogo’s Ku- and 2Ku IFC installations (acquired by Intelsat at end of 2020) in favor of Viasat technology; charges apply for Wi-Fi on Ku-fitted aircraft.

Members of Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program are accustomed to accessing free Wi-Fi aboard domestic mainline flights. As international Wi-Fi rolls out initially without requiring a SkyMiles log-in later this year all Viasat-equipped aircraft will convert to personalized Delta Sync Wi-Fi experience accessible via SkyMiles memberships for exclusive onboard experiences and offers.

Separately, Delta will equip regional jets and Boeing 717s with Hughes Network Systems’ broadband Ka-band GEO-based IFC solution which is expected online into 2025 including Boeing 717-serviced routes.