Viasat's ViaSat-3 F3 Satellite Now Boosts

Viasat's ViaSat-3 F3 satellite is now operational over Asia-Pacific, adding a terabit per second of Ka-band capacity for in-flight connectivity. The satellite, launched in April 2026, entered service today, according to a report by PaxEx.Aero.

This new capacity will significantly augment the service currently delivered in the region. Viasat's existing Ka-band coverage in Asia is primarily powered by the GX constellation it acquired with Inmarsat. Since mid-2024, some GX capacity was reallocated to support ViaSat-3 operations, allowing airlines to benefit from the coverage footprint while awaiting the new, higher-capacity satellites.

Fleet-Wide Compatibility

A key advantage for airlines is that the existing GM-40 terminal can communicate with the new satellites. This means all of Viasat's modern aircraft installations are compatible and ready for the upgrade. The company confirms the rollout to aircraft will occur in a "controlled way over time." An over-the-air update to the on-board configuration will activate the new service, requiring no physical touch to the aircraft.

Strategic Cost Advantage

Viasat remains confident its satellite strategy provides a cost advantage over Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operators. CEO Mark Dankberg told PaxEx.Aero that the highest demand location changes over time. He argued that adjusting capacity both spatially and temporally creates a significant cost benefit. Dankberg also noted that Viasat knows the LEO costs based on its NexusWave offering, so its analysis is well-informed.

Competitive Claims

Dankberg contested claims from LEO providers about pricing. He believes this cost-effectiveness will also benefit Viasat's other business segments beyond mobility.

While the long-term competitive economics unfold, the new capacity's availability is immediate positive news for airlines and passengers in Asia-Pacific. Furthermore, with the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite slated to come online shortly over the Americas and Atlantic, performance in those regions is expected to improve soon as well. The company's approach allows it to dynamically shift bandwidth to meet demand peaks across its global coverage areas, a strategy it believes will beat LEO operators. For more details on the technology and its deployment, you can visit our stats and fixtures pages.

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