Porter Airlines and Viasat To Deliver Free, Fast In-flight Connectivity To An Additional 20 New Embraer E195-E2 Aircraft

Porter Airlines Selects Viasat for In-Flight Connectivity on its New Embraer E195-E2 Aircraft Credit: Porter Airlines

Canada’s Porter Airlines and Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, announced Viasat’s in-flight connectivity and wireless In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems will be factory-installed on an additional 20 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft on order. The first of these new aircraft are scheduled to begin service next year.

Porter Airlines is Canada’s only airline to offer free, fast in-flight Wi-Fi across its entire Embraer E195-E2 fleet.

Powered by Viasat’s Ka-band satellite technology and efficient use of bandwidth, connected Porter passengers aboard its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft are able to stream video or music, browse websites, use email or apps — all on their own personal electronic devices. The in-flight Wi-Fi also enables access to a wide array of free streaming entertainment, including movies and popular TV series. Additionally, Porter Airlines’ in-flight Wi-Fi service is available gate-to-gate.

Porter’s extension of its in-flight connectivity service aligns with its ongoing expansion efforts. The airline continues to fulfill its growth plans of building a North American network that currently includes cross-Canada destinations and routes to the southern and western U.S.

“It’s clear that our passengers value the high-speed and high-quality Wi-Fi on our E195-E2 fleet, which allows them to stay entertained or connected to work while in the air,” said Kevin Jackson, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “Our commitment to make the Wi-Fi fast and free has helped build on our award-winning approach to hospitality as we continue to expand across North America.”

“It has been exciting for the team at Viasat to be a part of Porter Airlines’ continued growth and its distinct onboard passenger experience with free Wi-Fi,” said Don Buchman, VP and GM, Commercial Aviation. “As Porter Airlines brings on additional new E195-E2 aircraft to its existing fleet, and expands its route network, we look forward to supporting its vision for best-in-class in-flight entertainment and connectivity.”

Porter placed an initial order with Viasat to outfit 30 E195-E2 aircraft. The majority of these are installed and operating today.