Viasat Inc. announced a new aviation contract that will see its Iris satellite‑based communications platform installed on four of ITA Airways’ Airbus A320neo aircraft. The deployment is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Single European Sky initiative and is supported by the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP).
The Iris system, powered by Viasat’s SwiftBroadband‑Safety (SB‑S) connectivity platform, delivers high‑throughput, low‑latency data links that enable real‑time trajectory and intent‑based information for pilots. The technology is expected to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions on ITA’s Milan‑Rome routes by optimizing flight paths and minimizing holding patterns. The four aircraft represent a pilot phase that will demonstrate the system’s scalability before a broader commercial rollout in 2026.
For Viasat, the contract adds a new revenue stream and reinforces its strategy to capture government and commercial aviation customers worldwide. The company’s aviation service revenue grew 5% year‑over‑year in Q4 FY2025, driven by strong demand in the Aviation segment, while the Defense and Advanced Technologies segment grew 11% YoY. The Iris deployment also showcases the hybrid multi‑orbit architecture that underpins Viasat’s broader satellite portfolio, positioning the company to benefit from the growing demand for high‑speed, low‑latency connectivity in the aviation sector.
ITA Airways is using the Iris platform to advance its sustainability agenda, which includes a target of carbon neutrality by 2050. By reducing fuel burn and improving flight efficiency, the airline expects measurable emissions reductions on its most trafficked routes. The partnership also signals ITA’s commitment to modernizing its air traffic management capabilities in line with the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) framework.
The Iris program is a multi‑year initiative that began with a pre‑commercial flight phase concluding in 2025 and will enter a commercial phase in 2026. Viasat’s role as a key partner, combined with ESA’s backing, positions the system to become a cornerstone of European air traffic management infrastructure. The deployment on ITA’s fleet is a tangible step toward that goal.
Viasat CEO Barry Zellen said the contract “demonstrates the maturity of our Iris platform and our ability to deliver high‑performance connectivity to airlines across Europe.” ITA Airways’ chief technology officer added that the new system “will help us achieve operational efficiencies and support our long‑term sustainability targets.”
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