Key insights
- Viasat's SwiftBroadband-Safety service reaches 1,000 aircraft installations, signaling growth in aviation safety communications. The company aims for 1,200 installations by 2026. The service supports air traffic control, airline operations, and regulatory compliance. Analysts predict Viasat will be profitable this year. This news reflects positive momentum for Viasat, but its overall impact on the broader US equity market is limited.
CARLSBAD, Calif. - Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ:VSAT) announced today that its SwiftBroadband-Safety service has reached 1,000 aircraft installations, according to a press release statement. The satellite communications company, valued at $10.6 billion, has seen its stock surge 715% over the past year, currently trading at $79.98, near its 52-week high.
The SB-S service, introduced in 2018, provides certified global safety communications supporting Air Traffic Control communications, airline operations and regulatory compliance. The service has grown at an average rate of 42% per year since launch.
Viasat stated it aims to have SB-S installed on more than 1,200 aircraft by the end of 2026. The company currently connects more than 12,000 aircraft cockpits globally across its entire aviation safety portfolio, which includes SB-S and its Classic Aero service.
The service operates as a broadband IP datalink for operations and safety communications in flight decks, delivering safety services through ACARS data link and IP connections. The IP connectivity enables engine monitoring, real-time weather, telemedicine and preventive maintenance capabilities.According to InvestingPro analysis, analysts predict Viasat will be profitable this year despite recent losses. For deeper insights into VSAT’s financial health and growth prospects, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available for this and 1,400+ other US equities.
SB-S powers Iris, Viasat’s air-traffic management program with the European Space Agency. The satellite-based data link is designed to support airlines and Air Navigation Service Providers.
"This milestone underscores the excitement for SB-S as airlines continue to look for proven, certified connectivity to improve flight safety and operational performance," said Joel Klooster, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Operations & Safety at Viasat.
The service is part of Viasat’s Communication Services financial segment within its commercial business. The company completed its acquisition of Inmarsat in May 2023.
Viasat is a satellite communications company with offices in 24 countries.
In other recent news, ViaSat Inc. has been the focus of significant developments. New Street Research initiated coverage on ViaSat with a buy rating and set a price target of $100, reflecting confidence in the company’s market position. Additionally, Raymond James raised its price target for ViaSat to $74 from $50, citing the substantial value of the company’s spectrum portfolio. In a related development, ViaSat successfully launched its ViaSat-3 F3 satellite for Asia-Pacific coverage aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The satellite, which launched from Kennedy Space Center, is now on its way to geostationary orbit.
Meanwhile, Boeing’s ViaSat-3 F3 satellite, also launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, has been confirmed to be operating normally, with command capability established by Boeing’s Mission Control team. In other industry news, Elon Musk announced plans for an initial public offering of SpaceX, which has sparked interest and activity in space-related stocks. These recent developments highlight significant activity and strategic moves within the satellite and space sectors.
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