Viasat will provide IFC services for Icelandair’s new Airbus aircraft. Photo: Airbus

Icelandair has selected Viasat to provide the in-flight connectivity for the airline’s new fleet of Airbus aircraft, Viasat announced Tuesday. 

This comes after Icelandair ordered 13 Airbus A321XLR planes in July 2023, the airline’s first order of Airbus aircraft. The new fleet is expected to service routes between Iceland and Europe as well as transatlantic flights, and is scheduled to begin delivery in the fourth quarter of 2024. 

Viasat said the service will operate on all routes for the planes, and support connectivity including streaming entertainment, and real-time productivity tools. Icelandair is already a Viasat customer, and the satellite operator provides IFC for the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet. 

“By expanding our high-speed streaming Wi-Fi offering to the new aircraft, we are doubling down on the state-of-the-art connectivity that has become a highly sought-after element of the Icelandair passenger experience,” said Helga Huld Bjarnadóttir, Director Product and Service Management, Icelandair. “Viasat has proven to be an innovative and trusted partner for how we approach the future of Wi-Fi at Icelandair.” 

IFC is a target area for Viasat’s business and the company recently signed deals with Australian airline Qantas Airways and Germany’s Lufthansa Group.