Arconics takes flight with ViaSat

Trade

Don Buchman, ViaSat

Arconics, a Dublin-based developer of software and mobile apps for aircraft operators, has been acquired by ViaSat.

Financial terms of the deal were not released.

The Arconics connected aircraft software platform includes an app suite, which includes wireless in-flight entertainment, electronic flight bag, airline document management and cabin management solutions, to communicate and share data with the aircraft and, using available connectivity, to connect with ground systems across mobile or avionics platforms.

Prior to the acquisition, Arconics had a partnership with ViaSat focused on serving the wireless IFE needs of multiple airline customers. Post-acquisition, ViaSat expects to also offer airlines real-time insight, control and agility of aircraft and flight data with highly-integrated, highly-customizable aircraft operations tools that tap into the power of ViaSat’s advanced high capacity Ka-band satellite network, which has more capacity in orbit than any other in-flight Wi-Fi provider.

“ViaSat offers Arconics a strategic match – both culturally and technologically,” said Arconics CEO Niall O’Sullivan. “We know ViaSat well, having partnered with them on a number of opportunities to deliver our world-class CloudStore wireless IFE product. Together, we believe the complementary nature of the technologies and products of Arconics and ViaSat will enhance the combined company’s ability to deliver exceptional end-to-end experiences across the entire aircraft value-chain.”

“By acquiring Arconics, we are bolstering our ability to serve the global aviation market,” said Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, commercial mobility business, ViaSat (pictured). “We believe combining our strengths with Arconics will position ViaSat to be the market leader for connectivity, passenger services and flight deck applications and operations.”

Arconics customers include Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Philippine Airlines, Tigerair Australia, SpiceJet and others.

TechCentral Reporters

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