Viasat, Türksat and SKYFive Arabia have announced a collaborative effort to improve in-flight connectivity across multiple regions including Türkiye, Europe, and the Middle East-Africa. The partnership focuses on establishing a seamless roaming framework that enables airlines and private aviation operators to utilize interconnected networks, such as SKYFive's air-to-ground system and Viasat's satellite-based European Aviation Network.
Türksat is developing a nationwide air-to-ground network within Türkiye, designed to support in-flight broadband services for aircraft operating in Turkish airspace and transitioning between regional zones. This infrastructure is intended to provide low-latency, high-capacity connectivity, enhancing service continuity and complementing satellite-based options. Türkistat’s role as a connector between east and west aims to facilitate broader IFC adoption by linking ongoing investments from Viasat and SKYFive Arabia.
Implications for Regional and Global Connectivity
The partnership leverages Türkistat’s strategic position and development capabilities, offering a more scalable and interoperable system supporting the high passenger volume at Istanbul Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs. The goal is to deliver a reliable, high-speed service experience that adapts to evolving airline routes and customer expectations, strengthening regional and international connection points.
"Viasat recognizes the mutual value of this collaboration to extend seamless connectivity to airlines operating over Türkiye and into the Middle East and Africa," said Shameem Hashmi, SVP, Strategy & Market Expansion, Viasat.
Türkistat emphasizes its commitment to supporting advanced connectivity solutions and facilitating cross-border service continuity, while SKYFive Arabia views roaming as an enabler for greater adoption of in-flight connectivity solutions at scale. The initiative represents a step toward a more integrated and customer-centric IFC ecosystem in the region.
