Aeromexico Upgrades E190 Fleet with Viasat Amara Connectivity

Introduction: The Rise of In-Flight Connectivity in Latin America

In July 2025, Aeromexico, in partnership with Embraer and Viasat, announced a significant technological upgrade to its fleet of Embraer E190 aircraft. This initiative involves equipping 34 E190 jets with Viasat’s advanced Ka-band satellite internet solution, Amara, offering passengers high-speed connectivity for streaming, messaging, and browsing during flights. With six aircraft already upgraded and the remainder scheduled for completion by 2027, the project marks a major milestone for Latin American aviation.

This development positions Aeromexico as the first airline in Latin America to provide ad-supported free messaging across its entire network. The airline also plans to offer premium internet packages for passengers seeking enhanced connectivity. As air travel becomes increasingly digitized, this initiative reflects a growing industry-wide shift toward passenger-centric, high-speed in-flight connectivity (IFC) solutions.

The collaboration between Embraer, Viasat, and Aeromexico underscores the importance of technological partnerships in modernizing aviation infrastructure, particularly in emerging markets. With passenger expectations evolving rapidly, airlines are under pressure to deliver seamless digital experiences at 30,000 feet, an expectation that Aeromexico now aims to meet head-on.

Historical Evolution of In-Flight Connectivity

From Luxury to Necessity: Early Developments

The concept of in-flight internet connectivity dates back to the early 2000s. In 2003, Lufthansa introduced the first commercial in-flight Wi-Fi service using Boeing’s Connexion system. However, limited demand and high operational costs led to the program’s discontinuation in 2006. These early systems were bulky, expensive, and restricted to long-haul wide-body aircraft.

A significant turning point came in 2013 when JetBlue launched Fly-Fi, a free in-flight Wi-Fi service powered by Viasat’s Ka-band satellite technology. This marked a shift toward more efficient, cost-effective solutions capable of supporting streaming and real-time communication. The introduction of Ka-band technology enabled higher bandwidth and better coverage, making in-flight connectivity viable for a broader range of aircraft.

As smartphones became ubiquitous and passenger expectations evolved, airlines began to explore new business models for in-flight connectivity. Norwegian Air Shuttle, for example, offered free Wi-Fi on European routes as early as 2011. By 2017, Qantas had introduced free Wi-Fi on select domestic flights, with passenger uptake increasing steadily over time.

Market Adoption and Passenger Expectations

In recent years, in-flight connectivity has transitioned from a premium offering to a standard expectation among passengers. Surveys indicate that over 75% of passengers consider Wi-Fi availability when choosing an airline. Airlines have responded by investing in scalable, high-speed solutions that support streaming, messaging, and cloud-based applications.

Adoption rates vary by region and aircraft type. Qantas, for instance, reported 90% passenger engagement on its newer Airbus A220 aircraft equipped with advanced connectivity. Similarly, JetBlue’s Fly-Fi service has become a key differentiator in the competitive U.S. domestic market. These trends reflect a broader shift toward digital-first travel experiences.

Despite growing demand, challenges remain. Retrofitting older aircraft with modern connectivity systems can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, regulatory hurdles and spectrum allocation issues continue to impact deployment in certain regions. Nevertheless, the trajectory of in-flight connectivity is clear: it is becoming an essential component of the modern airline experience.

“The convergence of smartphone ubiquity and satellite innovation transformed connectivity from luxury to expectation.”

Technological Innovation: Viasat Amara and the Future of IFC

Introducing Viasat Amara

Viasat’s Amara platform, launched in 2025, represents a new generation of in-flight connectivity solutions. It features multi-orbit satellite capabilities, allowing seamless transitions between geostationary (GEO), highly elliptical (HEO), and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This ensures consistent coverage and bandwidth, even on challenging flight paths.

Amara’s architecture includes application-level optimization, enabling efficient data compression and prioritization. This allows passengers to stream high-definition video, participate in video calls, and use cloud-based applications without noticeable lag. The system also supports real-time traffic management and per-passenger quality of service (QoS) customization.

One of Amara’s key advantages is its scalability. Airlines can upgrade existing systems via software updates, avoiding costly hardware replacements. The upcoming Aera ESA terminal, scheduled for release in 2028, will further reduce installation time and support dual-beam LEO/GEO capabilities, making it a future-proof solution for evolving connectivity needs.

Supporting Infrastructure and Compatibility

Viasat’s global Ka-band network underpins the Amara platform, providing high-speed internet access across major flight corridors. The system is compatible with a wide range of aircraft, including regional jets like the Embraer E190. Installation involves integrating a radome and antenna system, typically requiring a three-week retrofit period per aircraft.

Amara also includes support for ad-supported services through Viasat Ads, allowing airlines to offer free messaging and basic browsing in exchange for targeted advertising. This model aligns with broader trends in digital monetization and provides an additional revenue stream for carriers.

By addressing key challenges such as bandwidth symmetry and installation downtime, Amara positions itself as a leading solution in the competitive IFC market. Its flexibility and performance make it an attractive option for airlines seeking to enhance passenger experience without incurring excessive costs.

“Passengers expect to stream movies as at home. Our collaboration with Aeromexico and Embraer creates exceptional experiences at 30,000 feet.”, Don Buchman, SVP & GM, Viasat Aviation

Aeromexico’s Strategic Implementation on the E190 Fleet

Project Scope and Objectives

Aeromexico’s initiative involves retrofitting 34 Embraer E190 aircraft with Viasat’s Amara system. These aircraft are primarily used on short-haul routes operated by Aeromexico Connect, the airline’s regional subsidiary. The goal is to provide consistent, high-quality connectivity across the domestic and regional network.

As of mid-2025, six aircraft have been successfully upgraded, with the remainder scheduled for completion by 2027. The project aims to position Aeromexico as a leader in passenger experience within Latin America, offering both free messaging and premium internet packages.

The E190’s technical specifications, such as its 100-seat capacity and 2,800 km range, make it well-suited for this type of retrofit. The aircraft’s design allows for efficient installation of the Ka-band antenna and supporting hardware, minimizing downtime and operational disruption.

Business Model and Passenger Experience

Aeromexico’s connectivity offering is structured around an ad-supported model. Passengers can access free messaging services, including popular apps, in exchange for viewing targeted advertisements. For those seeking more robust connectivity, premium packages are available for purchase, enabling streaming and full internet access.

This dual-tier model reflects a growing trend in the industry, balancing accessibility with monetization. It also aligns with regional market dynamics, where price sensitivity and digital engagement are key factors. By leveraging Viasat Ads, Aeromexico can offset connectivity costs while enhancing passenger satisfaction.

Initial data from connected aircraft indicates strong passenger engagement, with up to 90% of users accessing the Wi-Fi service during flights. Streaming accounts for a significant portion of usage, highlighting the importance of high-bandwidth capabilities in modern IFC systems.

Conclusion: Implications and Future Outlook

Aeromexico’s partnership with Embraer and Viasat represents a transformative step for in-flight connectivity in Latin America. By equipping its E190 fleet with the Amara platform, the airline is not only enhancing passenger experience but also establishing a scalable, revenue-generating model for digital services. This initiative sets a new benchmark for regional carriers in emerging markets.

Looking ahead, the success of this project could influence broader industry adoption of multi-orbit connectivity solutions. As technology continues to evolve and passenger expectations rise, airlines will need to invest in flexible, high-performance systems that can adapt to changing demands. Aeromexico’s strategy provides a compelling case study in how to navigate this complex landscape effectively.

FAQ

What is Viasat Amara?
Viasat Amara is a next-generation in-flight connectivity platform offering multi-orbit satellite coverage and high-speed internet access for commercial aircraft.

How many Aeromexico E190 aircraft are being equipped with Wi-Fi?
A total of 34 Embraer E190 aircraft are being retrofitted, with six already completed as of mid-2025.

When will the full Aeromexico E190 fleet be connected?
The entire fleet is expected to be equipped with Viasat’s Amara system by 2027.

Is the Wi-Fi service free for passengers?
Aeromexico offers ad-supported free messaging and browsing, with premium internet packages available for purchase.

What are the technical capabilities of the Amara system?
Amara supports multi-orbit satellite connectivity, application-level optimization, and scalable performance for high-demand applications like streaming and cloud computing.

Sources:
Embraer,
Viasat,
Aeromexico,
Stratview Research,
APEX