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Viasat (VSAT) Elevates In-Flight Experience for Lufthansa

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To enhance passenger experience, Viasat, Inc. (VSAT - Free Report) has been selected by Lufthansa Group to equip more than 150 additional aircraft with the European Aviation Network (EAN) in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution. The EAN, a collaboration between Viasat and Deutsche Telekom, leverages S-band satellite coverage, offering a seamless and high-bandwidth connectivity experience for air travelers.

The decision builds on the longstanding partnership between Viasat, a global communications leader, and Lufthansa Group, reinforcing their commitment to delivering exceptional in-flight connectivity. The EAN, a testament to European technological and regulatory prowess, ensures a consistent experience for passengers across Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines fleets, irrespective of the route or aircraft type.

Notably, the EAN's adoption aligns with Lufthansa Group's sustainability goals, utilizing small, low-weight terminals that contribute to cost savings and enhance environmental credentials. The connectivity upgrade extends to Airbus A320s, A320neos and A220s fleet types.

The impact of this upgrade extends beyond connectivity, as Lufthansa Group recently introduced an enhanced FlyNet portal, accessible on EAN-equipped aircraft. Passengers can seamlessly access in-flight connectivity using their Travel ID or Miles and More logins, alongside information on onboard offerings from food and beverage to duty-free options.

With Viasat's recent acquisition of Inmarsat, the connectivity giant is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for quality in-flight Wi-Fi. According to Viasat's 2023 Passenger Experience Survey, 83% of passengers are likely to rebook with an airline that offers high-quality in-flight Wi-Fi, emphasizing the pivotal role connectivity plays in shaping passengers' perceptions of airlines. As the aviation industry continues to prioritize passenger satisfaction, Viasat stands to gain substantially from its pivotal role in elevating the in-flight experience.

Viasat’s impressive bandwidth productivity sets it apart from conventional and lower-yield satellite providers that run on incumbent business models. It has a competitive advantage in bandwidth economics, global coverage, flexibility and bandwidth allocation, which makes it believe that mobile broadband will act as a profit churner with a significant improvement in IFC revenues.

Viasat’s Satellite Services business is progressing well, with key metrics including steady growth of average revenue per user (ARPU) and revenues showing impressive growth. ARPU is growing on the back of a solid retail distribution network, accounting for a rising proportion of high-value and high bandwidth subscriber base. Further, the growing adoption of in-flight Wi-Fi services in commercial aircraft like Lufthansa Group is benefiting the business.

The stock has lost 38.6% in the past year against the industry’s 6.6% rally.

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Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Viasat currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Workday Inc. (WDAY - Free Report) , carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 13.24%. In the last reported quarter, it delivered an earnings surprise of 9.29%. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 26.5%.

Workday is a provider of enterprise-level software solutions for financial management and human resource domains. The company’s cloud-based platform combines finance and HR in a single system that makes it easier for organizations to provide analytical insights and decision support.

Headquartered in Wilmington, DE, InterDigital, Inc. (IDCC - Free Report) is a pioneer in advanced mobile technologies that enable wireless communications and capabilities. The company engages in designing and developing a wide range of advanced technology solutions, which are used in digital cellular as well as wireless 3G, 4G and IEEE 802-related products and networks.

This Zacks Rank #2 stock has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 17.4% and has surged 75.3% in the past year. A well-established global footprint, diversified product portfolio and ability to penetrate different markets are key growth drivers for InterDigital. The addition of technologies related to sensors, user interface and video to its already strong portfolio of wireless technology solutions is likely to drive considerable value, given the massive size of the market it offers licensing technologies to.

Juniper Networks Inc. (JNPR - Free Report) , carrying a Zacks Rank #2, is a leading provider of networking solutions and communication devices. The company develops, designs and sells products that help build network infrastructure used for services and applications based on a single Internet protocol network worldwide. Juniper offers a broad range of routing, switching and security products.

It delivered an earnings surprise of 6.5%, on average, in the trailing four quarters. Juniper has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 9.9%. It has a VGM Score of B.

Disclaimer: This article has been written with the assistance of Generative AI. However, the author has reviewed, revised, supplemented, and rewritten parts of this content to ensure its originality and the precision of the incorporated information.

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