In-flight WiFi is coming to Jetstar

Dylan Crismale - Digital Content Editor

Last updated 13 May 2026

Global satellite communications is partnering with Australian budget airline Jetstar to equip its upgraded Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet with in-flight connectivity (IFC).

As part of Jetstar's cabin modernisation, Viasat is installing its IFC systems in 11 of Jetstar's aircraft (one has already been upgraded with the new tech). The airliner says this will lead to improved in-flight entertainment and WiFi connectivity. WiFi connectivity will be available for purchase on board, and the airline is phasing out seatback screens.

Jetstar's Dreamliner fleet is primarily used for International flights and some select domestic routes. Jetstar will offer three in-flight connectivity options:

Free Zone: Includes a flight map, destination info, Jetstar TV, Spotlight selection and more
Streaming-plus: For streaming, browsing and accessing Jetstar's in-flight library with unlimited data
Social-plus: For accessing social media, browsing and accessing in-flight entertainment

Viasat is currently building its relationships in Australia as it looks to begin offering its services to Australia and the wider APAC region. The business is already working with Jetstar's parent company, Qantas, where it powers free-to-use in-flight WiFi. It also works with Telstra as a customer; the telco is responsible for building Viasat's ground station infrastructure.

At the end of last month, Viasat celebrated the successful launch of its ViaSat-3 Flight 3 (F3) satellite from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. ViaSat-3 F3 is designed to deliver over one terabit per second of throughput capacity to services in APAC. Placed in geostationary orbit (GEO), it uses advanced beam-forming technology which is able to optimise capacity in real-time and actually follow trains, trucks and aircraft.

Looking to first service the Australian aviation and maritime sectors, the satellite business does intend to serve consumers, acknowledging that 60% of the Australian landmass currently has no mobile service. Albeit, Viasat says it won't offer plans to consumers directly.

Speaking in a briefing to Australian journalists, Viasat Regional Vice President Carlin Charteris said the company would look to deliver consumer mobile and internet plan services via partnerships with Australian telcos. However, Charteris wasn't able to comment on any firm plans at this stage.

Competition in the Australian satellite internet space looks to be heating up with disruptor Starlink already offering internet connectivity via its low-earth orbit (LEO) services and NBN Co partnering with Amazon to bring its own LEO service online later this year.

Here's a look at Starlink's Residential plans:

Starlink	Starlink Starlink Residential 100 Mbps Satellite Download Speeds: Up to 100 Mbps (typically 80-100 Mbps) Upload Speeds: 15-35 Mbps Unlimited Data $75/mth Min. cost $75 Go to Site	$75/mth Min. cost $75	Go to Site
Starlink	Starlink Starlink Residential 200 Mbps Satellite Download Speeds: Up to 200 Mbps (typically 140-200 Mbps) Upload Speeds: 15-35 Mbps Unlimited Data $110/mth Min. cost $110 Go to Site	$110/mth Min. cost $110	Go to Site
Starlink	Starlink Starlink Residential Max Satellite Download Speeds: Up to 400+ Mbps (typically 170-320 Mbps) Upload Speeds: 20-40 Mbps Unlimited Data $150/mth Min. cost $150 Go to Site	$150/mth Min. cost $150	Go to Site

Dylan Crismale

Digital Content Editor

Dylan Crismale is a Digital Content Editor at WhistleOut, has been writing for almost a decade across a variety of Australian publications. He previously worked as a writer at Finder covering energy, internet and mobile plans. Dylan is passionate about finding the best deals to save people money and educating people about tech. When he's not sat at his desk Dylan loves working out, bingeing TV and hanging out with friends.

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