ViaSat acquires Ireland-based Arconics

ViaSat Inc. has announced that it has acquired Arconics, an innovative provider of software solutions to the aviation industry. Through this acquisition ViaSat, a global broadband services and technology company, acquires further expertise, aviation-grade software and mobile applications to make flying safer and more efficient for pilots, cabin crews and flight operations teams.
The Arconics connected aircraft software platform enables the Arconics App Suite, which spans wireless In-flight Entertainment (IFE), Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), 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. Customers include: Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Philippine Airlines, Tigerair Australia, SpiceJet and others.
According to Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, Commercial Mobility business, ViaSat: “By acquiring Arconics, we are bolstering our ability to serve the global aviation market. 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.”
Before this acquisition, Arconics was in partnership with ViaSat, principally focused on serving the wireless IFE requirements of many airline customers. Post-acquisition, ViaSat anticipates it will also be able to 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.
“ViaSat offers Arconics a strategic match – both culturally and technologically,” said Arconics Chief Executive Officer 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.”
Through this purchase, ViaSat establishes a presence in Dublin, Ireland, while continuing to expand its operations in Sydney, Australia. Over 30 Arconics team members with both technical and business expertise will join ViaSat, including Niall O’Sullivan.