Aeromexico to Elevate E190 Experience with Viasat’s Next-Generation IFC
Originally published on APEX
Image via Embraer
Embraer has announced a partnership with Viasat to install advanced in-flight connectivity (IFC) on Aeromexico’s E190 jets. The upgrade will see free Wi-Fi provided to passengers on short-haul flights, aligning the regional travel experience more closely with Aeromexico’s existing narrow-body and wide-body services.
High-Speed IFC to Transform the Aeromexico’s E190 Journey
Passengers are increasingly expecting seamless connectivity, regardless of the aircraft type or route they are traveling on. According to Viasat’s 2024 Passenger Experience Survey, which collected data from over 11,000 travelers, 75% of passengers would be more likely to choose an airline that offers high-quality Wi-Fi.
Although Aeromexico’s E190s have long been the backbone of its domestic and short-haul network, they have operated without Wi-Fi. Now, that is now changing.
Image via Viasat
Aeromexico Chief Digital and Customer Experience Officer Andres Castañeda explained, “We are upgrading our Aeromexico Connect E190 fleet to deliver exceptional in-flight experiences on our short-haul routes. With Wi-Fi available on all our E190 aircraft by 2027, Aeromexico will be the first and only airline in Latin America to offer ad-supported free messaging across our entire network. This means our passengers can stay connected wherever they fly, with the option to purchase internet packages for enhanced connectivity.”
Thus far, six Aeromexico Embraer E190 aircraft have been equipped with Viasat’s Wi-Fi solution. The remaining 28 will feature IFC by 2027. High-speed satellite connectivity via Viasat’s global Ka-band network will allow passengers to stream movies and TV shows, access the internet, send emails, and watch live sports while flying.
The offering will be powered by Viasat’s full in-flight connectivity solution for the commercial aviation market, Viasat Amara, which was announced at the 2025 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. Aeromexico is among the first airlines to roll out the multi-network, multi-orbit Amara IFC offering.
Image via Viasat
Aeromexico’s 34-strong E190 fleet, operated by its regional subsidiary Aeromexico Connect, links medium-density city pairs within Mexico and across North America. Until now, passengers flying these aircraft experienced a noticeable difference in amenities compared to the airline’s Boeing 737 and 787 cabins. The Viasat upgrade will help unify the Aeromexico brand experience across all aircraft types.
Viasat Commercial Aviation SVP and General Manager Don Buchman said, “As global demand for in-flight connectivity skyrockets, with passengers increasingly expecting to stream movies and shows the way they do at home while 30,000 feet in the sky, we are thrilled to collaborate with Aeromexico and Embraer. Both companies value high-quality, fast, and reliable onboard Wi-Fi service to create an exceptional passenger experience.”
Viasat’s Expansion in South America
For Viasat, the Aeromexico partnership extends its reach in Latin America as well as showcasing its expanding satellite network in the region. In 2023, Viasat launched the ViaSat-3 Americas satellite from the Kennedy Space Center, significantly increasing its coverage and bandwidth across North and South America.
Image via Viasat
The South American market represents a key growth area for Viasat. The rapid rise in air travel means that as airlines look to capture the loyalty of new travelers, connectivity could well provide them with a competitive edge.
