Viasat, a global communications company, has opened its expanded office in Dublin, which is expected to house up to 250 Viasat team members focused on developing next-generation software and technology for Viasat’s target broadband markets.
The company has nearly 100 team members located in Dublin, primarily developing innovative software solutions for the commercial aviation industry.
More than double its headcount over next few years
Viasat expects to more than double its headcount in the capital over the next few years, and extend development beyond connected aircraft software to include broader software and mobile application support for international maritime customers, European residential broadband and wifi markets, government systems as well as support for Viasat’s next-generation ultra-high capacity satellite platform, known as ViaSat-3.
“We are expanding in Dublin as part of our overall objective to strengthen our regional service capabilities, in order to enhance our collaboration with customers and partners throughout Europe, and further build software and technology expertise in the region,” said Rick Baldridge.
“We believe the strong talent base located in Ireland will greatly expand our technical and business presence in Europe, and enable us to rapidly respond to new global broadband opportunities across a number of industry sectors.”
Minister of State John Halligan TD said: “I am pleased to see the prominent role the European Space Agency (ESA) and IDA Ireland can play in supporting the growth of companies, like Viasat, throughout Europe. Ireland is a region where companies can thrive through fostering ongoing research and innovation.”
Technologies for the European satellite broadband and space industries
Over the past few years, Viasat has strengthened its commitment and grown its presence in Europe. The company has formed a number of strategic partnerships as well as developed new technologies for the European satellite broadband and space industries:
• In March 2018, Viasat announced the development of a new phased array flat panel antenna at its office in Lausanne, Switzerland.
• In December 2017, Viasat opened an Amsterdam office as a research and development (R&D) center dedicated to the development of satellite access node (SAN) subsystems, embedded cloud-based software and ground segment infrastructure for the ViaSat-3 satellite platform. The Amsterdam location also handles customer premises equipment logistics for Europe.
• In November 2017, Viasat and the European Space Agency (ESA) announced Project AIDAN, a Public Private Partnership to develop key components for the ViaSat-3 satellite communications system with European industry.
• In March 2017, Viasat and long-term partner Eutelsat Communications closed their joint venture, enabling Viasat to launch a new consumer broadband retail service in Europe.
• In 2017, Viasat expanded its office in Farnborough, UK, creating a satellite communications R&D facility.
• In April 2016, Viasat launched the High Capacity Satellite (HCS) Applications Factory in partnership with ESA to rapidly develop new products, applications and HCS-enabled services, with work being performed in Viasat’s UK and Switzerland offices.
Over the past two-years Viasat announced a number of new commercial airline customers leveraging its connectivity solution over Europe, including: EL AL Israel Airlines, Finnair, Icelandair and SAS. The company is also delivering aviation-grade software to a number of European airlines including Aer Lingus and Ryanair.
For more information on Viasat’s presence in Europe, visit:
viasat.com