By Raúl González Rodrigo,
Head of BU Fleet VIASAT TELEMATICS
2020 was marked by the devastating effects of the COVID-19 health emergency which also affected the world of transport and logistics. In particular, the main consequences derived on the stop of non-essential industrial and commercial activities in many European countries. Despite the devastating effects of the pandemic, the sector has played a fundamental role in guaranteeing constant supply of essential goods and medical equipment. It is no coincidence that it was one of the few sectors that could operate even during the lockdown months. In order to mitigate the effects of Coronavirus, EU leaders agreed on a structured package of €1,824.3 billion, between the seven-year European budget and the Recovery Fund, to support investments for the green and digital transition in an extraordinary effort to encourage recovery. In any case, the economic recovery will not only depend on the evolution of the pandemic in the various countries, but also on the structure of each economy and the ability of companies to respond, according to their entrepreneurial possibilities. In this sense, Viasat has never stopped playing its part, in all the countries where its subsidiaries are based. Today, freight transport and logistics sector need to increase volumes, reduce costs and their environmental impact and increase road safety; in order to succeed, they need technological innovation and renewing processes. On these matters, Viasat is having a powerful impact in the satellite telematics market in Europe (and beyond); its offer is based on integrated, simple, secure and at the same time, innovative solutions. Its customers will significantly improve their daily activity and process management and will always anticipate and satisfy their customers’ needs. At the same time, Viasat ecosystem improves the efficiency of fleet management and all activities related to goods transport and logistics. In the short-medium term, this represents a significant transformation in business models, top quality and better performances.