Since the Paris Air show last month, there has been renewed interest in provisioning Internet connections to commercial airliners, particularly with in-flight entertainment systems advancing beyond basic audio and video services. But over the next four years, private jets will account for over half of all broadband installations on aircraft, according to a report released today by Freesky Research.
"Private jets with maximum take-off weights over 50,000 lbs. will be one of the leading segments of the market. They have the width to carry most fuselage-mounted antennas, and sell at prices which make broadband systems a small share of the overall cost of the plane," according to David Gross, author of the report. "Meanwhile, 50-seat regional jets in the same weight class will see very few broadband installations. Their owners would need a high percentage of passengers to pay per-flight connection fees in order to break-even, and unlike discount carriers flying 737s and A320s, few commuter airlines see in-flight entertainment as an important service feature."
The report, "Aviation Broadband Markets" looks at the diverging economics between antennas and cabin electronics, and how this is impacting the market for in-flight broadband. Additionally, it contains forecasts for broadband installations by aircraft type, both private and commercial.
Source: Freesky Research
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