In-Flight Wi-Fi Takes Off: The Sky-High Race for Satellite Connectivity 2024–2030
Euroconsult forecasts IFC-equipped aircraft will rise from 9,900 in 2021 to over 21,000 by 2030. SpaceX Starlink, with over 4,000 satellites, has deals to equip 2,000+ planes by early 2025. Spirit Airlines installed Thales FlytLIVE Ka-band Wi-Fi on most A320s in 2023, delivering up to 400 Mbps per aircraft. Hardware and installation costs average $300,000–$500,000 per plane, with annual bandwidth around $100,000.