In-Flight Wi-Fi Takes Off: The Sky-High Race for Satellite Connectivity 2024–2030
Euroconsult projects the number of IFC-equipped aircraft worldwide will grow from about 9,900 in 2021 to over 21,000 by 2030. SpaceX Starlink, an LEO system with more than 4,000 satellites by 2024, has contracts to equip over 2,000 aircraft by early 2025 and can deliver up to 350 Mbps per aircraft with installation times of 8–10 hours. OneWeb completed a 618-satellite constellation in 2023, merged with Eutelsat to form a multi-orbit offering, and began aviation service in 2023–2024 with Panasonic Discover Airlines projects by 2025. Viasat and Inmarsat provide a global Ka-band GEO network after merger, with ViaSat-3 entering service