By Julien Desenne, CTO of Moment
The era of slow, unreliable onboard internet access is fading. As satellite technologies mature and providers consolidate, inflight connectivity (IFC) is entering a new phase of reliability and scalability. According to the Viasat Passenger Experience Survey 2024, connectivity now ranks just behind comfort and space as one of the most important expectations for travellers. It is no longer a luxury, but a must!
More than just a service, connectivity is evolving into the digital backbone of the onboard ecosystem, powering entertainment, e-commerce, real-time communication, and personalised loyalty experiences. With the number of connected aircraft skyrocketing worldwide, connectivity isn’t a feature; it’s the nervous system of aviation.
Pursuing a 100% satellite-connected sky: At what risk?
Here’s the catch: the aviation landscape is highly diverse making connectivity choice a complex decision. Airlines vary in needs, operations, and budgets. Offering consistent, high-quality connectivity is far from granted, especially for those with smaller fleets or low-cost business models.
Sure, there’s no shortage of advanced connectivity architectures on the market, whether it’s traditional Air-to-Ground with limited coverage, GEO satellites that boast wide reach but suffer from frustrating latency, or LEO constellations promising high speeds but facing growing cybersecurity concerns. The truth? No single technology can, on its own, deliver the seamless, global connectivity passengers expect.
Leasing satellite bandwidth remains a significant expense for airlines, particularly those investing in LEO connectivity, which also entails high upfront costs and increasing cybersecurity risks. At the same time, onboard data consumption is surging, with no signs of slowing, particularly if locally hosted entertainment were to disappear. The demand for connected services, such as video streaming, online shopping, live sports, and crew communication tools, naturally increases with flight duration. Regulatory barriers are also a major obstacle. In many countries, satellite operators face restrictions – or outright bans – because landing rights, spectrum licenses, or government agreements are missing. As a result, inflight connectivity remains uncertain in several key regions, making truly seamless cross-border coverage hard to guarantee.
The hybrid IFC model: Managing cost with secure performance
As the connectivity boom is pushing industry players to rethink their onboard service strategies, airlines must strike a delicate balance: delivering high-quality service while keeping costs under control and offering products that meet both passenger expectations and business objectives. Deploying IFC across a fleet is resource-intensive, and costly. It requires time, coordination, and a deep understanding of technical and regulatory landscapes. Not all airlines share the same ambition or budget.
Faced with complex choices, the solution lies in a smart blend of embedded systems and satellite connectivity, aligned to both operational and commercial priorities. In this model, satellite bandwidth is reserved for high-value activities such as payment processing, crew communications, or premium services like live sports streaming. Meanwhile, embedded systems store non-critical content locally, including movies, magazines, and product catalogs, significantly reducing bandwidth consumption and ensuring content remains accessible throughout the flight.
On a typical 190-seat narrow-body, a hybrid approach can cut bandwidth demand by up to 80% while still delivering a seamless digital experience. It also lets airlines deploy a fully branded portal—giving passengers a curated interface for services, content, and promotions. Without a dedicated onboard server, internet often arrives as a raw, unbranded connection, missing a prime moment to reinforce the brand and showcase the offer.
Connectivity that works for every flight
Delivering a 100% internet-based experience may be possible for some, but for many operators, it’s not yet sustainable. Connectivity is no longer about simply being online; it’s about managing demand intelligently and designing systems that scale across fleets, regions, and business opportunities.
The future belongs to airlines that embrace flexible, cost-efficient architectures, grounded in embedded technologies. These carriers won’t just meet expectations, they’ll shape them.
Join us at World Aviation Festival 2026 to discuss the future of inflight connectivity.
For more like this, see:
- TAP Air introduces Bluetooth connectivity for IFE
- Starlink, Project Kuiper, Telesat: How LEO satellites are transforming inflight connectivity
- Riyadh Air and Singapore Airlines forge strategic partnership for enhanced connectivity and digital innovation
