Aviation
High demand for in-flight connectivity is expected in the upcoming years, according to Euroconsult.
Analysis by leading space consulting and market intelligence firm Euroconsult shows a 10% increase in the number of commercial aircraft connected to in-flight services compared to 2020, totaling 9,900 planes by the end of 2021
In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) and entertainment services across global airlines delivered unexpected revenue growth in 2021 as service providers emerged from a tumultuous financial period precipitated by the global pandemic.
Paris, Washington D.C., Montreal, Yokohama, Sydney, 17th August – Analysis by leading space consulting and market intelligence firm Euroconsult shows a 10% increase in the number of commercial aircraft connected to in-flight services compared to 2020, totaling 9,900 planes by the end of 2021. Within the next decade, the number of aircraft using such services is expected to double to more than 21,000.
In its latest industry analysis ‘Prospects for In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity’ Euroconsult says a strong year-on-year performance for 2021 contrasts with previous uncertainties in the aviation industry and its supply chain, one of the most seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secretive X-37B space plane lands after 2 years(Opens in a new browser tab)
Data in the report reveals IFC service providers continued to equip aircraft through 2021 and, while not returning to pre-2019 levels, in-flight connectivity showed strong signs of uptake in the year with 120 commercial airlines offering in-flight connectivity to passengers with a total bandwidth capacity consumption rising to an unprecedented 24 gigabytes per second.
The pandemic acted as a catalyst for a series of service provider mergers and acquisitions, with more expected in the coming years. As a result, providers emerged from a turbulent period of financial restructuring in a favorable position to pursue new contracts, with as many as two dozen signed by the end of 2021 involving the equipping of a combined total of 1,500 aircraft.
Overall, the report anticipates a positive trend up to 2031, thanks to a convergence of rising consumer demand and increasingly greater bandwidth availability. For airlines, the drawn-out resumption of long-haul flights, the return to service of the Boeing 737 Max, and the diversification of service providers will all contribute to increased IFC consumption.
Service providers will, however, have to contend with evolving technologies that are likely to drive down capacity pricing. The adoption of competing satellite constellation architectures, expected to significantly advance post-2025, will lead to an upsurge in bandwidth availability as satellite operators switch to new generation satellites. However, the availability of new capacity, combined with increases in bandwidth demand as the airline industry returns to normalcy, could lead to bandwidth congestions in heavy air traffic regions like the North Atlantic Ocean.
For more key metrics and a detailed analysis of technology, services, and contracts, this year’s Euroconsult’s ‘Prospects for In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity report returns to a single scenario forecast up to 2031.
It features a meticulous market analysis grounded in year-long tracking of IFC status for commercial aircraft, as well as a dedicated focus on business aviation benefiting from revised Average Revenue per Aircraft (ARPA) and average cost capacity figures. The report is available now on Euroconsult’s Digital Platform.
Aviation
Airbus Enhances A350 Cabin with 10-Abreast Seating
Airbus has announced a new partnership with Jiatai Aircraft Equipment, a Chinese aircraft seating manufacturer, to supply upgraded economy-class seats for the A350 widebody series.
This collaboration, unveiled at the 2024 Airshow China, focuses on developing a newly designed economy seat tailored for the A350‘s New Production Standard (NPS) cabin.
One of the key features of the NPS cabin is the ability to accommodate 17-inch wide economy seats, compared to the previous 16.5-inch wide seats that airlines were limited to in the A350’s earlier configurations.
British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380
This change is made possible by the expanded space in the NPS cabin, which is 35 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the previous version. This extra space is achieved by slightly moving the cockpit wall forward and shifting the rear pressure bulkhead back by one frame.
The wider cabin allows airlines to add up to 30 extra economy seats without compromising comfort. For airlines opting for a 3-4-3 seating layout, the 17-inch wide seats are an excellent choice for a more comfortable passenger experience. However, some airlines, such as Iberia, may choose to retain a 9-abreast layout with wider seats for added comfort.
The NPS cabin also offers enhanced flexibility for airline operators. One major advantage is the ability to easily switch between a 9-abreast and 10-abreast seating configuration without requiring significant downtime for aircraft reconfiguration. Airlines can use the same seat rails, tracks, and IFE interfaces, making the transition smoother and quicker.
Etihad Airways Unveils 10 Exciting New Routes for 2025
In addition, the design of the floor attachments and air-conditioning systems has been optimized for 10-abreast seating, meaning airlines can upgrade their cabins without needing to make substantial modifications to the aircraft’s structure.
Though it’s still unclear when Jiatai’s economy-class seats will be officially added to the A350’s Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) catalogue, the collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the A350’s cabin offerings.
With this partnership, Airbus is providing more seating options for airlines, ensuring that they can meet diverse customer needs while improving overall operational efficiency.
-
Aviation2 months ago
Microsoft Flight Simulator Raises $3 Million to Bring Back the An-225 Mriya
-
Airlines2 months ago
Qatar Citizens Can Travel to the United States Without a Visa
-
Aviation2 months ago
Qatar Airways bans these new Electronic Devices on plane
-
Airlines2 months ago
Japan Airlines Rolls Out Free Domestic Flights to International Passengers
-
Defence2 months ago
Which Country Has the Largest Fleet of Fighter Aircraft?
-
Airport2 months ago
Western Sydney Airport Welcomes Its First Plane After 6 Years of construction
-
Airlines4 days ago
DAMAC Air: Dubai’s New Luxury Airline Offers Free Flights for Registration
-
Aviation2 months ago
Did you know ? Once Boeing 747 carried 1088 passenger in 1991