In-FlightConnectivity

The growth in the adoption of In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) is being driven by the demand for an improved in-flight experience and its ability to enable innovative new applications. For most major airlines, connectivity has become a basic feature of their in-flight experience for passengers, as being connected at 30,000 feet is no longer a luxury but a requirement.

According to Euroconsult in their 2022 report, approximately 9,900 aircraft were actively providing IFC services through more than 120 commercial airlines at the end of 2021. This number is expected to surpass 20,900 aircraft by YE 2031, representing 58% IFC penetration. This spectacular growth will be influenced by the new era of satellite communication, additional capacity from more efficient satellites, the different orbits available for aviation use, technological advancements and decreased satellite capacity prices.

With this increasing demand and passengers’ expectations for high performance and uninterrupted connectivity regardless of the duration and location of their flight, IFC providers are re-evaluating their connectivity strategies and future-proofing their networks with new technologies to provide consistently high throughput levels to each passenger at a reasonable price. More specifically, IFC Service Providers require transparent switchover between beams, satellites and gateways – while maintaining user application sessions – ensuring seamless coverage so that passengers experience the highest quality, high-speed connectivity throughout their entire journey.

As a long-time leading provider of satellite equipment for the aero industry, Gilat is well-equipped to offer the most comprehensive broadband solution for In-Flight Connectivity Service Providers (IFC SPs). The airborne components offer market-leading performance, reliability and user experience and are currently deployed on Boeing, Airbus and other aircraft.

Gilat has successfully deployed a broad range of IFC solutions worldwide, which include:

Modems & IFC Networks – SkyEdge IV is a scalable, next-generation software-centric SATCOM ground system optimized for multi-orbit constellations and very high throughput satellites (VHTS).  SkyEdge IV Taurus is an ultra-high-performance modem for a comprehensive broadband IFC offering either as a Modman or a card to provide Wi-Fi internet and IPTV for passengers on commercial airlines, regional aircraft and business jets. SkyEdge IV Taurus is also backward compatible with SkyEdge II-c.

Transceivers (KRFU) – Gilat is expert in the design, verification, qualification and manufacture of both Ka and Ku airborne Transceivers (KRFUs). Gilat’s Wavestream AeroStream™ product line of transceivers offers unmatched efficiency and performance for the challenging airborne environment.

Antennas – Gilat has developed a unique and most advanced Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA.) Gilat’s technology has already been tested and deployed over GEO, MEO, and LEO in Ku and Ka bands, including dual operations in GEO/LEO and seamless switchover between beams and satellites. During testing, Gilat’s high throughput and small form factor ESA operated continuously over GEO then instantaneously switched connectivity to operate on LEO when it came into view, and back to GEO after operating on LEO.

Top reasons for choosing Gilat’s In-Fight Connectivity solution:

• World leader in diverse SATCOM solutions and technologies

• Globally proven advanced SATCOM solutions for the aero industry

• Most comprehensive broadband solution for In-Flight Connectivity Service Providers (IFC SPs)

• Optimized for Ku and Ka bands, wide-beam satellites, HTS and Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), Software-Defined Satellites (SDS) and multiple orbit constellations

• Advanced Modems and IFC Networks, Transceivers (KRFUs) and ESA Antennas

• Highest reliability and superior user experience