[May 24, 2016] |
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Inmarsat: Global Demand for In-Flight Broadband Hits New Heights amongst Airline Passengers
One of the most comprehensive surveys of airline customers worldwide
reveals that passengers now not only expect broadband services to be
offered as standard during flights, but more than half would prefer
in-flight connectivity to in-flight meals.
The In-Flight Connectivity Survey was conducted by Inmarsat
(LSE: ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite
communications services, and market research company GfK between August
2015 and March 2016. Responses were gathered from more than 9,000
passengers in Europe, Asia, Australasia, and Central and South America
who had taken a short, medium or long haul flight in the past year and
carried at least one personal device onboard the aircraft.
Passenger reliance on remaining online using their smartphones, tablets
and other devices now means that most travellers (83%) will select an
airline based on whether they can remain logged into social networks,
video streaming sites, apps and emails throughout their journeys. In
addition, passengers are willing to pay to receive the best possible
service.
The survey also found that most passengers would prefer to connect their
smartphones, tablets or laptops to the internet during their journey as
opposed to eating a meal, accessing in-flight entertainment or
experiencing duty free shopping.
In terms of deciding whether to connect to broadband onboard an
aircraft, of upmost concern to passengers is reliability, as identified
by 75% of respondents, over speed which was a priority for just 19%.
Among those who have had the opportunity to use in-flight broadband, one
in ten were unable to connect their devices to the aircraft's network.
Quality is therefore the essential factor for passengers in determining
whether to use in-flight broadband. 60% of passengers are less inclined
to connect if the service is poor, but a reliable service that does not
disconnect at regular intervals can expect to be well used.
Survey Highlights
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83% of passengers prefer to choose an airline that offers in-flight
broadband;
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78% of passengers expect to see onboard connectivity replace in-flight
entertainment systems within the next five to ten years;
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34% of passengers bring three mobile devices onboard a flight and are
willing to pay to connect their phone, tablet or laptop computer to
in-flight broadband;
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In terms of willingness to pay for broadband services on a flight of
any length:
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In Europe - 69% of passengers are prepared to pay;
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In Asia Pacific - 67% of passengers are prepared to pay; and
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In Latin America - 64% of passengers are prepared to pay.
Surging demand
The proliferation of electronic portable devices meansthat passengers
expect in-flight broadband to replicate the same levels of connectivity
they experience when browsing on the ground. Furthermore, demand for
onboard connectivity is not just restricted to long-haul travel,
passengers are equally willing to pay to log-in whether they are flying
short distances (64%), medium haul (68%) or long haul (69%).
Regional breakdowns
Passengers across the world have different needs when it comes to
in-flight broadband, with those in Latin America primarily looking to
connect in order to stream video as a priority. They are also most
likely to think in-flight connectivity will usurp in-flight
entertainment.
Asia Pacific passengers mainly seek access to travel websites and apps.
European travellers, who are used to onboard connectivity everywhere
they go, want to be able to keep up-to-date and in constant contact with
friends and family whenever they travel on flights.
Turning point
The Inmarsat (News - Alert) In-Flight Connectivity Survey highlights airline
passengers' increasing reliance on connectivity wherever and whenever
they fly and there is clear indication that this level of demand is set
to continue in the future.
Additional information on the survey, including white papers,
infographics and regional break-downs for Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin
America, are available on Inmarsat's
website.
Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: "Demand
for broadband in the sky has reached such unprecedented levels around
the world that airlines, as well as those in the business aviation and
aircraft lessor markets, need to meet passenger expectations or risk
losing out to their competitors.
"Our survey clearly demonstrates that passengers demand a highly
reliable service. Quality is the essential ingredient that determines
whether or not passengers choose to go online during flights. Airlines
are therefore under pressure to select the right partner to support them
in delivering a reliable and cost effective service. Inmarsat has the
infrastructure, commitment and investment power to deliver the best
capacity, now and in the future."
Inmarsat recently unveiled an aviation broadband roadmap to ensure that
rising demand for fast, reliable and global in-flight connectivity is
met for the next five years and beyond. The launch of its Global Xpress
(GX) Aviation service this year creates the world's first high-speed
passenger broadband solution with seamless, end-to-end global coverage,
delivered through a single operator. Engineered to meet the needs of
complex and evolving airline route systems, initial customers include
Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Jazeera Airways.
The GX network, which entered commercial service with three powerful
Ka-band satellites in December 2015, will provide the international
bandwidth capacity needed to meet existing and near-term demand from
airlines. It also serves as a global coverage underlay that will be
built upon as part of the aviation broadband roadmap to meet future
demand.
Inmarsat is scheduled to launch its fourth GX satellite, produced by
Boeing (News - Alert), later this year and has awarded Airbus Defence and Space a
contract to build two additional satellites (Inmarsat-6 F1 and F2) with
a Ka-band payload to add depth to its global GX coverage. The first
Inmarsat-6 satellite is scheduled for delivery by the close of the
decade.
Another vital component in the roadmap is Inmarsat's European Aviation
Network, which will be the first aviation passenger connectivity
solution across European airspace to integrate an advanced satellite
network and LTE (News - Alert)-based ground network; the latter will be operated by
Deutsche Telekom. The first commercial EAN trials are expected in
mid-2017.
ENDS
NOTE: The In-Flight Connectivity Survey was completed in two
phases. The first phase was conducted from 28th August to 21st
September 2015, focusing on short and medium haul flights in Europe. The
second phase was conducted from 4th February to 7th
March 2016, focusing on short, medium and long haul flights in Latin
America and Asia Pacific, together with long haul in Europe.
For further information
About Inmarsat Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global
mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been
providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to
governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of
services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat
employs around 1,600 staff in more than 60 locations around the world,
with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every
continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L).
For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com.
The Inmarsat press release newsfeed and corporate updates are on @InmarsatGlobal
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160524005156/en/
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