CONNECTIVITY - CJI RESEARCH
Three factors guide connectivity choice
High speed connectivity has become a key requirement for business jet travellers. But how do owners and operators select a connectivity solution? Our research, conducted in partnership with Intelsat, reveals the answers. Words: Mike Stones
CONNECTIVITY
Three factors guide connectivity choice
High speed connectivity has become a key requirement for business jet travellers. But how do owners and operators select a connectivity solution? Our research, conducted in partnership with Intelsat, reveals the answers. Words: Mike Stones
CJI RESEARCH
Photo: Shutterstock
THREE TOP factors guide the selection of satellite connectivity solutions for private jets, according to research conducted by CJI in partnership with satellite services provider Intelsat. Consistency, reliability and high speed are the top three factors jet owners and operators consider before equipping their aircraft with a connectivity solution, according to our research.
“The overall passenger experience, including in-flight connectivity, directly impacts their bottom line.”
“These results confirm what we’ve been hearing for several years now regarding the importance of in-flight connectivity, whether on commercial or business aircraft,” says Todd Cotts, senior principal product marketing manager, Mobility at Intelsat. “Passengers are demanding to be just as connected to their homes and offices in the air as they are on the ground for the entirety of the flight.”
Consistent in-flight connectivity has become a pre-requisite for business aircraft owners and operators who provide this as part of the overall service to their passengers. “The overall passenger experience, including in-flight connectivity, directly impacts their bottom line,” Cotts tells CJI.
“It cascades up from there – passenger satisfaction impacts aircraft operator business decisions for inflight connectivity, which then impacts the buyer’s decision for a connectivity system. That, in turn, influences the connectivity system provider’s decision for using a satellite network that enables reliable and consistent, high-performing in-flight connectivity.”
Dissecting the three key factors influencing the selection of connectivity solutions – consistency, reliability and high speed – Cotts says it’s important to understand the first influencer, as it will unlock a better understanding of the other two drivers. About 85% of more than 100 people responding to our research said that consistent connectivity was of very high importance to aircraft owners and passengers. A further 10% accorded it high importance.
“Owners are recognising that no connectivity onboard could impact the potential resale value of their aircraft.”
Defining consistency is crucial, says Cotts. It means connectivity over a satellite network is consistent during the entire flight, which translates to a consistent in-flight connectivity experience for passengers, he explains. Consistency of satellite connectivity is accomplished through redundant global coverage comprised of a multi-layered, multi-beam fabric. (Network redundancy, designed to boost the reliability of coverage, means providing multiple paths for traffic so that data can keep flowing even in the event of a failure).
About 50% of industry insiders responding to the research thought redundant global satellite coverage deserved very high importance, while about 25% said it should have high importance and slightly more thought it deserved medium importance.
Closely allied to the consistency of satellite service is the system’s reliability. Nearly all (about 95%) of respondents to our research judged that reliability of connectivity was either very high in importance or of high importance.
A truly reliable satellite network service means the network is always up, always available – much like the private jet owners and clients the connectivity system is designed to serve.
Intelsat defines the reliability of a satellite network as providing near perfect uptime of 99.999%. Five 9s availability – meaning that the network can be down no more than 5.26 minutes per year – is what defines an enterprise-grade network and is the standard achieved by FlexExec, according to the company. FlexExec is Intelsat’s multi-layered, multi-beam managed service providing reliable high-throughput satellite connectivity to business jets when they fly, no matter where.
“Resiliency and reliability are built into our network to ensure passengers can stay connected from runway to runway, even in high-traffic routes. Inevitably, predictable, reliable availability will ensure a positive in-flight connectivity experience and increase customer loyalty,” says Cotts.
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
What you told us...
“They are for safety's sake all reliable.”
“It's not essential for us to have in-flight connectivity at this time. But it may become a necessity in coming years.”
“In a world where connectivity is becoming essential, and air travel is set to increase significantly between now and 2040, we believe it is fundamental to guarantee unfailing connectivity.”
“Current owners are recognising that no connectivity onboard could impact the potential resale value of the aircraft. Connectivity is far more common today and will only continue to grow over fleets as reliability and speed increase and price points for service come down.”
“Connectivity should not be connect and forget. Managing the aircraft for optimum service and customer support is crucial. Your choice of value-added reseller is therefore an important factor.”
The third driver influencing the choice of connectivity systems is high speed, according to our research. More than 90% of respondents accorded high-speed satellite connectivity very high or high importance.
Since the pandemic, demand for more sophisticated connectivity solutions has grown, as owners and users expect the same standard of connectivity in their jet cabin as in their office or home – even when they are flying at 40,000ft.
Even so, most business aircraft passengers don’t require ultra-high speeds to perform normal internet connection activities. Checking email and browsing the web generally requires only 2 to 5 Mbps download speeds, video conferencing can be conducted with just 6 Mbps download speed, says Cotts. Even streaming HD content only requires 15 to 25 Mbps.
Intelsat’s FlexExec satellite network delivers download speeds of up to 25 Mbps depending on the region, with plans to upgrade to higher speeds in the future. Speeds can vary along a flight route.
Respondents to our survey also gave considerable significance to the provision of a dedicated connectivity solution when selecting an in-flight connectivity package.
Commenting on the research results, Cotts highlights the importance of dedicated satellite connectivity like this: “It’s crucial to ensuring a consistent, reliable, high-speed in-flight connectivity experience, especially in high-traffic routes,” he says.
Another important factor influencing the choice of a private jet’s in-flight wi-fi solution is the track record and legacy of the satellite provider. More than 70% of those we canvassed said it deserved very high priority and about 15% though it should receive high importance.
With the rise of new players in the business jet connectivity sector, Intelsat believes buyers are exercising caution when it comes to leaving legacy satellite operators for new entrants. “Sure, there will always be those who test the waters as early adopters, but providing satellite connectivity to business jets involves longer lead time and higher complexity than simply ordering a satellite antenna online and sticking it on a rooftop or an RV,” says Cotts.
Intelsat – its own words
“This year, Intelsat celebrates its 60th year providing mission critical satellite connectivity solutions and industry firsts for commercial and government organisations worldwide across land, sea, and air. We serve US and global governments as well as blue-chip brand names in mobility, media, and networks. Our infrastructure is expansive with 27 teleports, 20 global offices, 18 points of presence, and 57 satellites, all backed by 100,000 miles of MPLS fibre, combined to provide reliable connectivity to 99% of the world’s populated regions. All of this, together with our exclusive partnership with Satcom Direct, which delivers purpose-built hardware for business aviation connectivity, adds to our record and legacy as a trusted satellite connectivity provider for business aviation operators and connectivity system buyers.”
What you told us...
“I recently flew a transcontinental flight as a crew member on an aircraft which lacked satellite communications. It was a major inhibitor to our ability to address changes to the customer's itinerary as well as maintenance issues en route. It is equally important to the crew of the owner as to the passengers/owner.”
“I would like to see a study which outlines all the elements of connectivity, including costs.”
“Owners view reliable and robust connectivity as a must-have from light jets through to large cabin jets. Owners of both pre-owned and factory new aircraft are less concerned about the system installation cost and are more focused on the high cost of usage.”
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Industry views on our research In YOUR own words
“IN MY EXPERIENCE, owners view reliable and robust connectivity as a must-have from light jets through to large cabin jets.” That’s how one of more than 100 industry insiders summed up feelings about the significance of connectivity aboard business jets.
“Interestingly owners of both pre-owned and factory new aircraft are less concerned about the system installation cost and are more focused on the high cost of usage,” the anonymous source added. “Some will install the system for re-sale purposes but will not activate the system due to usage costs.”
Another respondent said: “Current experiences from customers seem to indicate that having good connectivity is probably one of the most important factors whilst choosing an operator/ aircraft.”
Coverage is key for our respondents. If there are coverage problems, users strongly prefer advance warning of likely connectivity disruptions. “Occasional issues are acceptable as long as they are not geographically related,” one source told us. “If operators know that the signal is always lost flying over area X, it is key that the satellite operator shares it upfront. Speed is key, but I sense that once core needs are met, such as browsing and video conferencing, customers become more price sensitive.”
Reliability was also singled out in respondents’ comments. “Boeing and Airbus predict that more than 7bn passengers will be travelling by plane in 2040,” one person told us. “In a world where connectivity is becoming essential and air travel is set to increase significantly between now and 2040, it is fundamental to guarantee unfailing connectivity.”
Top connectivity standards are not simply a question of service to clients, added the respondent. “We need consistent connectivity to help our passengers maintain their business while in flight. When things drop off, it reflects poorly on our provider decision.”
Worries about cybersecurity also featured in some responses. One respondent told us: “Privacy and security aspects are increasing in the conversation.”
One note of caution was sounded by someone who worked previously as a customer support technical director for a service provider. “Some owners/operators are not interested in any connectivity due to system costs,” the source told us. “If an owner/operator does have or want connectivity, then it’s paramount to have a constant, reliable connection that meets the aircraft needs as far as speed. The promise of the next greatest, fastest and lowest cost solution is delaying owners/operators deciding to upgrade older systems.”
Finally, one respondent summarised his or her requirements from inflight business jet connectivity solutions with remarkable precision: “Uninterrupted and not too expensive. No data selling.”
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
What you told us...
“The demand [for connectivity] will continue to increase as a must in corporate jets.”
“Just like sat phones in the past, connectivity aboard a business jet is a necessary tool today.”
“Privacy and security aspects are also increasing in conversations.”
“Current experiences from customers seem to indicate that having good connectivity is probably one of the most important factors whilst choosing an operator/aircraft.
“Coverage is key. Occasional issues are acceptable as long as they are not geographically related.”
“If operators know that the signal is lost flying over area X, the satellite operator should share it upfront. Speed is key, but once core needs are met, such as browsing and video conferencing, clients become more price sensitive.”
