Seamless Air Alliance partners with ESA to enhance inflight connectivity

Balancing terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks presents challenges due to diverse technologies aboard aircraft and infrequent system upgrades. Mandala explained that working with ESA aims to merge satellite ubiquity with established terrestrial networks to achieve seamless mobility.

Seamless Air Alliance’s mission aligns with ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity initiative under the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) program. While current modems will continue serving existing inflight connectivity needs, Mandala predicts a gradual shift towards 3GPP modems as secondary options.

Inflight connectivity is increasingly becoming essential on many airlines, leading to varied business models such as free access or ad-supported services. Convergence around billing and commercial terms is also expected to evolve alongside technological advancements.

Mandala pointed out that mobile network operators could subsidize inflight connectivity costs against subscriber acquisition expenses. "If they can subsidize your inflight connectivity, and that makes you last longer as a customer, the payback is huge," he stated.

Regulatory developments may also influence market dynamics. The future composition of the European Commission under President Ursula von der Leyen could impact digital and competition policies related to inflight connectivity.

Laurent Jaffart, ESA director of connectivity and secure communications, expressed pride in joining Seamless Air Alliance. "It enables us to share the impact that space-based connectivity can have on Earth and in the air," Jaffart noted.