Photo: Valor Consultancy

While aviation maybe a tough market, there is strong hope the In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) market will be bounce back further into the decade. It is also critical for the satellite sector, as many companies are betting on a strong IFC market over the next few years. Valour Consultancy, one of the top research firms looking at the IFC market, has released a new report in which it forecasts the number of aircraft installed with IFC will double from 9,026 at the end of 2020, to approximately 18,500 in 2029. These figures factor in the full impact of COVID-19, including the cancellation of retrofit projects and delayed deliveries of new aircraft.

However, over the next two years, Valour predicts the installed base will grow slowly, by around 800 aircraft, marking a 70% decrease in net new installs across the period compared to pre-COVID-19 estimates. These are just some of the key findings of its The Future of In-Flight Connectivity – 2020 report, announced Feb. 9.

“The pandemic is driving change in the passenger experience and many airlines are using this period to revisit their digital strategies. It’s clear we’re going to see a greater emphasis placed on contactless interactions, customer reassurance and the seamlessly digital journey. IFC can, at the very least, enhance many applications linked to these areas and, as a result, will become more integral to airlines than before the pandemic hit,” Daniel Welch, co-founder of Valour Consultancy wrote.