NSR Sees Huge Market For SatServices In The Air

NSR has released their newest market analysis and forecast report, “Aeronautical Satellite Services, Analyzing the Market Opportunity for Passenger Jets and Business Aviation.” This report provides an in-depth analysis of demand trends and forecasts for L-band and Ku-band equipment and services in all regions, as well as Ku-band transponder demand for aeronautical satellite services in the next six years. NSR forecasts aeronautical satellite services for commercial passenger aircraft and business jets will reach more than 27,000 in-service units and generate retail revenues of $1.7 billion by 2013. The Middle-East and Africa, as well as Asia, will show the strongest growth rates. However, in terms of installed units, North America will be the leader with twice as many units as Europe and 50 percent more installed units over the next six years.

L-band units will comprise the majority of installed equipment, with most at both ends of the aircraft spectrum (wide-body aircraft and mid- to small-size business jets) for broadband and narrowband services. Broadband demand from crew and cabin passengers is on the upswing and opens up a window of opportunity for enhanced connectivity that is here to stay. The advent of SwiftBroadband services by Inmarsat will help rejuvenate the equipment of wide-body aircraft and is nearly a pre-requisite for many services such as GSM and e-mail access. NSR expects Ku-band terminals to be sold mostly for narrow-body aircraft and heavy business jets. In addition, until a large airline becomes a bona-fide showcase for all to see, Ku-band will endure a lack of recognition of its capabilities and a low penetration rate in the lucrative wide-body market. The spotlight could shine on the North American region, where airline trials of Ku-band this year could potentially mean whole fleets would be outfitted and thus impact other airlines’ decisions. More info…—Cambridge, Massachusetts