With a 20% increase since the pandemic, demand for premium air travel from high-net-worth individuals has surged. In the next five years, the business jet market is expected to nearly double, from just over $15 billion in 2024 to close to $30 billion by 2029.
Not unlike their commercial airline counterparts, owners and operators of business jet fleets strive to differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded marketplace by providing a unique and pleasurable inflight experience. Ensuring passengers have high-speed internet connectivity from takeoff to landing allows business jet operators to set themselves apart from the competition and maximize revenue from business travelers.
A recent study done by Corporate Jet Investor (CJI) and Intelsat revealed that high-quality inflight connectivity significantly impacts the passenger experience, and positively impacts revenue and the bottom line. The study also pointed to several important factors when choosing satellite connectivity options for private jets, emphasizing the importance of consistency, reliability, and speed in choosing the best connectivity option.
- Consistency
Eighty-five percent of respondents considered consistent and uninterrupted connectivity essential to their overall experience and satisfaction with a private jet operator. For business jet owners and operators who depend on inflight connectivity to stay productive, consistency ensures that passengers have uninterrupted internet access throughout the flight.
- Reliability
95 percent of respondents rank reliability as very high or high in importance. A reliable satellite network guarantees that the network is always available and up, providing passengers with a seamless connectivity experience, including as the plane travels through high-traffic routes where congestion can cause slowdowns and service disruptions.
- High-Speed
Speed is crucial, but there is also a growing demand for high-bandwidth applications. Over 90 percent of respondents highlight that connectivity capable of supporting demanding tasks like video streaming is equally important. Following this, speed is the third most important factor, with over 90 percent of respondents rating it as either very high or high in importance. While most passengers may not require ultra-high speeds, they do expect to have consistent and dependable high-speed connection to work on their normal tasks.
Other important factors that influence the choice of connectivity include:
- Dedicated connectivity solutions
- Track record and legacy of the satellite provider
- Coverage and advance warnings of coverage problems
- Cybersecurity
Mark Rasmussen, Intelsat’s Senior Vice President of Mobility emphasizes how crucial reliable connectivity is, “Keeping people and machines always connected while on the move is critical to business, whether on land, in the air or at sea.”
The study shows that business jets require robust and reliable connectivity. According to respondents, this is crucial when choosing an operator or aircraft. Coverage and speed are essential, with occasional problems acceptable if they are not geographically related.
Business jet owners and operators need to prioritize these factors-consistency, reliability, and high-speed-when choosing a connectivity solution because the demand for connectivity is only going to grow from here. With new competition in the market, it’s essential to consider the provider’s coverage, cybersecurity, and the track record and legacy of the provider.
For a deep dive into these findings and their influence on your connectivity decisions, read the full report here.
