There is a lot of high technology involved in the idea of inflight connectivity than just the ability to access the internet, send emails and download one’s favourite movies and TV shows, gaming options and an inexhaustible collection of practically every genre of music.
By means of satellite technology, inflight Wi-Fi offers the ability to access internet not just over land but across oceans! Given the serious preference for inflight connectivity amongst all categories of travellers, making an aircraft wi-fi enabled is seen as a long-term investment plan. With this capability on board, a basket of goodies is on offer like high-speed broadband, streaming content for free or for a price, and power outlets for juicing up laptops and mobiles, all of which are now essentials in our connected world.
In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) vs In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)
Simply put, Inflight Connectivity (IFC) allows everyone on an aircraft that is airborne, to remain connected for the entire duration, using onboard hardware and external antennas that connect to ground-based towers, or satellites. Passengers can do basics like send emails and browse the Web during air travel. To relax and enjoy time during long hours on a flight, this technology has created possibilities for streaming video, a much-in-demand amenity for today’s traveller. Staying current and in touch with their offices, friends and family is what is in demand, and most airlines have delivered much of this.
In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) on the other hand uses a different set of hardware located on board the aircraft, and is mainly, independent of any external source. From the past capabilities of audio and video feeds to a map tracking the aircraft route in real-time, in today’s day and age, the components have undergone a complete upgrade. The changes are happening with alarming speed and regularity. Today’s IFE passengers enjoy their type and source of entertainment without worrying about data connection or bandwidth.
Inflight Connectivity for Operations & Safety
Airline operations have realised the full benefits of inflight connectivity to then allow the entire gamut of connectivity-led services, that include data analytics that manages flight crew and passenger data. IFC offers the bandwidth to a controlled number of passengers in the cabin.
Going granular, it can segregate data traffic between the cockpit and cabin, determine in real-time, the connected status of all devices onboard and how data is being used by airtime service, device or category of traffic. Thus, data usage and the cost thereof can be closely monitored. Sharing content on social media and offering the audience onboard preference-based advertising solutions, are some of the possibilities.
IFC systems come with features that enhance cybersecurity, since the software is geared to protect data that moves on and off the aircraft. Operators can access flight planning and related services, and provide vital information required by the operations team to function efficiently and safely.
Apart from being a ‘sought after’ amenity, improved in-flight wi-fi is a boon for any airline company. With enhanced communication and bandwidth, real-time diagnostics of operations, and predictive maintenance are a reality in our age of digitisation.
With a ‘connected aircraft’, mechanical problems in any part of an aircraft can be detected immediately – thus immensely useful for those who work on crash investigations. Timely corrective action too can be taken on account of a connected aircraft, to avoid an accident/incident from happening. This means being less reliant on the actual physical presence of a black box to help with understanding the cause of an accident.
Cabin Electronics for Passenger Comfort & Productivity
With the latest and upgraded versions of sophisticated ground-based and satellite technology, modern-day cabin connectivity systems have ensured that air travellers remain in touch with their offices, clients, and friends and family – all through their journey.
Premium sections of a passenger airline, Business jet, turboprop and helicopter cabins – are all optimally customised for passenger comfort, as also designed to improve the quality of their flight experience and their productivity.
Any carrier would aim to welcome their guests onboard a well-equipped cabin, to enhance the ‘feel good’ factor. Cabin electronics not just take care of in-flight connectivity, or in-flight entertainment systems, but include cabin management and lighting systems. Operating cabin electronics in unison, helps passengers arrive at their destinations, refreshed and ready to operate in peak condition.
Some of the state-of-the-art lighting systems onboard Ultra-Long-Range business jets are able to synchronise with a traveller’s circadian rhythm that helps overcome jet lag, post-journey.
Mood lighting can be controlled via a passenger’s mobile app, or via the Cabin Management System (CMS), aiming to promote an atmosphere conducive to work, rest and play, during a flight. Therefore, the CMS is central to a passenger’s well-being, and must at the least exudes positivity.
Inflight Entertainment (IFE)
Nothing could be more thrilling for air travellers than to avail of entertainment on tap. Whiling away hours on mainly long-haul flights, enjoying the magic of the movies, TV shows, and shorts, reading up on the latest business mantras or relaxing with noise-cancellation headphones listening to music of one’s choice, are on offer. Young travellers mainly need to be kept engaged with child-centric videos and games, so that their parents or guardians, (young mothers especially), get that much-needed relief and precious ‘me -time’ from ‘minding’, during the flight.
The response to inflight connectivity has been a huge success which in turn is powered by great software, and even greater content that is what powers inflight entertainment, and keeps the onboard audience engaged and asking for more. Endless, and curated audio and video options, games and more, have indeed put the joy back into flying.
From devices provided by the airline, PEDs on which content is downloaded, to a passenger’s handheld device or in-seat screens, instant and constant connectivity while up in the air, is a combination of art and science. Superior software and hardware make for a winning combination.
Moreover, to ensure smooth and convenient handling of IFE systems, cabin crew are given sufficient training to be able to assist passengers with operating hand-held or in-seat devices provided by the airline, downloading and using content. Seat pockets contain brochures or pamphlets with easy-to-follow instructions on using the Inflight Entertainment system. That aside, inflight magazines contain dedicated pages in the entertainment section and instructions on operating the IFE system.
Technology
Ground-based systems offer streaming plans that come for a monthly fee, with an additional coverage fee that is charged per megabyte (Mb). Non-streaming unlimited data plans are available for subscription.
For Light Jets Turboprops and business jets, the system of data consumption is usually based on hourly plans with limited bandwidth for data and non-streaming. This is customised to suit private jet owners carrying a limited number of passengers.
Satellite systems: Data consumption from this source are billed monthly, available for all budgets and uses. Swift Broadband (SBB) offers a cost-per-Mb plan; Satellite systems can stream live content. Aircraft fitted with multiple air-to-ground (ATG) receivers can result in faster connections.
Data download speeds of an IFC system depend on several factors – like the distance between the aircraft and the ground system or satellite, the number of aircraft flying in that vicinity, the number of passengers on board each of those aircraft and the usage patterns of the passengers.
Aboard the aircraft, streaming movies, or performing a video call will require certain speeds, for not just one or two, but a planeload of people making different use of inflight connectivity. Therefore, the IFC system must be a robust one. It’s not enough to send out emails with attachments in Word or Excel, for those travelling on business may need to send out rich graphics as a PowerPoint attachment.
The satellite coverage may experience outages for reasons such as government regulations, weather and during switching between the satellite regions.
The bandwidth is supplied from ground-based towers that communicate with directional antennas mounted on the bottom of the aircraft.
With this, passengers can do basics like send emails & browse the Web
Business Travellers – For those who take air travel for work, can now expect access to all their contacts and database as a given.
Airlines ensure that premium cabins occupied mainly by business travellers have internet access, at times coming for a small fee.
Improving work productivity and efficiency is something that travellers look forward to in connected cabin space. These spacious and plush cabins and seating have virtually become flying offices. In Seat messaging system allow passengers to send personal messages to other passengers onboard the same aircraft but seated elsewhere – very convenient for those travelling together on work or the same assignment.
Charter Services – Charter service providers are expected to offer the latest in technology that ensures excellent connectivity and entertainment systems. Charter customers have the kind of budgets that for high-quality customisation.
Inflight connectivity safety norms – Safety is the number one priority and in accordance with regulator mandates, phone calls are disallowed onboard airborne aircraft keeping in mind the electromagnetic interference, with serious consequences. Similarly, laptops and similar devices are required to be kept in switched-off mode during ascent and descent. However, cell phone users are allowed onboard to send text or MMS messages, internet browsing and check emails – without allowing passengers to make calls. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or anything similar is disallowed.
In-Flight Connectivity- Upgrades
Operators and their suppliers must ensure that bandwidth is sufficient for every type of inflight consumption, and more importantly, a streaming experience without buffering! Nothing can be a more prominent spoiler on board.
To be certain of optimal performance, operators need to choose the latest vendor offerings, and proven skills before rolling out an upgrade to their inflight connectivity. Passengers expect no less an experience than they are used to in their homes and offices.
How to, and how often to upgrade, remains crucial for each carrier to answer. With 5G Wi-Fi adaptation in business, aviation is set to revolutionise the way travellers think and conduct business on the go.
Resource Credit
- onlinesciences.com
- Honeywell
- Sitaonair.aero/resources/open-platforms-next-inflight-connectivity-revolution
