TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
In-Flight Connectivity remains an underdeveloped opportunity as passengers increasingly expect seamless internet access throughout their journeys. With airlines accelerating fleet-wide Wi-Fi deployment, clear opportunities are emerging for Mobile Network Operators to extend their service footprint into the aircraft environment.
Standardized identity and authentication frameworks, such as Passpoint ®, OpenRoaming™ federation, and Subscriber Identity Module–based authentication, mirror successful convergence models from Wi-Fi Calling, Wi-Fi Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), and satellite communications, enabling In-Flight Connectivity to act as an extension of terrestrial roaming.
Advances in low-earth-orbit (LEO) and medium-earth-orbit (MEO)satellite systems and new airline monetization models further strengthen the case for Mobile Network Operator participation, provided key technical and commercial barriers are resolved.
BUSINESS & MARKET BENEFITS
The proposed white paper will clarify the business and market benefits of addressing Mobile Network Operator adoption barriers for in-flight connectivity.
By defining requirements across authentication, billing, traffic routing, identity frameworks such as Passpoint, user-experience consistency, fleet coverage, and deployment costs, the work enables stronger alignment between Mobile Network Operators, airlines, satellite providers, managed service providers, and equipment manufacturers.
Clear guidance will support Mobile Network Operators in developing viable roaming-based in-flight offerings, help airlines increase Wi-Fi uptake and operational efficiency, expand wholesale opportunities for satellite and managed service providers, enable regulators to establish clearer governance, and ultimately deliver a consistent, seamless experience for passengers.
