Reliable In-Flight Connectivity: For Whom, and for What?

When we talk about reliable connectivity, the first question is straightforward: what experience are you trying to deliver?

Is it consistent messaging from gate to gate? Seamless streaming on long haul? Stable VPN access for business travellers? Real-time operational data flowing without interruption? Reliability is defined by how passengers use the service and by the commitments an operator chooses to make. Clear expectations lead to better technology choices and stronger outcomes.

For airlines, consistency shapes brand perception and revenue performance. For private aviation, the standard is even higher, with passengers expecting the cabin to operate exactly like their home or office. Multi-orbit and hybrid solutions are expanding the toolkit, yet integration, coverage strategy, and day-to-day execution ultimately determine whether service continuity holds up in practice.

Connectivity now sits at the centre of both passenger experience and operational performance.

• So where is reliability still falling short?

• What challenges are you managing today?

• What conversations does the industry need to have more openly?

At Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, I will be moderating this discussion at CabinSpace Live on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 2pm, bringing airlines and IFC providers together for an open conversation.