Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Airborne SATCOM
The airborne satcom market is experiencing unprecedented competitive pressure, driven by rapid technological development, regulatory changes and passengers’ increasing expectations of seamless connectivity. In this context, the main players, including aircraft manufacturers, IT service companies and satellite operators, are competing to become the leaders in this field by developing advanced capabilities such as artificial intelligence, automation and IoT integration. The aircraft manufacturers are concentrating on improving the performance of their hardware, while the IT companies are concentrating on developing software to optimize the performance of the network. These established players are also responding to the disruptive influence of new entrants, particularly of artificial intelligence (AI) start-ups, which are introducing new applications that are transforming the passenger experience and the efficiency of the operations. The increasing demand for greener and more sustainable solutions is also a differentiating factor. In the geographical context, Asia-Pacific and North America are the regions where the strategic deployments, the governments’ initiatives and the demand for high-speed connections are most closely aligned. In the next few years, the players will have to adapt to these dynamic influences.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
These vendors provide comprehensive solutions encompassing satellite technology, ground systems, and integration services.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Boeing |
Expertise in aerospace and satellite systems |
Satellite systems and services |
Global |
| General Dynamics |
Strong defense and technology integration |
Defense and commercial SATCOM |
North America, Europe |
| Thales Group |
Innovative aerospace and defense solutions |
SATCOM and secure communications |
Global |
| Northrop Grumman |
Advanced technology and defense capabilities |
SATCOM and defense systems |
Global |
| Lockheed Martin |
Leading defense contractor with SATCOM expertise |
Military and commercial SATCOM |
Global |
| Raytheon Technologies |
Innovative defense and aerospace solutions |
SATCOM and communication systems |
Global |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These vendors focus on niche technologies and services within the SATCOM ecosystem.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Viasat |
High-speed satellite internet solutions |
Broadband SATCOM services |
North America, Europe, Asia |
| Inmarsat |
Global mobile satellite communications leader |
Mobile SATCOM services |
Global |
| SES S.A. |
Extensive satellite fleet and coverage |
Satellite connectivity solutions |
Global |
| Iridium Communications |
Global satellite communication network |
Mobile satellite services |
Global |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These vendors supply the necessary infrastructure and equipment for SATCOM operations.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Airbus |
Expertise in satellite manufacturing |
Satellite systems and services |
Global |
| L3Harris Technologies |
Integrated communications and electronic systems |
SATCOM and communication systems |
Global |
| Harris Corporation |
Strong focus on communication technologies |
SATCOM and electronic systems |
North America, Europe |
| Intelsat |
Pioneering satellite operator with global reach |
Satellite services and connectivity |
Global |
| Satellite Applications Catapult |
Innovation in satellite applications |
Satellite technology development |
UK, Europe |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- The first of these is OneWeb, a British company that offers satellite services in low earth orbits. It has recently teamed up with a number of major carriers to provide in-flight Internet services, and is competing with Inmarsat, the established leader in the field, with its lower latency and higher data rate.
- In the United States, Starlink is a company which has recently extended its high-speed satellite-based Internet service to aircraft, and which now represents a serious threat to the traditional satcomm companies, thanks to its extensive constellation.
- Intelsat (U.S.A.): Provides hybrid satellite-terrestrial solutions for airborne communications. Recently, it has landed contracts with the military and civil aviation industries, complementing the work of the established service suppliers with its flexible service options and improved network resilience.
- SES (Luxembourg): Focuses on multi-orbit satellite solutions, including MEO and GEO, recently launched a new service for business aviation, enhancing competition with traditional GEO-only providers by offering better performance and coverage.
- Viasat (USA): Known for high-capacity satellite broadband, recently expanded its airborne SATCOM offerings with new terminals for business jets, challenging established players by providing superior data speeds and user experience.
Regional Trends: In 2023 the adoption of LEO technology in North America and Europe is to increase considerably, owing to the need for high-speed data connections in aviation. The new players will focus on niche solutions for particular market needs, such as in-flight entertainment and operational efficiency. The emergence of a trend towards more frequent joint ventures between satellite companies and the major carriers is a sign of a move towards integrated services, which will challenge the traditional SATCOM business model.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- Viasat and Inmarsat announced a partnership to enhance global satellite connectivity for commercial aviation, aiming to improve service offerings and competitive positioning in the airborne SATCOM market.
- L3Harris Technologies acquired the satellite communications division of Comtech Telecommunications Corp to strengthen its portfolio and expand its market share in airborne SATCOM solutions.
- Honeywell and Intelsat entered into a collaboration to develop next-generation satellite communication systems for business aviation, focusing on improving data speeds and reliability.
Competitive Summary Table
| Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
|---|
| Biometric Self-Boarding |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Thales Group |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise has implemented biometric systems in several major airports, enhancing security and reducing boarding times. Thales Group's solutions are noted for their integration with existing airport systems, improving user experience. |
| AI-Powered Ops Mgmt |
IBM, Siemens |
Airborne satellite systems based on the IBM's WATTSON AI platform are able to predict and prevent maintenance problems, thus improving the operational efficiency of the system. And the AI-based tools developed by Siemens for air traffic control significantly increase the operational throughput of the system. |
| Border Control |
Gemalto, SITA |
The border solutions of Gemalto are based on advanced biometric verification and greatly reduce the processing times at checkpoints. SITA’s border management systems are used widely and provide a real-time exchange of information between the different border agencies to enhance security. |
| Sustainability |
Airbus, Boeing |
Airbus has committed to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives, integrating eco-friendly practices in their SATCOM solutions. Boeing's ecoDemonstrator program showcases their focus on reducing carbon footprints through innovative technologies. |
| Passenger Experience |
Inmarsat, Gogo |
High-speed Internet on board is provided by the GX Aviation service from Inmarsat. The 2Ku technology from Gogo provides a smooth Internet experience with a strong focus on ease of use and customer service. |
Conclusion: Navigating the Airborne SATCOM Landscape
The airborne satcom market in 2023 will be characterized by intense competition and significant fragmentation, with both established and emerging players competing for market share. Regional trends point to a growing need for advanced communication systems, particularly in the military and commercial aviation sectors. Strategically, vendors are deploying cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and sustainable initiatives, to enhance their service offerings and operational efficiencies. Leading vendors will need to develop solutions that meet the changing needs of customers. These companies will not only differentiate themselves from the competition but also secure a competitive advantage in this rapidly changing market.
