Comms providers should be talking to UK airlines to make the most of a surge in in-flight communications this year.
According to business advisor Deloitte, a quarter of all passengers are expected to fly on planes fitted with in-flight connectivity (IFC) in 2018 - a 20% increase from the previous year - and will generate ancillary airline revenues close to $1bn in 2018.
UK airlines will increasingly adopt the technology from 2018, with IFC being commonly available by the end of the decade. This trend implies that within a few years, the airplane may no longer be one of the last remaining connectivity-free zones - in any part of the world.
Ed Shedd, head of technology, media and telecommunications at Deloitte, commented: "Newer aircraft and improved telecommunications technology will mean that connectivity will not only improve, but it will also become cheaper and, as a result, IFC is likely to become standard. The majority of passengers will be delighted by this and will express their happiness on social networks from 35,000 feet up.
"We expect that demand for in-flight connectivity among UK consumers will soar - the majority of people relish being connected, and will happily pay to connect as one of the paying in-flight options offered to air travellers."