SpaceX's In-Flight Connectivity Could See Rapid Growth: Analyst

SpaceX's Qatar Airways in-flight connectivity deal announced last fall marks a tipping point for the satellite broadband operator, as it's SpaceX's largest airline partner thus far, Analysys Mason analyst Kerry Vincent-Viry said Tuesday in a podcast. She said other airlines will likely pay attention to Qatar's feedback on the deal. Airlines don't change in-flight connectivity providers quickly, so Starlink's next deals probably will come with airlines that currently lack providers, she said. Airlines' in-flight connectivity contracts formerly lasted some 10 years. That time period is shrinking as airlines anticipate the arrival of non-geostationary orbit players like Starlink.