The number of broadband enabled airplanes will increase from 25 in 2008 to 800 in 2009, reports analyst In-Stat. As a result, the airline will generate over US$47 million ($63 million) worldwide in 2009. According to the company, the in-flight broadband market is still emerging and will grow well beyond US$1 billion ($1.33 billion) annually by 2012.

The company also says that live broadcast video is also poised for significant growth in 2009. While this service is more established than in-flight broadband, usage revenues are still anticipated to nearly double in 2009 and continue to grow strongly through 2013.

Other conclusions reported by the company included:

• In-flight broadband equipment revenue will nearly double between 2009 and 2013;
• Competing providers include Aircell, Panasonic and Row44;
• In-Stat forecasts over 200 million annual in-flight broadband connects by 2013, with long-haul connects dominating over short-haul connects;
• Connections from handheld devices will account for about 33 percent of connects, with notebook computers accounting for 66 percent.