Global coverage of multi-hop free-space optical ground-to-airliner data links

We present a model scenario in which airports and commercial aircraft are equipped with optical transceivers for high-speed onboard internet access. In a first step, basic line-of-sight calculations for ground station-to-flight and flight-to-flight are performed using timetable data published by major airline alliances. We then choose a set of relevant markets/arenas (both inter-continental and continental) to calculate respective aircraft reachability statistics. Based on this, the feasibility of single-hop and multi-hop data relays is estimated for typical scenarios. As several simplifying assumptions are made, we compare our data to actual historical flight data to judge the model´s accuracy. Finally, we discuss major technical and commercial aspects for an eventual implementation of this dynamic free-space optical network.