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.