In-flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Offering Type (IFE, IFC), By Component (Hardware, Connectivity, Content), By Aircraft Type, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Summary

The global In-flight entertainment & connectivity market size was valued at USD 5.2 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to witness substantial growth, registering a CAGR of 9.0% between 2022 and 2030. The technological advancements in terms of wireless connectivity have enabled passengers to use personal electronic devices in airlines, consequently driving the growth of the in-flight entertainment & connectivity market. The ever-increasing customers’ need for bug-free connectivity onboard is one of the important factors driving the market growth.

The aviation sector is experiencing a massive technological transition, making it necessary for market players to onboard updated solutions and services. In-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) systems play an important role in delivering customers updated onboard wireless connectivity solutions and services, substituting the traditional seatback screens and presenting a restricted entertainment range with a moderately personalized model catering to individual passenger needs. Furthermore, advancements in seat design, connectivity, and real-time data positively influence the market for in-flight entertainment and connectivity. The major players are concentrating on improvising the broad range of delivery services, further increase in demand.

Diverse networking technologies have been successfully combined into more versatile and resilient in-flight entertainment and communication systems aboard modern airplanes. Over the last several years, these systems have seen significant advancements in terms of technical achievements. During the projected period, the market is expected to rise due to an increase in demand from market players to improve the passenger experience. Because of the surge in the use of intelligent devices and the migration of consumer electronics into the onboard ecosystem, a rising number of industry players involved in in-flight Wi-Fi and commodity hardware demands are projected to see significant development.

Airlines' greater emphasis on addressing customers' requirements for in-flight entertainment and internet services is expected to promote industry change. In-flight entertainment and connectivity services continue to be a strong foundation for the airline industry's long-term viability and, in most cases, generate revenue. Regulatory disruption of onboard connectivity possibilities is projected to remain significant during the next eight years. The in-flight entertainment and connectivity sector is predicted to continue to develop as a result of innovation. In-flight entertainment and communication's most crucial system fabricators are increasingly embracing the BYOD trend and incorporating advanced connectivity technologies into their systems.

Furthermore, because of the rising use of digital devices in everyday life, passengers demand more reliable connectivity during the journey. Social media is one of the key drivers for the growth in internet usage as there is an exponential rise in online time users internet users. Major airline businesses worldwide are adapting to the changing customer behavior and experimenting with different digital options to provide a seamless and personalized travel experience. Furthermore, in order to improve the entire passenger experience, the optimized in-flight entertainment and connection solution should be completely compliant with an airline's business standards and commercial objectives, allowing for a customized marketing strategy.

In-flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market - COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The in-flight entertainment & connectivity market had been severely impacted and is estimated to face difficult times in the near future. Governments across the globe enforced lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus, resulting in a sharp decline in airline flights. The airline industry has seen significant losses in revenue throughout 2020 and 2021. The companies operating in the in-flight entertainment & connectivity market were adversely affected by inactive markets and unstable economic conditions on the global level owing to the Covid-19 scenario throughout 2020 and 2021.

The trend of lockdown and enforced restrictions on air transportation continued in 2021, as the number of people infected by coronavirus grew in the year 2021. The weaker market and economic conditions owing to the Covid-19 scenario in conjunction with low demand for air travel hampered the growth of the market in 2020 and 2021.

However, following the invention of a vaccine to curb the spread of coronavirus, the air travel restrictions were lifted in the latter half of 2021 globally. As market players are recovering from financial losses and looking forward to growth in the coming years, they have prioritized strategies that will help them achieve the same. According to global research, the airline industry is likely to take more than three years to recover economically and return to the pre-COVID level.

Component Insights

The global in-flight entertainment & connectivity market has been classified into hardware, connectivity, and content from a components perspective. The hardware segment was the highest revenue-generating segment in 2021. Bring your own device (BYOD), and wireless mobile electronic gadgets are expected to drive category development. Due to continual product outcomes in the quest to manufacture lightweight and cutting-edge in-flight entertainment and communication systems, the part is expected to be represented by a high degree of energy.

Due to the increased passenger desire to stay connected during the trip, the connectivity segment is expected to develop significantly in the projected period. Wireless and wired are the two types of connectivity. Because airlines are increasingly accepting wireless onboard communication and entertainment service offers to improve the passenger travel experience, wireless connection services are expected to increase significantly in the following years. With the introduction of onboard Wi-Fi, passengers may use their own devices, tablets, and phablets, such as phones and tablets, to stream movies, live content, and TV shows, eliminating the need to install hardware at each seat.

Aircraft Type Insights

The aircraft type segment is classified into three types, mainly narrow-body aircraft (NBA), huge aircraft (VLA), and wide-body aircraft (WBA). Over the forecast period, the NBA segment is likely to grow at the quickest pace and generate the most revenue. The increased demand for short-haul flights and the creation of new travel routes and airports fueled this segment's significant rise. NBAs also have better fuel efficiency and ergonomics than their competitors, which increases their appeal. Some major airlines are currently changing their aging NBA aircraft with a newer, more fuel-efficient fleet to provide significant expansion opportunities during the forecast period.

The WBA segment is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 7% during the projection period. Long-haul and intercontinental flights include in-flight entertainment and communication systems, which are fueling this segment's growth. While traveling on long routes, the demand for onboard in-flight entertainment and connection services is critical to keep passengers interested and provide a better travel experience.

Offering Type Insights

The Offering Type segment is classified into three sub-segments: in-flight entertainment (IFE) and in-flight connectivity (IFC). In 2021, the IFE component had the greatest market share, which is likely to continue throughout the projection period. IFE is one of the most important services provided by airlines to improve their customers' entire travel experience, particularly on long-haul flights. IFE systems, which were recently developed, provide a variety of advantages to airline operators and passengers, including less cabling infrastructure, reduced flight weight, and the ability for customers to use their own devices.

Over the next several years, the IFC segment is expected to increase significantly. Airlines have adequately handled the growing demand for live media streaming and Wi-Fi support onboard, thanks to significant expenditures by industry participants in strengthening wireless connectivity infrastructure. Customers should expect a digital environment comparable to their homes or office due to the expansion initiatives. Major airline businesses worldwide are continually seeking to improve their connection service offerings to provide customers with better speed and capacity, resulting in more ancillary profits. 

The IFC segment is anticipated to foresee considerable growth in the forecast years. Due to major investments by industry partners in strengthening wireless connectivity infrastructure, airlines have met the rising demand for live media streaming and Wi-Fi services onboard. Due to these growth activities, passengers may anticipate a digital environment similar to their home or business. Leading airline businesses worldwide are working to improve their connection services to provide consumers with more speed and capacity, resulting in more ancillary revenue.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the overall in-flight entertainment & connectivity market with a market share of 38% in 2021. Regional airlines in wealthy countries are expected to increase their usage of such systems, which is expected to keep the regional industry expanding. Some of the region's most well-known airlines, such as United Airlines, Inc. and Delta Air Lines, Inc., are continually working to deliver compensating material over Wi-Fi or supply pills to passengers. Furthermore, the growing popularity of BYOD is likely to free airlines from the requirement to nest back-seat screens, lowering total aircraft weight.

The Asia Pacific held more than 21% of the market share in 2021. The region is expected to witness a CAGR of 12% during the forecast period. The expanding passenger traffic is driving market growth, raising the need for airplanes equipped with next-generation entertainment and communication technology. Several of the region's most prominent airlines provide contemporary in-flight entertainment and connection facilities for their first-class customers. For example, Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia's flag airline, offers premium travel class customers a variety of onboard entertainment options such as live TV streaming, in-flight shopping, and games.

In-flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Share Insights

The rivalry among the market participants is crucial, with several competitors capturing the largest market share. The IFEC market players are focused on properly managing the airlines' particular requirements, allowing them to boost passenger engagement, efficiency, and their ability to develop new revenue streams by supplying cutting-edge technology and novel connectivity solutions.

Significant industry players' innovations will likely remain a bedrock in developing the in-flight entertainment and connectivity market. Panasonic unveiled its 'eXO IFE/wIFE mix in-flight entertainment solution,' which allows carriers to adapt their aircraft composition for aloft IFE, wireless IFE, embedded IFE, or all three services present a flexible solution to the airlines. Airlines should be able to upgrade their present IFE equipment easily with modern systems using such technologies. Firms like ViaSat Inc. and Gogo LLC have started selling plans with high-speed Wi-Fi access, driving the customer demand for wireless in-flight entertainment and networking services on short-haul flights. Some of the prominent players in the global in-flight entertainment & connectivity market include:

• BAE Systems

• Cobham plc.

• Collins Aerospace

• Eutelsat Communications

• Global Eagle Entertainment Inc.

• Gogo LLC

• Honeywell International Inc.

• Inmarsat plc.

• Iridium Communications Inc.

• Panasonic Corporation

• Safran (Zodiac Aerospace SA)

• SITAONAIR

• Thales SA

• ViaSat Inc. 

In-flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Report Scope

Segments Covered In The Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2028. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global in-flight entertainment and connectivity market report based on component, aircraft type, offering type, and region:

• Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Hardware

    • Non-Portable

    • Portable

  • Connectivity

    • Wired

    • Wireless

  • Content

    • Stored

    • Streamed

• Aircraft Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Narrow-Body Aircraft (NBA)

  • Wide-Body Aircraft (WBA)

  • Very Large Aircraft (VLA)

• Offering Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • In-flight Entertainment (IFE)

  • In-flight Connectivity (IFC)

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

  • Latin America

  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)