In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 5.86 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.97%
Fastest Growing Segment	IFE Hardware
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 8.78 Billion

Market Overview

The Global In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market will grow from USD 5.86 Billion in 2025 to USD 8.78 Billion by 2031 at a 6.97% CAGR. The Global In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity (IFEC) market encompasses the hardware, software, and content ecosystems that facilitate onboard internet access and multimedia engagement for commercial aircraft passengers. The primary driver supporting market growth is the escalating passenger expectation for continuous, high-bandwidth digital access that mirrors terrestrial standards, compelling airlines to invest in system upgrades to maintain competitive differentiation. According to SITA, in 2024, 90% of travelers utilized digital technology for journey management and relied significantly on personal mobile devices while onboard, highlighting the critical operational mandate for integrated cabin connectivity.

Despite this robust demand, the market faces a substantial impediment regarding the high capital and operational expenditures associated with fleet-wide implementation. The installation of satellite communication terminals involves significant aircraft downtime and technical complexity, while the additional hardware weight contributes to increased fuel burn. This financial burden poses a considerable barrier to adoption, particularly for low-cost carriers operating with tight profit margins, potentially slowing the universal deployment of connectivity solutions.

Key Market Drivers

The adoption of High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations is the primary technological catalyst reshaping the market, enabling carriers to deliver low-latency, high-bandwidth internet that rivals terrestrial fiber speeds. This infrastructure shift allows airlines to replace expensive, heavy legacy systems with lighter, electronically steered antennas, significantly reducing fuel burn while supporting high-demand applications like live streaming and real-time video conferencing. The sheer scale of this transition is evident as according to United Airlines, September 2024, in the 'United Signs Major Agreement to Provide SpaceX's Starlink' press release, the carrier committed to equipping more than 1,000 mainline and regional aircraft with new LEO-based connectivity services.

Simultaneously, the market is propelled by a strategic focus on ancillary revenue generation, where connectivity shifts from a cost center to a dynamic platform for targeted advertising and personalized digital retail. Carriers are increasingly leveraging data-driven insights to offer free or subsidized internet access, monetizing the captive passenger audience through third-party partnerships and e-commerce integrations. This commercial model is strongly validated by consumer behavior; according to Viasat, August 2024, in the '2024 Passenger Experience Survey', 87% of passengers are willing to watch advertisements in exchange for access to free in-flight Wi-Fi. This potential for return on investment is driving massive capital expenditures across the sector, exemplified according to Air India, in 2024, by the airline's commencement of a $400 million retrofit program to upgrade the interiors and entertainment systems of 67 widebody aircraft.

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Key Market Challenges

The substantial capital and operational expenditures required for fleet-wide implementation present a formidable barrier to the growth of the Global In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market. Airlines must navigate the technical complexities of installing satellite communication terminals, a process that necessitates significant aircraft downtime and results in lost revenue opportunities during maintenance periods. Furthermore, the additional weight of this hardware increases fuel consumption, which is a primary operational expense for carriers. This financial strain makes the adoption of advanced connectivity solutions particularly difficult for low-cost airlines that operate on minimal financial buffers.

This cost sensitivity is underscored by the industry's fragile economic structure and heavy reliance on fuel efficiency. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in 2024, fuel was projected to account for 31% of all airline operating costs, while the industry net profit margin was expected to remain thin at just 3.1%. In such a restricted financial environment, the incremental fuel burn caused by heavy connectivity equipment directly erodes profitability. Consequently, carriers are forced to delay or limit system upgrades, thereby slowing the overall market penetration of comprehensive in-flight internet services.

Key Market Trends

Strategic Partnerships with OTT Streaming Platforms are fundamentally altering the content acquisition strategies of major carriers, shifting focus from static libraries to branded, familiar digital experiences. Airlines are increasingly securing direct licensing agreements with global streaming giants to offer exclusive audio and video content that mirrors passengers' on-ground consumption habits, thereby enhancing brand loyalty through premium entertainment differentiation. This trend is exemplified by recent high-profile collaborations; according to Emirates, November 2024, in the 'Emirates and Spotify Partner To Take Inflight Entertainment to New Heights' press release, the airline integrated Spotify’s streaming content directly into its onboard system, providing passengers with access to exclusive curated playlists and over 140 distinct podcast episodes.

The Shift Toward Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Systems is gaining rapid momentum, particularly within narrow-body aircraft fleets where weight reduction and operational flexibility are paramount. Innovative portable and installed wireless solutions allow airlines to eliminate heavy seatback cabling and screens, empowering passengers to stream multimedia content directly to their personal electronic devices (BYOD). This infrastructure transition not only lowers fuel consumption but also facilitates rapid content updates without complex maintenance checks. The adoption of such agile systems is accelerating; according to AirFi, July 2024, in the 'AirFi Deploys Wireless IFE Onboard Etihad Narrowbody Aircraft' press release, Etihad Airways equipped ten of its new Airbus A320 aircraft with a portable wireless streaming platform, enabling passengers to access high-quality multimedia content exclusively through their own smartphones and tablets.

Segmental Insights

The IFE Hardware segment represents the fastest growing category within the Global In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market due to extensive fleet modernization initiatives. Airlines are actively replacing legacy infrastructure with lighter and highly efficient display units to reduce overall aircraft weight and optimize fuel consumption. Additionally, the integration of high-definition screens requires certified components that adhere to rigorous safety standards established by the Federal Aviation Administration. This necessity for compliant and updated physical equipment drives continuous manufacturing demand as carriers strive to support wireless streaming and advanced seatback interfaces for passengers.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a commanding position in the Global In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market, primarily driven by the aggressive adoption of high-speed satellite infrastructure by major commercial airlines. Carriers in the region are heavily investing in fleet modernization to meet the intense demand from business and leisure travelers for seamless onboard digital services. This expansion is reinforced by a supportive regulatory environment, where institutions such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilitate the safety certification of complex connectivity systems. Furthermore, the region benefits significantly from hosting key technology providers, creating a robust ecosystem that accelerates innovation and service deployment.

Recent Developments

In September 2024, United Airlines announced a strategic collaboration with SpaceX to equip its entire mainline and regional aircraft fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi service. This agreement, described as the industry's largest of its kind, aimed to provide passengers with free, high-speed, and low-latency internet access from gate to gate. The service was designed to support live streaming, gaming, and multiple device connections simultaneously, delivering a ground-like digital experience in the air. The airline planned to begin testing the system in early 2025, with a comprehensive rollout across more than 1,000 aircraft expected to proceed over the subsequent years.
In May 2024, Thales unveiled FlytEDGE, a cloud-native in-flight entertainment solution, during the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. This new system was designed to integrate connected cloud architecture with onboard edge caching, enabling airlines to update content remotely and rapidly. The platform featured a high-capacity Onboard Data Center with 96 terabytes of storage and supported cinematic 4K QLED HDR displays. By allowing the streaming of web-based services and personal video subscriptions, the solution aimed to provide passengers with a highly personalized and flexible digital entertainment experience while optimizing operational efficiency for carriers.
In May 2024, Panasonic Avionics Corporation signed a major agreement with EVA Air to install in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems across 54 of the carrier's widebody and narrowbody aircraft. Under this contract, the company's Astrova seat-end solution was selected for the airline's new Airbus A350-1000 and existing Boeing 777-300ER fleets. The deal also included the deployment of the Arc integrated moving map and a marketplace e-commerce solution. This collaboration was intended to enhance passenger engagement through immersive 4K OLED screens and high-fidelity audio, continuing a long-standing partnership between the two organizations to elevate the onboard experience.
In March 2024, Royal Jordanian Airlines selected Viasat to provide high-speed in-flight connectivity across its diverse fleet of more than 40 aircraft. The collaboration involved factory-installing connectivity systems on new Embraer E2, Airbus A320, Airbus A321, and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, as well as retrofitting existing Boeing 787-8 widebody jets. This deployment aimed to leverage high-capacity satellite networks to deliver fast internet speeds, enabling passengers to stream entertainment and communicate in real-time during flights across the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. The initiative was part of the carrier's broader strategy to modernize its fleet and elevate the customer experience.

Key Market Players

Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Thales Group
Honeywell International Inc.
Gogo LLC
Viasat Inc.
Inmarsat plc
Collins Aerospace
Lufthansa Systems GmbH & Co. KG
Safran SA
Global Eagle Entertainment Inc.

By Type	By Aircraft	By Connectivity	By Region
IFE Hardware IFE Connectivity IFE Content	Wide-Body Narrow-Body Business Jets	Satellite Connectivity and Air-to-Ground Connectivity	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market, By Type:

IFE Hardware
IFE Connectivity
IFE Content

In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market, By Aircraft:

Wide-Body
Narrow-Body
Business Jets

In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market, By Connectivity:

Satellite Connectivity and Air-to-Ground Connectivity

In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market, By Region:

North America

United States
Canada
Mexico

Europe

France
United Kingdom
Italy
Germany
Spain

Asia Pacific

China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea

South America

Brazil
Argentina
Colombia

Middle East & Africa

South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market.

Available Customizations:

Global In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Type (IFE Hardware, IFE Connectivity, IFE Content)

5.2.2. By Aircraft (Wide-Body, Narrow-Body, Business Jets)

5.2.3. By Connectivity (Satellite Connectivity and Air-to-Ground Connectivity)

5.2.4. By Region

5.2.5. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Type

6.2.2. By Aircraft

6.2.3. By Connectivity

6.2.4. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Type

6.3.1.2.2. By Aircraft

6.3.1.2.3. By Connectivity

6.3.2. Canada In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Type

6.3.2.2.2. By Aircraft

6.3.2.2.3. By Connectivity

6.3.3. Mexico In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Type

6.3.3.2.2. By Aircraft

6.3.3.2.3. By Connectivity

7. Europe In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Type

7.2.2. By Aircraft

7.2.3. By Connectivity

7.2.4. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Type

7.3.1.2.2. By Aircraft

7.3.1.2.3. By Connectivity

7.3.2. France In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Type

7.3.2.2.2. By Aircraft

7.3.2.2.3. By Connectivity

7.3.3. United Kingdom In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Type

7.3.3.2.2. By Aircraft

7.3.3.2.3. By Connectivity

7.3.4. Italy In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Type

7.3.4.2.2. By Aircraft

7.3.4.2.3. By Connectivity

7.3.5. Spain In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Type

7.3.5.2.2. By Aircraft

7.3.5.2.3. By Connectivity

8. Asia Pacific In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Type

8.2.2. By Aircraft

8.2.3. By Connectivity

8.2.4. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Type

8.3.1.2.2. By Aircraft

8.3.1.2.3. By Connectivity

8.3.2. India In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Type

8.3.2.2.2. By Aircraft

8.3.2.2.3. By Connectivity

8.3.3. Japan In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Type

8.3.3.2.2. By Aircraft

8.3.3.2.3. By Connectivity

8.3.4. South Korea In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Type

8.3.4.2.2. By Aircraft

8.3.4.2.3. By Connectivity

8.3.5. Australia In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Type

8.3.5.2.2. By Aircraft

8.3.5.2.3. By Connectivity

9. Middle East & Africa In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Type

9.2.2. By Aircraft

9.2.3. By Connectivity

9.2.4. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Type

9.3.1.2.2. By Aircraft

9.3.1.2.3. By Connectivity

9.3.2. UAE In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Type

9.3.2.2.2. By Aircraft

9.3.2.2.3. By Connectivity

9.3.3. South Africa In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Type

9.3.3.2.2. By Aircraft

9.3.3.2.3. By Connectivity

10. South America In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Type

10.2.2. By Aircraft

10.2.3. By Connectivity

10.2.4. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Type

10.3.1.2.2. By Aircraft

10.3.1.2.3. By Connectivity

10.3.2. Colombia In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Type

10.3.2.2.2. By Aircraft

10.3.2.2.3. By Connectivity

10.3.3. Argentina In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Type

10.3.3.2.2. By Aircraft

10.3.3.2.3. By Connectivity

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Panasonic Avionics Corporation

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. Thales Group

15.3. Honeywell International Inc.

15.4. Gogo LLC

15.5. Viasat Inc.

15.6. Inmarsat plc

15.7. Collins Aerospace

15.8. Lufthansa Systems GmbH & Co. KG

15.9. Safran SA

15.10. Global Eagle Entertainment Inc.

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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