In-Flight Connectivity Market Size:
The in-flight connectivity market is expected to increase at a CAGR of 9.43% during the forecasted period (2025-2030).
The in-flight connectivity market is predicted to expand significantly, driven by the rising demand for internet access during flights for diverse purposes like work, communication, and entertainment. Moreover, the rise in innovative technology for supporting and enhancing in-flight connectivity, such as advancements in satellite connectivity with increased bandwidth and increased connectivity speeds, supports the demand of the user, along with increasing the reliability of seamless flight connectivity. Further, the increase in air travel globally will also promote the demand for enhanced in-flight connectivity solutions, boosting the market during the projected period.
In-Flight Connectivity Market Overview & Scope:
The in-flight connectivity market is segmented by:
- Connectivity Type: The satellite connectivity is dominating the connectivity type segment in the market, driven by the increased global coverage and feasibility provided by this segment. This segment also relies on the growing advancement in satellite technology, which is advancing the data speed with low latency, promoting the segment's growth.
- Product Type: The hardware segment holds a major growth driver in the market due to its components like antenna systems and servers, which are a critical product for deploying and maintaining the in-flight connectivity.
- Aircraft Type: The narrow body aircraft holds a significant market share in the aircraft type segment of the market due to increased presence of these aircraft in volume across the globe, they are widely used in commercial aviation fleet, which drives the increase in flight connectivity installation in this segment.
- Connectivity Speed: Among the connectivity speed subsegments, the high-bandwidth connectivity is expected to dominate the market, primarily due to an increase in passengers demanding high-speed internet connectivity for applications like video conferencing, streaming, and cloud-based applications.
- Region: The Europe region is predicted to hold a major share in the in-flight connectivity market. This is due to an increase in passengers expecting advanced connectivity and comfort in European airlines such as British Airways, which provides high-speed wifi services to its passengers. The increase in travel among European countries will also promote the adoption of in-flight connectivity services to enhance the experience of travellers, boosting the market.
Top Trends Shaping the In-Flight Connectivity Market:
1. Rise in Advancement in Satellite Technology
- The increase in advancement of satellite connectivity technology, like Ka band, is expected to provide advancement in the in-flight connectivity services. This will lead to promoting the increased bandwidth with global coverage and higher internet speed in remote locations.
2. Growing Focus on Free In-Fight Wi-Fi
- The increase in trend among airlines across the globe providing free wifi internet connectivity to attract passengers and also boost customer loyalty to the brands. this is leading to an increase in competitive pressure along with an increase the passenger expectations for in-flight connectivity options.
In-Flight Connectivity Market Growth Drivers vs. Challenges:
Drivers:
- Increase Passenger Demand for Connectivity: There is a consistent increase in passenger demand for connectivity in flights. The travellers, inclusive of leisure and business passengers, demand reliable internet connectivity in flight for seamless communication, entertainment, and work. There is an increase in passengers who prioritize connectivity offerings like Wi-fi when choosing an airline to book. This is leading to airline services adopting in-flight connectivity, for instance, in January 2025, Air India announced the introduction of in-flight wifi connectivity services in its domestic flights. It is announced to be operational on their A350, B787-9, and selected airline flights of A321neo. This will offer passengers wi-fi internet connectivity during the flights, which can be utilized in connecting with people and family, accessing social media, and browsing.
- Rise in Air Travel: There is an increase in flight passenger traffic globally in the coming years. This growth in air travel leads to passengers demanding advanced in-flight entertainment and connectivity services, which promotes the growth in the market. As per the IBEF report of March 2025, the air passenger traffic in India is predicted to expand with a growth prospect of seven percent in 2025 from the previous year. Similarly, according to the Europe Airport Council International (ACI), the flight passenger traffic in the country was estimated to account for 4.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025 in comparison to 2024.
Challenges:
- High Installation and Maintenance Costs- The deployment of in-flight connectivity systems, which is inclusive of satellite equipment, onboard hardware, and antennas is involves a considerable upfront cost. In addition, the continuous maintenance with software upgradation and subscription with connectivity bandwidth adds to the airline budgets, which could hamper the market growth.
In-Flight Connectivity Market Regional Analysis:
- North America: The region is estimated to hold a significant in-flight connectivity market share driven by the rise in passenger travelling to diverse regions and the increase in demand for seamless and high-speed connectivity services in flights. The rise in product launches and collaboration among regional players and airlines to align with consumer demand in the region is also contributing to the market growth. For instance, in September 2024, United Airlines, a USA-based company, announced the agreement with SpaceX to offer Starlink with free of cost, reliable and fast-speed Wifi connectivity services to its regional and mainline aircraft. This enables passengers to access internet connectivity at low-latency and high speed during the flight for applications like streaming, social media, gaming, and shopping, among others.
In-Flight Connectivity Market Competitive Landscape:
The market is fragmented, with many notable players, including Panasonic Corporation, Thales Group, Viasat, Inc., RTX Corporation, Gogo Inc., Anuvu, Inmarsat, Astronics Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., and Intelsat, among others.
- Product Launch: In April 2025, Viasat announced the launch of Viasat Amara, which is an advanced in-flight connectivity solution. It provides the user with a unique and advanced connectivity experience as it is powered by an innovative in-core satellite networking design. It is integrated with advanced hardware and an in-suite digital products offering.
- Partnership: In February 2025, SYARLUX, which is a Taiwan-based luxury carrier, announced the partnership with Viasat to introduce the company’s advanced and innovative in-flight connectivity services across its entire aircraft fleet. This involves 48 aircraft integrated with Viasat reliable in-flight connectivity solutions, including high-speed Wifi services.
In-Flight Connectivity Market Scope:
| Report Metric |
Details |
| Growth Rate |
9.43% |
| Study Period |
2021 to 2031 |
| Historical Data |
2021 to 2024 |
| Base Year |
2025 |
| Forecast Period |
2026 – 2031 |
| Segmentation |
Connectivity Type, Product Type, Aircraft Type, Geography |
| Geographical Segmentation |
North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific |
| Companies |
- Panasonic Corporation
- Thales Group
- RTX Corporation
- Gogo Inc
- Anuvu
|
In-Flight Connectivity Market Segmentation:
By Connectivity Type
- Satellite Connectivity
- Air-to-Ground Connectivity
By Product Type
- Hardware
- Antenna Systems
- Servers
- Others
- Network Connectivity and Content
By Aircraft Type
- Narrow-Body Aircraft
- Wide Body Aircraft
- Others
By Connectivity Speed
- Low-Bandwidth Connectivity
- Standard Low-Bandwidth Connectivity
- High-Bandwidth Connectivity
By Region
- North America
- South America
- Europe
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Others
- Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- United Aran Emirates
- Others
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Others