PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1664809
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1664809
Wireless in-flight entertainment refers to a system that enables wireless content distribution to passengers' devices, offering benefits such as information on the travel path, onboard menu, operational recommendations, and other relevant content.
The main types of aircraft in wireless in-flight entertainment include narrow-body, wide-body, and regional jets. A narrow-body aircraft is characterized by a single aisle of seats and is typically used for short-haul international and domestic flights, accommodating as few as four passengers and as many as 300. These aircraft may have different fitment types, such as retrofit and line-fit, utilizing hardware such as antennas, wireless access points, modems, and others. The technologies involved in wireless in-flight entertainment include ATG (air-to-ground), ku-band, l-band, and ka-band.
The wireless in-flight entertainment market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides wireless in-flight entertainment market statistics, including wireless in-flight entertainment industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a wireless in-flight entertainment market share, detailed wireless in-flight entertainment market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the wireless in-flight entertainment industry. This wireless in-flight entertainment market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The wireless in-flight entertainment market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $2.1 billion in 2024 to $2.43 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to shift towards streaming services, consumer demand for connectivity, initial regulatory changes, rise in mobile device usage, evolving passenger expectations, competition among airlines.
The wireless in-flight entertainment market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.15 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to demand for enhanced security, iot integration, partnerships with content providers, personalized content delivery, integration of virtual reality (vr) and augmented reality (ar), rise in on-demand services. Major trends in the forecast period include advancements in connectivity, demand for personalization, integration of streaming platforms, enhanced passenger experience, connectivity cost reduction.
The anticipated growth in the number of passengers is poised to drive the expansion of the wireless in-flight entertainment market. Air passengers, encompassing those on both domestic and international flights operated by registered air carriers, can benefit from wireless in-flight entertainment systems that facilitate seamless internet access, browsing, and video streaming on their personal devices during flights. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in March 2022, it is projected that the global passenger count will reach 4.0 billion in 2024, equivalent to 103% of the pre-COVID-19 levels recorded in 2019. The surge in air travel is evident, with the total number of travelers in 2021 exceeding 47% of the 2019 figures. This upward trend is anticipated to continue, reaching 83% in 2022, 94% in 2023, 103% in 2024, and 111% in 2025. A notable example is the robust performance of US airlines, which carried 54.5 million scheduled service passengers in April 2022, marking a substantial 106% increase from February 2021. Consequently, the growth in passenger numbers is a significant factor propelling the wireless in-flight entertainment market.
The wireless in-flight entertainment market is expected to receive a boost from the increasing number of aircraft orders and deliveries. Aircraft orders and deliveries are crucial indicators in the aviation industry, reflecting the transactions and movements of aircraft between manufacturers and customers, typically airlines. Wireless in-flight entertainment (WIFE) systems offer advantages such as enhanced passenger experience, flexibility, personalization, and ease of maintenance compared to traditional wired systems. In June 2023, The International Air Transport Association reported that 1,239 aircraft were delivered globally in 2022, marking a substantial 19.1% increase from the previous year. This surge in aircraft orders and deliveries is a key driver fueling the growth of the wireless in-flight entertainment market.
Technological advancements have emerged as a significant trend gaining traction in the wireless in-flight entertainment market. Major companies in this sector are focused on developing innovative technologies to enhance their competitive edge. For example, in August 2024, Air India, the national flag carrier of India, introduced wireless in-flight entertainment on its wide-body aircraft in response to customer feedback regarding system issues. The new service, named Vista, allows passengers to stream content on their personal devices during flights. The Vista W-IFE system utilizes Bluebox's Blueview digital services platform, enabling content to be streamed to passengers' devices via Bluebox Wow, a wireless network system contained in a lunchbox-sized unit that can be stored in overhead compartments.
Major players in the wireless in-flight entertainment market are dedicated to introducing innovative products aimed at driving revenue growth. For example, in November 2022, Moment Inc., a US-based company specializing in in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems, unveiled Flymingo Jet. This innovative entertainment and services platform specifically caters to business travelers, with the goal of enhancing aircraft cabins and providing executive passengers with an unprecedented level of luxury. The Flymingo Jet solution is designed to offer services tailored to the unique features of the cabin and the upscale nature of executive flights. Positioned as an advanced entertainment and services platform for executive air travel, Moment's Flymingo Jet technology has already garnered acceptance from ten operators, striving to elevate the comfort and experience of executive passengers within aircraft cabins.
In November 2023, Stingray Group Inc., a Canada-based company specializing in music, media, and technology services, established a partnership with Air Transat A.T. Inc. Through this collaboration, passengers gain access to a diverse array of listening options, including live performances, soothing movies, Stingray Music channels, and destination-themed channels. This strategic partnership introduces Qello Concerts, a special feature that brings full-length concerts onboard, enabling travelers to enjoy performances by their favorite musicians while in-flight. Air Transat A.T. Inc., a Canada-based company specializing in holiday travel and providing vacation packages, enhances its offerings through this collaboration, enriching the in-flight entertainment experience for passengers.
Major companies operating in the wireless in-flight entertainment market include Panasonic Avionics Corporation, SITA AG, Astronics Corporation, Burrana Pty Ltd., Collins Aerospace, FDS Avionics Corp., Global Eagle Entertainment Inc., Gogo LLC, Honeywell International Inc., Lufthansa Systems GmbH & Co. KG, Thales Group, Viasat Inc., Inmarsat plc, Sitaonair SA, Bluebox Aviation Systems Ltd., digEcor Inc., Kontron AG, Lufthansa Technik AG, Spafax Group Inc., VT Miltope LLC, AirFi Co., Global Onboard Partners LLC, Immfly Group
North America was the largest region in the wireless in-flight entertainment market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the wireless in-flight entertainment market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the wireless in-flight entertainment market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the wireless in-flight entertainment market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The wireless in-flight entertainment market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing wireless in-flight entertainment services such as offline wi-fi networks, airplane software, and entertainment software. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on wireless in-flight entertainment market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for wireless in-flight entertainment ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The wireless in-flight entertainment market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.