Connected Aircraft Market - By Type (Hardware, Software), By Platform (Commercial Aviation, Military Aviation, Business Aviation & General Aviation, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Advanced Air Mobility), By Connectivity, By Frequency & Forecast 2024 – 2032

Connected Aircraft Market Size

Connected Aircraft Market was valued at over USD 8 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 10.5% between 2024 & 2032. Airlines use linked aircraft technologies to enhance passenger experiences. They improve travelers' overall enjoyment by enabling on-demand entertainment, real-time updates, and personalized services. Connectivity, including in-flight Wi-Fi and customized services, makes traveling more enjoyable and satisfies modern travelers' growing need for a seamless, customized & technologically advanced air travel experience.
 

For instance, in February 2022, Aegean Airlines, based in Greece, introduced a new high-speed inflight broadband service powered by the European Aviation Network (EAN) and provided by Inmarsat & Deutsche Telekom. The connectivity solution will be installed on all existing and new AEGEAN Airbus A320 & A321 aircraft by 2025.

Connected aircraft refer to aircraft equipped with advanced communication technologies such as in-flight Wi-Fi, sensors, and data analytics systems. These technologies facilitate real-time data exchange between aircraft systems, ground operations, and passengers, enabling enhanced operational efficiency, safety monitoring & improved in-flight services for a more connected and responsive air travel experience.

As several suppliers compete for market share, the market for in-flight connection is approaching saturation. Intense competition makes it difficult for suppliers to differentiate their services and remain profitable. With many options available, distinctiveness becomes critical, necessitating creative offerings and competitive pricing. To stand out and prosper in the competitive in-flight connection market, providers must traverse this congested field wisely, focusing on quality, innovative features & customer pleasure.
 

Connected Aircraft Market Trends

The integration of 5G technology in connected aircraft enhances in-flight connectivity by providing faster data transmission, lower latency, and greater network capacity. This enables a seamless experience for passengers, supporting high-bandwidth applications and services.

The Internet of Things (IoT) in connected aircraft involves sensors collecting real-time data on various components. This data is analyzed to predict maintenance needs, reduce downtime, and optimize operational efficiency by addressing potential issues before they become critical. Also, data analytics and artificial intelligence in connected aircraft utilize advanced algorithms to interpret & derive insights from the vast amounts of data generated. This enhances operational decision-making, enables predictive analytics for maintenance, and contributes to overall efficiency improvements in aviation processes.
 

Connected Aircraft Market Analysis

Based on platform, the market is segmented into commercial aviation, military aviation, business aviation & general aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and advanced air mobility. The commercial aviation segment dominated the market in 2023 with a share of over 30%.
 

• Connected aircraft systems facilitate real-time monitoring of performance data, leading to more efficient operations. This includes predictive maintenance, fuel optimization & route planning, contributing to cost savings and operational excellence.
   
• The use of data analytics and artificial intelligence in connected aircraft allows airlines to make informed decisions. This data-driven approach enhances overall decision-making processes, from flight planning to maintenance strategies.

Based on connectivity, the market is divided into in-flight connectivity, air-to-air connectivity, and air-to-ground connectivity. The air-to-ground connectivity segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 12% through 2032.
 

• Air-to-ground connectivity is generally more cost-effective to implement compared to satellite-based solutions. This makes it an attractive option for airlines, especially for short- to medium-haul flights, where continuous satellite coverage may not be as critical. Advancements in air-to-ground technology have led to improved bandwidth capabilities, providing faster & more reliable internet connections for passengers and enabling a broader range of in-flight services.
   
• Air-to-ground connectivity is well-suited for flights over urban & suburban areas, where the availability of ground-based infrastructure allows for consistent and reliable connections. This is particularly advantageous for regional and domestic flights.

North America dominated the global market with a share of over 30% in 2023. The North America connected aircraft market is expanding due to the increased demand for in-flight connection, a focus on technological innovation, and a strong presence of leading market competitors. North American airlines place a premium on improving passenger experiences through seamless connectivity, thus pushing the adoption of modern avionics and communication technology. Furthermore, the region's robust aviation infrastructure, governmental support, and tech-savvy customer base all contribute to the North America connected aircraft industry expansion.
 

Connected Aircraft Market Share

Players operating in the connected aircraft industry focus on implementing different growth strategies to strengthen their offerings and expand their market reach. These strategies involve new product developments & launches, partnerships & collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, and customer retention. These players also heavily invest in research & development to introduce innovative and technologically advanced solutions in the market.
 

Connected Aircraft Market Companies

 Some major players operating in the connected aircraft industry are:

• BAE Systems PLC
• Gogo Inc.
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• TE Connectivity Ltd.
• Thales Group
• Viasat Inc.
   

Connected Aircraft Industry News

• In August 2023, BAE Systems acquired Ball Aerospace for USD 5.6 billion to expand its capacity in space. The acquisition expanded BAE’s space industry presence and increased its alignment with customer priorities in the U.S. defense strategy.
   
• In June 2023, Honeywell signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ST Engineering to explore opportunities around Retrofit, Modification, and Upgrade (RMU) programs for fixed-wing & rotary-wing platforms. This MOU will strengthen the relationship between Honeywell and ST Engineering through cooperation to explore the feasibility of RMU programs.
   

The connected aircraft market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Hardware
• Software

Market, By Platform

• Commercial Aviation
• Military Aviation
• Business Aviation & General Aviation
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
• Advanced Air Mobility

Market, By Connectivity

• In-flight Connectivity
• Air-to-Air Connectivity
• Air-to-Ground Connectivity

Market, By Frequency

• Ka-Band
• Ku-Band
• L-Band

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA