Connected Aircraft Market Size, Forecast Report 2025

Name: Connected Aircraft Market Size, Forecast Report 2025 – 2030
Creator: Mordor Intelligence
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Connected Aircraft Market Size and Share

Market Overview

Study Period	2019 - 2030
Market Size (2025)	USD 8.81 Billion
Market Size (2030)	USD 14.87 Billion
Growth Rate (2025 - 2030)	11.04% CAGR
Fastest Growing Market	Asia Pacific
Largest Market	North America
Market Concentration	Medium
Major Players *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Connected Aircraft Market (2025 - 2030) — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Connected Aircraft Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The connected aircraft market reached USD 8.81 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to expand to USD 14.87 billion by 2030, reflecting an 11.04% CAGR. Sustained growth stems from rising passenger expectations for gate-to-gate broadband, mandated real-time tracking under the ICAO GADSS rule, and multi-orbit satellite deployments that cut latency and bandwidth cost. Airlines broadened retrofit programs to speed digital cabin upgrades, while defense ministries funded network-centric warfare projects that link fourth-generation fighters with advanced sensors. Competitive intensity stayed moderate as incumbents defended positions through long-term service contracts, yet faced pricing pressure from Starlink and other LEO entrants. Cyber-security rules, spectrum congestion, and high retrofit costs moderated near-term rollout plans but did not alter the long-term digital trajectory of the connected aircraft market.^{[1]Source: International Civil Aviation Organization, “Aircraft Tracking,” icao.int}

Key Report Takeaways

By offering, services led with 51.45% of the connected aircraft market share in 2024; the segment also recorded the fastest 12.80% CAGR to 2030.
By connectivity type, inflight connectivity held 62.40% revenue share in 2024, while air-to-ground solutions are projected to grow at 14.20% through 2030.
By connectivity technology, satellite Ku-band commanded 49.85% share in 2024; satellite Ka-band is set to accelerate at 13.40% CAGR to 2030.
By application, commercial aviation accounted for 70.20% of the connected aircraft market size in 2024, whereas general aviation is poised for a 12.45% CAGR to 2030.
By geography, North America led with 38.90% share in 2024; Asia-Pacific is forecast to record the fastest 12.65% CAGR through 2030.

Global Connected Aircraft Market Trends and Insights

Drivers Impact Analysis

Driver	(~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast	Geographic Relevance	Impact Timeline
Rising demand for passenger inflight connectivity	+2.8%	Global, highest in North America and Asia-Pacific	Medium term (2-4 years)
Adoption of network-centric warfare driving military connectivity	+1.9%	North America and Europe, expanding to Asia-Pacific allies	Long term (≥ 4 years)
Global ICAO GADSS mandate for real-time flight tracking	+1.5%	Global	Short term (≤ 2 years)
Fleet-wide retrofit programs by leading airlines	+1.7%	North America and Europe, spreading to Asia-Pacific	Medium term (2-4 years)
LEO satellite constellations cutting bandwidth cost	+2.1%	Global, early adoption in developed markets	Medium term (2-4 years)
Data-monetization-led ancillary revenue models	+1.4%	Global, led by North American carriers	Long term (≥ 4 years)

Source: Mordor Intelligence

Rising Demand for Passenger Inflight Connectivity

Passenger expectations shifted from sporadic email access to streaming-grade bandwidth. An industry survey in 2024 found that 81% of South Korean travelers would rebook with airlines offering quality Wi-Fi, and 80% ranked connectivity important to the flight experience. Carriers like Delta expanded fast, free Wi-Fi to more than 720 aircraft, signaling a shift from paid service to a brand differentiator. Broadband-enabled ancillary revenue was projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2035, reinforcing connectivity as a strategic income stream.^{[2]Source: London School of Economics, “Sky-High Economics,” lse.ac.uk} The connected aircraft market consequently prioritized passenger-facing upgrades, particularly in North America and Asia-Pacific, where digital engagement drives loyalty.

Adoption of Network-Centric Warfare Driving Military Connectivity

Defense agencies invested in airborne data links that fuse real-time intelligence across domains. The US Air Force Battle Network plan integrated aircraft into a unified digital architecture for seamless information exchange. Lockheed Martin’s Sniper Networked Targeting Pod created secure mesh networks between F-35s and fourth-generation fighters. Similar initiatives in the United Kingdom and NATO allies indicated international alignment, extending growth prospects for secure connectivity solutions across the connected aircraft market.

Global ICAO GADSS Mandate for Real-Time Flight Tracking

ICAO required autonomous distress tracking for aircraft over 27,000 kg starting January 2025, compelling airlines to install one-minute position reporting in emergencies. Airbus certified an Emergency Locator Transmitter with autonomous distress tracking, showing compliance pathways for manufacturers. The regulation’s global reach accelerated retrofit schedules and standardized connectivity baselines that support additional digital services.

LEO Satellite Constellations Cutting Bandwidth Cost

Multi-thousand-satellite constellations reduced latency and pricing, disrupting the legacy GEO model. Goldman Sachs forecasts the LEO segment to grow from USD 15 billion to USD 108 billion by 2035. Panasonic demonstrated seamless LEO-to-GEO hand-offs that delivered 193 Mbps forward link speeds in flight. United Airlines adopted Starlink for over 1,000 aircraft, showing how lower orbit economics enabled free passenger Wi-Fi.

Restraints Impact Analysis

Restraint	(~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast	Geographic Relevance	Impact Timeline
High retrofit and certification cost	-1.8%	Global, higher impact in cost-sensitive markets	Medium term (2-4 years)
Bandwidth / coverage limits on polar routes	-0.9%	Trans-polar corridors	Short term (≤ 2 years)
Cyber-security compliance delays	-1.2%	Europe and North America	Medium term (2-4 years)
Ku/Ka-band spectrum congestion	-0.7%	Global	Long term (≥ 4 years)

Source: Mordor Intelligence

High Retrofit and Certification Cost

Cabin retrofits required expensive equipment, detailed supplemental type certificates, and aircraft downtime. The FAA estimated that cyber-secure connectivity for the US mobility fleet would cost USD 500 million. Airlines balanced these outlays against constrained capital as delivery delays from Airbus and Boeing limited new-build replacements.

Cyber-Security Compliance Delays

New regulations, such as EU Part-IS and FAA special conditions, obliged operators to adopt ISO 27001-based systems and prove resilience against unauthorized access. Airlines allocated time and resources to audits and system hardening, slowing some connectivity installations even as threat volumes rose 74% since 2020.

Segment Analysis

By Offering: Services Drive Managed Connectivity Adoption

Services held 51.45% of the connected aircraft market share in 2024 and are projected to grow at 12.80% CAGR through 2030, underscoring airline preference for turnkey solutions over hardware ownership. The connected aircraft market size for services is expected to expand in line with multi-year agreements that bundle equipment, certification, and 24/7 network operations. Airlines favored predictable operating expenses, particularly when rapid technology refresh cycles risked asset obsolescence.

Service providers deepened value propositions by offering continuous performance analytics, cybersecurity monitoring, and flexible bandwidth plans. Panasonic’s 10-year maintenance pact with Riyadh Air illustrated the lifecycle model that keeps fleets current without large upfront costs.^{[3]Source: Panasonic Avionics, “Press Releases,” panasonic.aero} Recurring revenue streams improved vendor cash visibility while enabling carriers to focus on customer experience and punctuality.

Connected Aircraft Market Share by Offering — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

By Connectivity Type: Inflight Connectivity Dominates Multi-Modal Integration

Inflight connectivity accounted for 62.40% of connected aircraft market share in 2024 as passenger digital lifestyles influenced product roadmaps. Given higher flight frequencies and brand touchpoints, airlines equipped narrowbody fleets first. Air-to-ground links emerged as the fastest-growing subsegment at 14.20% CAGR, supported by 5G surface networks that extend gate connectivity into the climb phase.

Future architectures will blend satellite, cellular, and aircraft-to-aircraft pathways for uninterrupted coverage. The Seamless Air Alliance advanced standards that integrate 3GPP 5G non-terrestrial networks, aligning performance across ground and orbit domains. This evolution keeps the connected aircraft market at the forefront of aviation digitalization.

By Connectivity Technology: Ka-Band Leads Multi-Orbit Evolution

Satellite Ku-band retained a 49.85% share in 2024 due to its mature footprint and broad terminal base, yet Ka-band is forecast to expand at a 13.40% CAGR due to superior throughput. Honeywell promoted Ka-band speeds up to 20 Mbps, enabling HD streaming and cloud cockpit services. The connected aircraft market size for Ka-band solutions will rise as airlines migrate high-density routes to higher capacity links.

Multi-orbit concepts that combine GEO, MEO, and LEO satellites emerged as the de-risking strategy for polar coverage and redundancy. SES’s Open Orbits network and ThinKom’s tri-band antennas showed real-time switching among orbits without service dropouts.

Connected Aircraft Market Share by Connectivity Technology — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

By Application: Commercial Aviation Anchors Market Growth

Commercial aviation represented 70.20% of the connected aircraft market size in 2024 as carriers raced to differentiate on passenger experience and operational efficiency. Narrowbody jets formed the largest installed base, while wide-body aircraft required premium multi-orbit packages to serve long-haul expectations. Cargo operators adopted real-time data links for unit load tracking and predictive maintenance.

General aviation is anticipated to post a 12.45% CAGR, reflecting corporate demand for office-in-the-sky bandwidth. Gogo’s Galileo LEO launch signaled strong uptake in this segment. Military fleets sustained steady procurement under network-centric doctrines, ensuring diversified demand across the connected aircraft industry.

Geography Analysis

North America led the connected aircraft market in 2024 with a 38.90% share, supported by early compliance with GADSS, robust satellite infrastructure, and carrier commitments to fleet-wide free Wi-Fi. Delta, United, and American rolled out multi-orbit retrofits that aligned regional jets with mainline performance expectations. Defense programs like BACN and the F-22A modernization also lifted demand for secure links across US air assets.

Europe followed with strong regulatory impetus from EASA cybersecurity rules and pan-EU coordinated air traffic modernization. Flag carriers balanced passenger connectivity with operational priorities such as electronic flight bag integration and predictive maintenance platforms. The region’s satellite operators accelerated Ka-band deployments to defend their market position against LEO newcomers.

Asia-Pacific posted the fastest 12.65% CAGR outlook through 2030. China’s aviation services revenue was projected to rise from USD 23 billion in 2024 to USD 61 billion by 2043, embedding connectivity with a 5.6% CAGR within the broader digital services mix. Thai Airways partnered with Neo Space Group on 80 aircraft retrofits, and Korean Air began commercial B787 flights equipped with Viasat Ka-band. Government support for aviation infrastructure and rising middle-class travel sustained regional tailwinds.

Connected Aircraft Market Growth Rate by Region — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Competitive Landscape

The connected aircraft market featured moderate concentration as incumbents maintained global support footprints while new entrants altered pricing dynamics. Panasonic Avionics, Viasat, and Thales held extensive installed bases and leveraged end-to-end packages that combined antennas, modems, cybersecurity, and certification services. Panasonic’s memorandum with Airbus to co-develop future connected aircraft platforms reinforced its OEM alignment.

SpaceX’s Starlink disrupted the market by offering high-speed service that enabled airlines to remove passenger fees. More than 2,000 aircraft commitments since 2022 underscored rapid traction, and FAA approval on Embraer 175s paved the way for regional fleet upgrades. Price competition prompted legacy operators to accelerate Ka-band and multi-orbit rollouts.

Consolidation reshaped supplier strategies. SES announced a USD 3.1 billion agreement to acquire Intelsat, targeting scale benefits in orbit diversity and managed services. Gogo acquired Satcom Direct for USD 375 million to broaden business aviation reach and capture government contracts. Vendors with polar connectivity, cybersecurity depth, or data-monetization analytics carved niches that large groups could not fully address.

Connected Aircraft Industry Leaders

Gogo Inc.
Viasat, Inc.
Thales Group
Panasonic Avionics Corporation
SITA N.V.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

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Recent Industry Developments

June 2025: Qatar Airways selected Panasonic Avionics’ Converix platform for 60 B777X aircraft, adding AI-powered virtual cabin crew and integrated data management.
March 2025: United Airlines received FAA approval for Starlink-equipped Embraer 175s, targeting 300 installations by year-end.
March 2025: Delta Air Lines chose Hughes Fusion multi-orbit connectivity for A350 and A321neo fleets, plus 400 existing aircraft.

Table of Contents for Connected Aircraft Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.2.1 Rising demand for passenger inflight connectivity
- 4.2.2 Adoption of network-centric warfare driving military connectivity
- 4.2.3 Global ICAO GADSS mandate for real-time flight tracking
- 4.2.4 Fleet-wide retrofit programs by leading airlines
- 4.2.5 LEO satellite constellations cutting bandwidth cost
- 4.2.6 Data-monetization-led ancillary revenue models
4.3 Market Restraints
- 4.3.1 High retrofit and certification cost
- 4.3.2 Bandwidth/coverage limits on polar routes
- 4.3.3 Cyber-security compliance delays
- 4.3.4 Ku/Ka-band spectrum congestion
4.4 Value Chain Analysis
4.5 Regulatory Landscape
4.6 Technological Outlook
4.7 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
- 4.7.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 4.7.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
- 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

5.1 By Offering
- 5.1.1 Solution (Hardware, Software)
- 5.1.2 Services
5.2 By Connectivity Type
- 5.2.1 Inflight Connectivity
- 5.2.2 Air-to-Ground Connectivity
- 5.2.3 Air-to-Air Connectivity
5.3 By Connectivity Technology
- 5.3.1 Satellite – L-Band
- 5.3.2 Satellite – Ku-Band
- 5.3.3 Satellite – Ka-Band
- 5.3.4 ATG (Air-to-Ground)
5.4 By Application
- 5.4.1 Commercial Aviation
- 5.4.1.1 Narrowbody
- 5.4.1.2 Widebody
- 5.4.1.3 Regional Jets
- 5.4.1.4 Commercial Helicopters
- 5.4.2 Military Aviation
- 5.4.2.1 Combat Aircraft
- 5.4.2.2 Special Mission Aircraft
- 5.4.2.3 Military Transport Aircraft
- 5.4.2.4 Military Helicopters
- 5.4.3 General Aviation
- 5.4.3.1 Business Jets
- 5.4.3.2 Others
5.5 By Geography
- 5.5.1 North America
- 5.5.1.1 United States
- 5.5.1.2 Canada
- 5.5.1.3 Mexico
- 5.5.2 Europe
- 5.5.2.1 United Kingdom
- 5.5.2.2 Germany
- 5.5.2.3 France
- 5.5.2.4 Russia
- 5.5.2.5 Rest of Europe
- 5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
- 5.5.3.1 China
- 5.5.3.2 India
- 5.5.3.3 Japan
- 5.5.3.4 South Korea
- 5.5.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.5.4 South America
- 5.5.4.1 Brazil
- 5.5.4.2 Mexico
- 5.5.4.3 Rest of South America
- 5.5.5 Middle East and Africa
- 5.5.5.1 Middle East
- 5.5.5.1.1 Saudi Arabia
- 5.5.5.1.2 United Arab Emirates
- 5.5.5.1.3 Qatar
- 5.5.5.1.4 Rest of Middle East
- 5.5.5.2 Africa
- 5.5.5.2.1 South Africa
- 5.5.5.2.2 Rest of Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Market Concentration
6.2 Strategic Moves
6.3 Market Share Analysis
6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global-level Overview, Market-level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
- 6.4.1 Panasonic Avionics Corporation
- 6.4.2 Viasat, Inc.
- 6.4.3 Thales Group
- 6.4.4 Gogo Inc.
- 6.4.5 RTX Corporation
- 6.4.6 SITA N.V.
- 6.4.7 Honeywell International Inc.
- 6.4.8 Kontron AG
- 6.4.9 Anuvu Operations LLC,
- 6.4.10 Burrana Pty Ltd.
- 6.4.11 Intelsat S.A.
- 6.4.12 Astronics Corporation
- 6.4.13 OnOneWeb Holdings Ltd.
- 6.4.14 SkyFive AG
- 6.4.15 Telekom Deutschland GmbH
- 6.4.16 AeroMobile Communications Ltd.
- 6.4.17 Hughes Network Systems, LLC

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

7.1 White-space and Unmet-Need Assessment

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Global Connected Aircraft Market Report Scope

Connected aircraft is one of the broader terms comprising aircraft systems based on Internet-Of-Things, in-flight entertainment and related Wi-Fi facility, air-to-air connectivity, and air-to-ground connectivity. Moreover, the connected aircraft combines satellite components, airplane hardware, airtime connectivity, and apps and services on and off the aircraft to change the way people communicate across the aviation industry. In other words, the connected aircraft concept visualizes an aviation industry where all participants, such as airlines, airports, air traffic management, support services, and even passengers, are seamlessly linked, optimizing airport operations and enhancing the air travel experience.

The connected aircraft market is segmented based on connectivity, application, frequency band, and geography. By connectivity, the market is segmented into inflight connectivity, air-to-air connectivity, and air-to-ground connectivity. By application, the market is segmented into commercial aircraft and military aircraft. By frequency band, the market is segmented into ka-band, ku-band and l-band. The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the connected aircraft market in major countries across different regions. For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).

By Offering	Solution (Hardware, Software)
	Services
By Connectivity Type	Inflight Connectivity
	Air-to-Ground Connectivity
	Air-to-Air Connectivity
By Connectivity Technology	Satellite – L-Band
	Satellite – Ku-Band
	Satellite – Ka-Band
	ATG (Air-to-Ground)

By Application	Commercial Aviation	Narrowbody
		Widebody
		Regional Jets
		Commercial Helicopters

	Military Aviation	Combat Aircraft
		Special Mission Aircraft
		Military Transport Aircraft
		Military Helicopters

	General Aviation	Business Jets
		Others

By Geography	North America	United States
		Canada
		Mexico

	Europe	United Kingdom
		Germany
		France
		Russia
		Rest of Europe

	Asia-Pacific	China
		India
		Japan
		South Korea
		Rest of Asia-Pacific

	South America	Brazil
		Mexico
		Rest of South America

	Middle East and Africa	Middle East	Saudi Arabia
			United Arab Emirates
			Qatar
			Rest of Middle East

		Africa	South Africa
			Rest of Africa

By Offering

Solution (Hardware, Software)

Services

By Connectivity Type

Inflight Connectivity

Air-to-Ground Connectivity

Air-to-Air Connectivity

By Connectivity Technology

Satellite – L-Band

Satellite – Ku-Band

Satellite – Ka-Band

ATG (Air-to-Ground)

By Application

Commercial Aviation	Narrowbody
	Widebody
	Regional Jets
	Commercial Helicopters
Military Aviation	Combat Aircraft
	Special Mission Aircraft
	Military Transport Aircraft
	Military Helicopters
General Aviation	Business Jets
	Others

By Geography

North America	United States
	Canada
	Mexico
Europe	United Kingdom
	Germany
	France
	Russia
	Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific	China
	India
	Japan
	South Korea
	Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America	Brazil
	Mexico
	Rest of South America

Middle East and Africa	Middle East	Saudi Arabia
		United Arab Emirates
		Qatar
		Rest of Middle East

	Africa	South Africa
		Rest of Africa

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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current value of the connected aircraft market?

The connected aircraft market reached USD 8.81 billion in 2025 and is projected to climb to USD 14.87 billion by 2030 at an 11.04% CAGR.

Which segment holds the largest connected aircraft market share?

Inflight connectivity led by capturing 62.40% revenue share in 2024.

Why are airlines shifting to service-based connectivity contracts?

Services allow carriers to avoid heavy capital expenditure, gain 24/7 technical support, and keep pace with rapid satellite upgrades.

How does the ICAO GADSS rule affect market growth?

The rule mandates autonomous distress tracking from 2025, compelling airlines worldwide to install real-time connectivity hardware across fleets.

Which region is expected to grow fastest through 2030?

Asia-Pacific is forecast to expand at 12.65% CAGR, driven by fleet modernization and rising passenger Wi-Fi demand.

What role do LEO satellites play in the connected aircraft industry?

LEO constellations reduce latency, improve coverage, and lower bandwidth cost, enabling airlines to offer free streaming-quality Wi-Fi and reshaping supplier competition.

Page last updated on: June 26, 2025