Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment And Connectivity System Market Size and Share

Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment And Connectivity System Market (2025 - 2030)
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Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment And Connectivity System Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The commercial aircraft in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) system market size reached USD 7.05 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 10.49 billion by 2030, advancing at an 8.27% CAGR. Demand escalates as airlines shift their competitive focus from fares to differentiated onboard experiences that boost Net Promoter Scores and repeat-booking rates. Lower connectivity costs from low-earth orbit (LEO) constellations, large Asia-Pacific fleet renewal programs, and growing recognition of IFE-driven ancillary revenue are the structural tailwinds behind this momentum. Seat-back systems still anchor most widebody cabins, yet bandwidth-rich Wi-Fi and streaming servers are winning incremental linefit orders as operators weigh the total cost of ownership against passenger tech expectations. Vendors able to pair modular hardware with cloud-native software are best positioned, as airlines increasingly insist on faster upgrade cycles and data monetization features that mirror those of ground-based e-commerce.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By system type, seat-back hardware led the commercial aircraft IFEC market with a 53.45% share in 2024; cabin connectivity system is expected to pace the field at a 10.95% CAGR through 2030.
  • By aircraft type, narrowbody installations accounted for 49.80% of the commercial aircraft IFEC market size in 2024, while regional-jet deployments are expanding at an 11.45% CAGR.
  • By fit type, linefit retained 68.23% of the commercial aircraft IFEC market share in 2024, whereas retrofit activity is accelerating at a 9.56% CAGR.
  • By cabin class, Economy class commanded 71.24% of cabin installations in 2024, whereas Premium Economy class is expanding at a 12.68% CAGR.
  • By geography, North America held 31.25% of the commercial aircraft IFEC market in 2024; the Asia-Pacific region is set to outpace all other regions at a 10.90% CAGR.

Segment Analysis

By System Type: Hardware Dominance Faces Connectivity Challenge

Seat-back devices captured 53.45% of the commercial aircraft in-flight entertainment and connectivity system market share in 2024, a testament to their proven reliability and consistent user experience across passenger demographics. Yet, cabin connectivity servers are accelerating at a 10.95% CAGR as airlines chase the flexibility of software-driven upgrades and the monetization opportunities of high-bandwidth retail channels. The commercial aircraft IFEC system market size for wireless streaming hardware is expected to expand sharply once LEO capacity becomes ubiquitous on narrow-body routes. Airlines that maintain seat-back screens often specify modular designs, such as those from Panasonic Astrova, so that future component swaps can avoid full recertification costs, underscoring the new emphasis on lifecycle agility.

Over the medium term, hybrid layouts that mix lightweight tablets in economy with HD seat-backs in premium cabins are expected to proliferate. In-seat power demand is also rising; Astronics’ UltraLite Gen 2 delivers 800 W in half the former footprint, demonstrating that ancillary hardware growth closely mirrors the surge in personal device usage. Vendors that deliver software-defined content management across both screen types stand to gain share, because airlines want unified analytics and targeted-advertising engines. These non-siloed platforms drive integration spending.

Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment And Connectivity System Market: Market Share by System Type
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By Aircraft Type: Narrowbody Leadership Challenged by Regional Growth

Narrowbody jets accounted for 49.80% of commercial aircraft IFEC system market installations in 2024. They remain the workhorses of global point-to-point networks and benefit from more linefit slots at OEM assembly lines. The aircraft IFE market size within regional jet fleets is projected to grow the fastest, posting an 11.45% CAGR, as LCCs expand their services into secondary cities, where brand loyalty is increasingly tied to digital touchpoints rather than lounge access or meal service. Widebody operators continue to view full-feature seat-back packages as essential on flights exceeding six hours. Yet, they too are layering in personal-device streaming to cater to multi-screen behaviors.

Regionals create design opportunities for low-weight, low-capex streaming racks that can be installed overnight without re-routing aircraft. Vietjet’s adoption of Bluebox’s Blueview portal on A320-family frames illustrates how regional carriers can deploy ad-supported models to offset connectivity costs while elevating brand perception. Conversely, the A321neo and B737-9 MAX set new IFE expectations in narrowbody programs by introducing 4K displays and Bluetooth pairing, which were once exclusive to twin-aisle jets, thereby compressing the technology gap between aircraft classes.

By Fit Type: OEM Linefit Advantage Erodes as Aftermarket Retrofit Accelerates

OEM fitment maintained a 68.23% share in 2024, as OEM-embedded wiring harnesses and structural provisions simplify certification and reduce overall installation costs. Even so, aftermarket programs are projected to trend at a 9.56% CAGR through 2030 as carriers defer new-build orders, extend aircraft life by 5–7 years, and incorporate modern digital features during heavy checks. Airlines such as Icelandair demonstrate how mid-life narrowbody fleets can adopt Astrova seat-backs with minimal cabin downtime, while unlocking new advertising inventory immediately. The commercial aircraft IFEC market size associated with retrofit hardware is thus closely tied to global maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) schedules, which tend to cluster during low-season months.

MRO providers now bundle Wi-Fi access-point upgrades, USB-C outlets, and server refreshes into a single work package, reducing aircraft-on-ground days by 15–20%. That efficiency and the possibility of vendor revenue-share financing make retrofit a strategic lever for network carriers, balancing fleet expansion against balance-sheet constraints. Still, the certification cost of structural seat-back additions means pure streaming retrofits remain the go-to path for LCCs seeking the fastest payback.

Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment And Connectivity System Market: Market Share by Fitment
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By Cabin Class: Premium Economy Drives Innovation

Economy class commanded 71.24% of cabin installations in 2024, whereas premium economy class is expanding at a 12.68% CAGR, as airlines broaden this mid-tier product to capture incremental yield. Upgraded IFE, featuring 15.6-inch 4K displays, Bluetooth audio, and curated premium content, helps justify fare differentials without the full costs of business-class service. Economy remains dominant by seat count, but revenue per square foot in premium economy is rising faster, incentivizing airlines to invest in visible technology differentiators.

Business and first-class cabins continue to pilot new features, such as OLED panels and predictive personalization AI, yet their share of aggregate seats remains limited. Consequently, the commercial aircraft in-flight entertainment market will see the most pronounced infusion of technology in premium economy, where cost-return ratios are most favorable.

Geography Analysis

North America led the commercial aircraft IFEC system market with a 31.25% share in 2024, buoyed by digitally mature consumer bases and aggressive airline connectivity roll-outs. United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are pioneering gate-to-gate Starlink service, which offers streaming-grade speeds, creating pressure for incumbents to match or exceed these experience benchmarks. Delta’s free high-speed Wi-Fi, sponsored by T-Mobile, already covers transatlantic sectors, underscoring how connectivity has become integral to frequent flyer engagement strategies. The regulatory ecosystem is supportive, yet market growth is modest. Most mainline fleets are already equipped, so incremental demand centers on upgrades and software-rich monetization layers rather than greenfield installs.

The Asia-Pacific region is projected to register a 10.90% CAGR, the fastest growth rate worldwide. Fleet counts in China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam continue to surge, and passenger segments in these markets skew younger and more digitally native. Airlines, therefore, perceive IFE not just as a comfort feature but also as a channel to extend mobile app ecosystems into the cabin. Bluebox Aviation’s portal on Vietjet showcases the appeal of ad-financed models, which keep fares low while boosting ancillary revenue per passenger. Likewise, Cathay Pacific’s decision to embed 4K screens in A321neo cabins signals that even short-haul operations in the region must match widebody entertainment standards to defend yield against growing LCC competition.

Europe sits in a middle ground, with legacy carriers deploying premium seat-back solutions to maintain service differentials and climate objectives, prompting a pivot to lighter screens or BYOD where feasible. Swiss International Air Lines’ A350 program, featuring the latest seat-back suites aligned with its SWISS Senses brand, underpins the narrative that European flyers remain willing to pay for a superior onboard experience. Meanwhile, TUI’s adoption of Immfly streaming on B737s shows how charter and leisure operators leverage digital storefronts to sell destination activities during the flight, integrating IFE strategy with tour-operator business lines. In the Middle East and Africa, hub-based airlines like Saudia are upgrading widebody cabins with next-gen systems to capture connecting traffic. Still, overall market penetration remains lower, leaving substantial upside for vendors willing to localize content catalogs and conform to regional cultural guidelines.

Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment And Connectivity System Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Competitive Landscape

Innovation and Customer Relations Drive Success

Success in the market increasingly depends on developing lightweight, power-efficient systems that help airlines reduce operational costs while enhancing passenger experience. Incumbent IFEC system companies are focusing on expanding their product portfolios to include solutions for different aircraft types and cabin classes while investing in after-sales support and maintenance networks. Providing integrated solutions that combine hardware, content management, and connectivity services is becoming increasingly crucial for maintaining competitive advantage. Companies are also emphasizing the development of customizable solutions that can be adapted to different airline business models and route structures.

For contenders looking to gain market share, focusing on specific market segments or regional opportunities while developing innovative solutions for emerging needs presents a viable strategy. The increasing importance of content management and connectivity solutions offers opportunities for technology-focused companies to enter the market through partnerships or specialized offerings. Success factors also include navigating regulatory requirements across different regions and developing strong relationships with aircraft manufacturers and airlines. The market's future will be shaped by the growing emphasis on personalizing the passenger experience and integrating entertainment systems with other cabin technologies, requiring companies to maintain strong innovation capabilities and adaptable business models. Additionally, IFE and connectivity are becoming increasingly crucial as airlines seek to enhance the passenger experience.

Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment And Connectivity System Industry Leaders

  1. RTX Corporation

  2. Burrana Pty Ltd.

  3. Safran SA

  4. Thales Group

  5. Panasonic Holdings Corporation

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment And Connectivity (IFEC) System Market Competitive Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • September 2025: In a move set to redefine in-flight audio standards, Linstol teamed up with Meridian Audio to unveil an exclusive headset. The Meridian headset is specifically designed for cabin use and features a custom design optimized for in-flight conditions. Meticulously fine-tuned, it promises unparalleled clarity, depth, and detail, regardless of altitude.
  • September 2025: DIRECTV IN FLIGHT, a US-based provider, initiated offering live programming on international flights. This new service boasts many popular channels, ensuring passengers can relish the same top-notch entertainment they enjoy at home, even while soaring through the skies.
  • July 2025: Vietjet Thailand introduced the IFE service driven by the Blueview digital platform and showcased through the acclaimed Bluebox Wow system. The system debuted on the airline's fleet of 18 Airbus narrowbody aircraft and is also set to be installed on its upcoming fleet of B737 MAX aircraft.

Table of Contents for Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment And Connectivity System Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS

  • 4.1 Air Passenger Traffic
    • 4.1.1 North America
    • 4.1.2 Europe
    • 4.1.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 4.1.4 South America
    • 4.1.5 Middle East and Africa
  • 4.2 New Aircraft Deliveries
    • 4.2.1 North America
    • 4.2.2 Europe
    • 4.2.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 4.2.4 South America
    • 4.2.5 Middle East and Africa
  • 4.3 GDP per Capita (Value in USD)
    • 4.3.1 North America
    • 4.3.2 Europe
    • 4.3.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 4.3.4 South America
    • 4.3.5 Middle East and Africa
  • 4.4 Revenue of Aircraft Manufacturers
  • 4.5 Aircraft Backlog
  • 4.6 Gross Orders
  • 4.7 Expenditure of Airlines on Fuel

5. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 5.1 Market Overview
  • 5.2 Market Drivers
    • 5.2.1 Passenger-experience driven cabin differentiation
    • 5.2.2 Asia-Pacific fleet and passenger boom
    • 5.2.3 High-speed satcom enabling streaming-grade bandwidth
    • 5.2.4 Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) retrofit cost advantage
    • 5.2.5 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite bandwidth cost collapse
    • 5.2.6 IFE-enabled onboard e-commerce revenue
  • 5.3 Market Restraints
    • 5.3.1 Capex and weight penalty of seat-back systems
    • 5.3.2 Certification hurdles for EMI/EMC
    • 5.3.3 Cross-border content licensing complexity
    • 5.3.4 Cyber-security risks in open Wi-Fi architectures
  • 5.4 Value Chain Analysis
  • 5.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 5.6 Technological Outlook
  • 5.7 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
    • 5.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 5.7.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 5.7.3 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 5.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 5.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

6. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

  • 6.1 By System Type
    • 6.1.1 Seat-back IFEC
    • 6.1.2 Wireless and BYOD IFE
    • 6.1.3 In-seat Power and Peripherals
  • 6.2 By Aircraft Type
    • 6.2.1 Narrowbody Aircraft
    • 6.2.2 Widebody Aircraft
    • 6.2.3 Regional Jets
  • 6.3 By Fit Type
    • 6.3.1 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
    • 6.3.2 Aftermarket
  • 6.4 By Cabin Class
    • 6.4.1 First Class
    • 6.4.2 Business Class
    • 6.4.3 Premium Economy Class
    • 6.4.4 Economy Class
  • 6.5 By Geography
    • 6.5.1 North America
    • 6.5.1.1 United States
    • 6.5.1.2 Canada
    • 6.5.1.3 Mexico
    • 6.5.2 Europe
    • 6.5.2.1 United Kingdom
    • 6.5.2.2 France
    • 6.5.2.3 Germany
    • 6.5.2.4 Spain
    • 6.5.2.5 Italy
    • 6.5.2.6 Russia
    • 6.5.2.7 Rest of Europe
    • 6.5.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 6.5.3.1 China
    • 6.5.3.2 India
    • 6.5.3.3 Japan
    • 6.5.3.4 South Korea
    • 6.5.3.5 Indonesia
    • 6.5.3.6 Singapore
    • 6.5.3.7 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 6.5.4 South America
    • 6.5.4.1 Brazil
    • 6.5.4.2 Argentina
    • 6.5.4.3 Chile
    • 6.5.4.4 Rest of South America
    • 6.5.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 6.5.5.1 Middle East
    • 6.5.5.1.1 United Arab Emirates
    • 6.5.5.1.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 6.5.5.1.3 Turkey
    • 6.5.5.1.4 Qatar
    • 6.5.5.1.5 Rest of Middle East
    • 6.5.5.2 Africa
    • 6.5.5.2.1 South Africa
    • 6.5.5.2.2 Nigeria
    • 6.5.5.2.3 Kenya
    • 6.5.5.2.4 Rest of Africa

7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 7.1 Market Concentration
  • 7.2 Strategic Moves
  • 7.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 7.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 7.4.1 Panasonic Holdings Corporation
    • 7.4.2 Thales Group
    • 7.4.3 Safran SA
    • 7.4.4 RTX Corporation
    • 7.4.5 Burrana Pty Ltd.
    • 7.4.6 Astronics Corporation
    • 7.4.7 Viasat Inc.
    • 7.4.8 Gogo Inc.
    • 7.4.9 Lufthansa Systems GmbH & Co. KG (DEUTSCHE LUFTHANSA AG)
    • 7.4.10 Shenzhen Donica Avionics Co., Ltd.
    • 7.4.11 Imagik Corp.
    • 7.4.12 LATECOERE S.A.
    • 7.4.13 Anuvu Operations LLC
    • 7.4.14 SKYTRAC Systems Ltd.
    • 7.4.15 FTS Systems LLC
    • 7.4.16 Spafax Airline Networks Limited
    • 7.4.17 THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT AG
    • 7.4.18 ThinKom Solutions, Inc.

8. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

  • 8.1 White-space and Unmet-need Assessment
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Global Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment And Connectivity System Market Report Scope

Narrowbody, Widebody are covered as segments by Aircraft Type. Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America are covered as segments by Region.

By System Type
Seat-back IFEC
Wireless and BYOD IFE
In-seat Power and Peripherals
By Aircraft Type
Narrowbody Aircraft
Widebody Aircraft
Regional Jets
By Fit Type
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
Aftermarket
By Cabin Class
First Class
Business Class
Premium Economy Class
Economy Class
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe United Kingdom
France
Germany
Spain
Italy
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
Indonesia
Singapore
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa Middle East United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Turkey
Qatar
Rest of Middle East
Africa South Africa
Nigeria
Kenya
Rest of Africa
By System Type Seat-back IFEC
Wireless and BYOD IFE
In-seat Power and Peripherals
By Aircraft Type Narrowbody Aircraft
Widebody Aircraft
Regional Jets
By Fit Type Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
Aftermarket
By Cabin Class First Class
Business Class
Premium Economy Class
Economy Class
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe United Kingdom
France
Germany
Spain
Italy
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
Indonesia
Singapore
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa Middle East United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Turkey
Qatar
Rest of Middle East
Africa South Africa
Nigeria
Kenya
Rest of Africa
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Market Definition

  • Product Type - Entertainment provided to aircraft passengers during a flight refers to In-flight entertainment. The seatback screens which are used to provide entertainment are included under the IFE system product type.
  • Aircraft Type - All the passenger aircraft such as narrowbody and widebody which are single-aisle and twin-aisle are included in this study.
  • Cabin Class - Business and First Class, economy and premium economy are classes of air travel provided by the airlines that offer various services to the passengers.
Keyword Definition
Gross domestic product (GDP) Gross domestic product (GDP) is a monetary measure of the market value of all the final goods and services produced in a specific time period by countries.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) traditionally is defined as a company whose goods are used as components in the products of another company, which then sells the finished item to users.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) Dynamic range describes the ratio between the brightest and darkest parts of an image. HDR is used to capture a greater dynamic range than SDR.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) The division of the Department of Transportation is concerned with aviation. It operates Air Traffic Control and regulates everything from aircraft manufacturing to pilot training to airport operations in the United States.
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) The European Aviation Safety Agency is a European Union agency established in 2002 with the task of overseeing civil aviation safety and regulation.
4K Display 4K resolution refers to a horizontal display resolution of approximately 4,000 pixels.
Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) It is the light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compound that emits light in response to an electric current.
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) The mean time between failures is the predicted elapsed time between inherent failures of a mechanical or electronic system, during normal system operation.
(Low-Cost Carrier (LCCs) It is an airline that is operated with an especially high emphasis on minimizing operating costs and without some of the traditional services and amenities provided in the fare
Electronically Dimmable Windows (EDW) It is a type of window that blocks up to 99.96% of all visible light and provide full opacity, integrated into the window cassette of the sidewall panel.
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step 1: Identify Key Variables:  In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step 2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the historical and forecast years have been provided in revenue terms. For sales conversion to volume, the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country, and inflation is not a part of the pricing.
  • Step 3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step 4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
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