Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market

The global wireless in-flight entertainment (W-IFE) market size was valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 3.51 billion by 2028, expanding at a robust CAGR during the forecast period, 2021 – 2028. The growth of the market is attributed to rising adoption of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and growing prominence of wireless connectivity.

Market Trends, Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities

• Increasing popularity of bringing personal electronic devices onboard aided the rapid adoption of wireless in-flight entertainment and communication services.
• W-IFE systems in aircraft benefits both airlines and passengers.
• W-IFE systems helps airlines raise sales and improves their return on investment.
• W-IFE systems allow passengers to use Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs), which were previously prohibited due to regulatory requirements.
• Implementation of In-Flight connectivity (IFC) and In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) resulted in plethora of opportunities, ranging from streaming Audio-Video (AVOD) and live movies in PEDs to digital media tablets. This drives the market.
• Connectivity and airline service providers are creating alliances to allow onboard internet services, with carriers obligated to install the provider’s equipment in their fleet. This is expected to boost the market.
• Rising demand for onboard communication solutions allows for real time information sharing while travelling. This is projected to drive the market.
• The political and regulatory environment has a significant impact on the industry, as it determines whether operators and airlines are permitted to provide these services.
• Indian civil aviation authority forbids in-flight voice communication, which is expected to hinder the market growth.
• Several European airlines allow passengers to use satellite-based technology to make phone calls. This is expected to drive the market.

Scope of Wireless in-Fight Entertainment (W-IFE) Market Report

The report on the global wireless in-flight entertainment market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Wireless in-Fight Entertainment (W-IFE) Market Segment Insights

Based on aircraft type, the global wireless in-flight entertainment market is segregated as regional jet, narrow-body, and wide-body. The narrow body segment is projected to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period. Growth of the segment is attributed to increasing demand for short haul flights. W-IFE systems are increasingly being installed in single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft. These factors are anticipated to boost the market.

The regional jet segment is projected to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period. Wireless In-Flight Connectivity (W-IFEC) and PED entertainment systems are gradually being installed in regional jet fleets around the world. Airlines are establishing strategic alliances with connectivity providers to update their networks. For example, American Airlines, Inc. announced a partnership with Gogo, Inc. to provide in-flight wireless services.

On the basis of fitment type, the global wireless in-flight entertainment market is bifurcated into line fit and retrofit. The retrofit segment was valued at USD 700 billion in 2017. Airlines started retrofitting wireless in-flight systems to reduce overall weight, improve customer comfort, and increase profit margins per flight.

Hardware and networking companies are establishing strategic partnerships with aircraft manufacturers to assess their device offerings and include standardized W-IFE solutions in their fleets. The Boeing Company and Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (GEE) recently developed a joint relationship to evaluate GEE's satellite-based in-flight system in Boeing 737 aircraft and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Based on hardware, the global wireless in-flight entertainment market is fragmented as modems, antennas, and Wireless Access Points (WAPs). The growth of the modem segment is attributed to the launch of next generation Airborne Network (AN) and Airborne Internet (AI) system. ViaSat recently launched an advanced Ka/Ku antenna that is expected to extend uninterrupted coverage beyond Europe and North America. This antenna is the result of ViaSat-2's launch and joint satellite collaborations.

The WAPs segment is estimated to expand at a high CAGR during the forecast period, due to increasing partnership among hardware suppliers with content service providers. Key players such as Panasonic Avionics and Row 44 Corporation formed alliances to offer foreign content. Additionally, they are acquiring arrangements with live-television companies.

On the basis of technology, the global wireless in-flight entertainment market is fragmented as Ka-band, Air-To-Ground (ATG), L-band, and Ku-band. Demand for W-IFE systems is expected to increase during the forecast period, due to increasing impact of technology combined with the growing economies in various parts of the world.

Airline operators are increasingly investing in next-generation High Throughput Satellite (HTS) technology to cater to the rising demand in the aviation and ground industries. These modern satellites are intended to take the place of existing satellites that serve traditional Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) markets such as broadcast TV and direct-to-home. Creating a high performing global Ka-band is an evolving trend in military communications since last few years. The load on satellite connectivity and infrastructure is estimated to increase, due to continuous consumption of frequency bandwidth. Ka-band connectivity is expected to aid consumer electronics development, allowing for versatile cabin capabilities.

Major airlines carry out their personal BYOD entertainment offerings to focus on advantages of emerging trends. United airlines launched United Private Screening Services and the Canadian airline Westjet recently launched Westjet Connect Wi-Fi-based wireless IFE system.

In terms of regions, the global wireless in-flight entertainment market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. The market in North America is expected to expand at a robust CAGR during the forecast period. Growth of the market is attributed to the need for constant connectivity. The US has established itself as a key regional market.

The market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand significantly over the forecast period, as it is a lucrative market for the airline industry and has the ability to be a potential market for PEDs that complement the BYOD trend in an airliner. In-flight Wi-Fi is popular among business travellers, especially in Japan and China. Additionally, airlines are considering W-IFE as a potential source of ancillary income, as travellers are willing to pay for Wi-Fi.

Segments

The global wireless in-flight entertainment market has been segmented on the basis of

Aircraft Type

• Regional Jet
• Narrow-Body
• Wide-Body

Fitment Type

• Line Fit
• Retrofit

Hardware

• Modems
• Antennas
• Wireless Access Points (WAPs)

Technology

• Ka-band
• Air-To-Ground (ATG)
• L-band
• Ku-band

Regions

• Asia Pacific
• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• Middle East & Africa

Key Players

• Thales Group SA
• Gogo, Inc.
• SITAOnAir
• BAE Systems PLC
• Panasonic Avionics Corporation
• Rockwell Collins, Inc.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the global wireless in-flight entertainment market include Thales Group SA, Gogo, Inc., SITAOnAir, BAE Systems PLC, Rockwell Collins, Inc., Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Bluebox Avionics Limited, Zodiac Aerospace, Inflight Dublin, Ltd, and Lufthansa Systems GmbH.

Key market players such as Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Gogo Inc., and Inmarsat PLC are investing in the infrastructure needed to provide connectivity and content. These investments are expected to help airlines to determine passengers' demand for in-flight media and improve connectivity by providing a digital environment that is similar to that at home or at work. Technological advancements and the growing popularity of the BYOD trend are driving the global market. Major players are focusing on mergers and acquisitions to improve their market share.