5G in Aviation - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for 5G in Aviation was estimated at US$1.3 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$12.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 44.7% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the 5G in Aviation market.

Global 5G in Aviation Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is 5G Technology Set to Redefine Digital Transformation Across the Aviation Value Chain?

The aviation industry is adopting 5G as a transformative enabler of hyper-connected, intelligent, and efficient operations, spanning airports, aircraft, air traffic control, and passenger experience. Unlike previous communication standards, 5G offers ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and massive device connectivity, which are essential for managing the complexity of modern aviation ecosystems. From real-time aircraft diagnostics and predictive maintenance to augmented reality-enabled airport operations, 5G is enabling a new era of data-driven decision-making. Airlines are exploring 5G-enabled inflight connectivity solutions to deliver high-speed internet, immersive entertainment, and enhanced digital services for passengers. On the ground, 5G supports seamless integration of autonomous vehicles, smart baggage handling systems, biometric passenger processing, and real-time asset tracking. Air traffic management is also expected to benefit from 5G’s capacity for fast, secure, and reliable data exchange, especially as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles enter commercial airspace. As digitalization accelerates across the aviation sector, 5G is becoming a foundational infrastructure layer supporting innovation, operational resilience, and competitive differentiation.

How Are Infrastructure and Spectrum Strategies Advancing 5G Aviation Use Cases?

The successful deployment of 5G in aviation is being enabled by strategic investments in dedicated airport infrastructure, private 5G networks, and aviation-specific spectrum allocations. Major international airports are rolling out standalone (SA) 5G networks to facilitate mission-critical applications such as apron operations, ground service coordination, and real-time surveillance. Network slicing is being adopted to prioritize bandwidth allocation based on application criticality - ensuring that emergency communications and operational data are not affected by passenger internet usage. Governments and aviation authorities are collaborating with telecom regulators to allocate aviation-safe frequency bands that prevent interference with existing radar and navigation systems. High-throughput, edge computing-enabled base stations are being installed across airport campuses to minimize latency and process data locally, enhancing responsiveness for autonomous systems and AR/VR-based maintenance solutions. Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is being used to deliver real-time analytics for crowd management, resource allocation, and gate scheduling. Satellite-5G hybrid systems are also being explored to extend connectivity to aircraft in flight and remote airfields. These developments are allowing aviation stakeholders to move beyond legacy wired systems and Wi-Fi solutions, ushering in a new level of digital continuity and situational awareness.

What Are the Key Applications Driving Stakeholder Collaboration in the 5G Aviation Ecosystem?

Adoption of 5G in aviation is being propelled by a range of high-impact use cases that require coordinated participation from airlines, airports, OEMs, telecom operators, and aviation authorities. Predictive maintenance is emerging as a top priority, with 5G enabling continuous monitoring of aircraft health and real-time transmission of telemetry data to ground stations. This helps reduce turnaround time, minimize unplanned maintenance, and enhance fleet reliability. Airports are leveraging 5G for autonomous ground vehicles, such as tugs and shuttles, which rely on uninterrupted connectivity for safe navigation in busy operational zones. Real-time baggage tracking, intelligent check-in kiosks, and AI-powered video surveillance systems are being supported through 5G`s high device density and bandwidth capabilities. Passenger engagement is also evolving, with biometric boarding, contactless payment systems, and immersive retail experiences being enabled by 5G-enabled platforms. Inflight 5G connectivity is facilitating high-definition video streaming, cloud-based gaming, and real-time conferencing, particularly for business travelers. As the aviation industry prepares for next-generation air mobility, including drones and eVTOL aircraft, 5G will be essential for secure communication, geofencing, and command-and-control mechanisms. These diverse applications are encouraging a new wave of cross-industry collaboration to standardize, fund, and scale 5G aviation deployments globally.

What Is Driving the Growth of the 5G in Aviation Market Across Civil and Commercial Segments?

The growth in the 5G in aviation market is driven by several converging factors tied to modernization, passenger expectations, and airspace evolution. The demand for real-time operational visibility and efficient turnaround is prompting airports and airlines to invest in private 5G networks with dedicated service-level guarantees. Rising air travel volumes and the push for contactless, seamless passenger journeys are accelerating the deployment of biometric systems, automated processing, and digital concierge services - all of which rely on high-speed, low-latency connectivity. The increasing importance of aircraft data as a monetizable asset is fueling demand for onboard 5G capabilities that support real-time data exchange, performance analytics, and inflight upgrades. Government-backed smart airport programs, regulatory initiatives for U-space and drone traffic integration, and the global transition toward urban air mobility are further expanding the role of 5G in connected aviation ecosystems. Additionally, growing collaboration between telecom operators, aerospace OEMs, and cloud platform providers is enabling integrated solutions that combine connectivity, analytics, and cybersecurity under a single service framework. These dynamics are collectively establishing 5G as a transformative backbone for aviation’s digital future, accelerating its adoption across both civil and commercial airspace applications.

Report Scope

The report analyzes the 5G in Aviation market, presented in terms of market value (US$ Thousand). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.

Segments: Component (Services Component, Software Component, Hardware Component)

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific; Rest of World.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Services Component segment, which is expected to reach US$7.4 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 50.1%. The Software Component segment is also set to grow at 40.8% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $347.7 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 41.9% CAGR to reach $1.8 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global 5G in Aviation Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global 5G in Aviation Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global 5G in Aviation Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Airbus Group SE, Cisco Systems, Inc., Eutelsat Communications SA, Gogo Business Aviation LLC, Honeywell International, Inc. and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Select Competitors (Total 42 Featured):

• Airbus Group SE
• Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Eutelsat Communications SA
• Gogo Business Aviation LLC
• Honeywell International, Inc.
• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
• Inseego Corporation
• Intelsat Corporation
• Nokia Corporation
• Panasonic Avionics Corporation
• Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
• ZTE Corporation

Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025

Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments as of April 2025 and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market outlook.

The analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and opportunities.

What’s Included in This Edition:

• Tariff-adjusted market forecasts by region and segment
• Analysis of cost and supply chain implications by sourcing and trade exposure
• Strategic insights into geographic shifts

Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with:

• Finalized tariff impacts and new trade agreement effects
• Updated projections reflecting global sourcing and cost shifts
• Expanded country-specific coverage across the industry