Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity Space Market Report 2026

The inflight entertainment and connectivity space market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $7.26 billion in 2025 to $7.87 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing demand for enhanced passenger experience, growth in long-haul and premium air travel, advancements in onboard audio and video systems, early adoption of in-flight internet connectivity, rising airline investments in cabin entertainment infrastructure.

The inflight entertainment and connectivity space market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $10.81 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion of wireless streaming and smart cabin technologies, integration of high-speed satellite-based internet services, development of personalized and interactive entertainment content, rising adoption of gaming and e-library platforms onboard, focus on seamless connectivity and real-time communication for passengers. Major trends in the forecast period include integration of 5g and next-generation networks, expansion of wireless streaming devices in aircraft, enhanced interactive gaming and content delivery, growth of aftermarket ifec upgrades, adoption of smart cabin technologies.

The rising passenger traffic is expected to drive the growth of the in-flight entertainment and connectivity spaces market. Passenger traffic refers to the total number of individuals traveling through an airport, including both arrivals and departures. The increase in passenger traffic is driven by factors such as a growing global population, rising disposable incomes, and the expansion of affordable air travel options, leading to greater demand for transportation services. In-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions enhance the overall passenger experience by providing seamless access to entertainment, communication, and productivity tools during flights, which helps attract more travelers and boosts overall airline traffic. For example, in September 2024, the Airports Council International, a Canada-based trade association, reported that global passenger traffic in 2023 reached 8.7 billion, reflecting a 30.6% increase compared to 2022. Consequently, the growing passenger traffic is fueling the expansion of the in-flight entertainment and connectivity spaces market.

Leading companies in the market are introducing innovative solutions such as wireless in-flight entertainment to improve the passenger experience by offering more personalized, flexible, and seamless entertainment options. Wireless in-flight entertainment enables passengers to access entertainment content and connectivity services on their personal devices during a flight. For instance, in August 2024, Air India, an India-based airline, launched Vista, a new wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) service. This service allows passengers to stream a variety of content, including Bollywood and Hollywood movies, music, and documentaries, directly to their personal devices, while also featuring live flight tracking to enhance the travel experience.

In December 2024, Gogo Inc., a US-based internet company, acquired Satcom Direct Inc. for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Gogo aims to strengthen its in-flight connectivity capabilities and expand its presence in the in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) market. Satcom Direct Inc., an Australia-based company, provides secure connectivity solutions that support IFEC systems for aviation, further enhancing Gogo’s offerings in this sector.

Major companies operating in the inflight entertainment and connectivity space market are Airbus SE, Honeywell International Inc., Collins Aerospace Systems, Lufthansa Systems GmbH & Co. KG, Thales SA, Viasat Inc., Sita, Iridium Communications Inc., Inmarsat Group Holdings Limited, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Astronics Corporation, Gogo Business Aviation, Anuvu Inc., AERQ, Inflight Dublin Limited, Soft Space Sdn Bhd, Bluebox Aviation Systems Ltd., Safran SA, Skycast Solutions Inc., Moment Tech Limited.

North America was the largest region in the inflight entrainment and connectivity space market in 2025. The regions covered in the inflight entertainment and connectivity space market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on high-performance electronics, satellite communication equipment, and networking components have increased manufacturing and deployment costs for IFEC systems, particularly affecting hardware and connectivity segments in regions reliant on imports such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Airlines and OEMs face delays in upgrading fleets, while aftermarket service providers experience higher component costs. However, tariffs are also incentivizing domestic production of key IFEC components and fostering investment in cost-efficient and localized manufacturing solutions, supporting long-term resilience and innovation in the market.

The inflight entertainment and connectivity space market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides inflight entertainment and connectivity space market statistics, including the inflight entertainment and connectivity space industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the inflight entertainment and connectivity space market share, detailed inflight entertainment and connectivity space market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the inflight entertainment and connectivity space industry. This inflight entertainment and connectivity space market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

In-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) encompass a range of services and technologies designed to enhance the passenger experience by providing entertainment options and internet connectivity during air travel. These features ensure convenience, engagement, and seamless access to digital content throughout the flight.

The key components of IFEC include hardware, content, and connectivity. IFEC hardware consists of physical devices such as seatback screens, wireless access points, and onboard servers that enable entertainment and internet services. Connectivity types include satellite connectivity and air-to-ground connectivity. IFEC is implemented across various aircraft types, including narrow-body aircraft, wide-body aircraft, and business jets, serving end users such as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket sector.

The countries covered in the inflight entertainment and connectivity space market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The inflight entertainment and connectivity space market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as audio entertainment, video-on-demand, internet access, real-time communication, games, and e-library services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The inflight entertainment and connectivity space market also includes sales of wireless streaming systems, gaming consoles, smart cabins, Wi-Fi systems, and modems and routers. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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