Global Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market by Fitment Type (Line Fit, Retrofit), by Aircraft Type (Narrow-Body, Regional Jet, Wide-Body) and Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa), Forecast To 2028

Summary of the Report

In 2016, the global Wireless In-Flight Entertainment market was valued at USD 900.7 Million. This market is expected to grow significantly over the next eight year. This growth can be attributed mainly to increasing popularity of wireless connectivity and growing acceptance of Bring your Own Device (BYOD).

The growing preference for personal electronic devices onboard has led to the increasing adoption of wireless connectivity and entertainment services in flight. These services are easily accessible on passengers' personal devices or on airline-provided embedded media interface devices.

Both airlines and passengers can reap the benefits of W-IFE systems installed in their aircraft. These systems can increase revenues for airlines and improve their return on investment. As wireless IFE systems allow airlines to permit passengers to use Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs), which were previously prohibited by regulatory requirements, the regulatory landscape has changed significantly.

In-Flight Entertainment and In-Flight Connectivity (IFC segments) have converged to create many opportunities in the W-IFE area. These range from streaming of live movies and other Audio-Video content (AVODs) in PEDs to streaming live content on portable digital media tablets, complementing the BYOD era.

Connectivity service providers and airlines are increasingly entering into strategic partnerships to provide onboard connectivity and entertainment services. The carriers will be required to install the equipment under the provider's license in their fleet. There is a growing demand for connectivity solutions that enable real-time information sharing during travel.

The industry's regulatory and political environment is crucial as it can either ban or allow operators to offer these services. Many countries, including India, have banned the use of PEDs in transmitting mode, regardless of the phase of a flight. Although the Indian civil aviation authority has prohibited voice communication in flight, certain European airlines allow passengers to use satellite-based technology to make calls.

Aircraft Type Insights

The report focuses on three main types of aircraft: narrow-body, wide body, and regional. In 2016, the narrow-body segment was the dominant market and it is expected to continue its dominance in the future. This segment's growth can be attributed to the growing demand for narrow-body aircraft for short-haul flights. A rising trend in the industry is the adoption of W-IFE systems in both single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft.

Over the forecast period, regional jets will be the fastest-growing segment. Worldwide airlines are upgrading their regional jet fleets with wireless in-flight connectivity (W-IFEC), and PED entertainment systems. To upgrade their systems, airlines are also creating strategic alliances with connectivity providers. American Airlines, Inc. partnered recently with Gogo, Inc. in order to offer in-flight wireless services on its regional aircraft.

Insights on Fitment Types

The report focuses on line fit and retrofit as the two main types of fitment. In 2016, the global retrofit market was worth more than USD 700 million. It is expected to become the dominant segment during the forecast period. For reducing the overall weight and improving the passenger experience, airlines have begun to retrofit wireless inflight systems. This will allow them to increase their profit margins per flight.

Connectivity providers and hardware suppliers are expanding their reach into the line fit market by forging strategic alliances with manufacturers of aircraft to evaluate their systems and offer standardized W-IFE solutions. Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (GEE) has formed a partnership with The Boeing Company to evaluate its satellite-based In-Flight System as a line fit for variants of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Boeing 737 aircraft.

Hardware Insights

The industry can be broadly divided into three segments based on hardware: antennas, wireless access points (WAPs) and modems. The fastest-growing segment of the industry over the forecast period is modems, especially with the emergence next-generation Airborne Internet and Airborne Network systems. ViaSat recently introduced a Ka/Ku antenna that will allow for uninterrupted coverage across the globe beyond North America and Europe. This new antenna was created by ViaSat-2's launch and collaborative satellite partnerships.

As hardware suppliers are now forming partnerships with content delivery providers to position themselves as system integrators, the W-IFE market will offer significant growth opportunities. Major vendors such as Row 44 Corporation or Panasonic Avionics have formed strategic alliances to deliver international content. They also acquire contracts from Live-television service provider.

Technology Insights

The technology industry is divided into four categories: Air-To-Ground, Ku-band and L-band. Due to the rising influence of technology and the flourishing economies of different parts of the globe, the demand for W-IFE equipment is expected to increase rapidly in the forecast period.

To meet the increasing demand for satellite services, airlines are investing more in next-generation High Throughput Satellite technology (HTS). These satellites will replace satellites that are currently serving the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS), broadcast TV, and direct-to home markets.

The development of a highly performing global Ka-band spectrum is a trend that has emerged in military communications over recent decades. It is now being realized by the commercial aviation market. The demand for satellite connectivity and infrastructure will increase as consumer electronics continue to use frequency bandwidth. Ka-band connectivity is expected to support the growth of consumer electronic and thereby enable enhanced flexible cabin capabilities.

Major airlines are now offering BYOD entertainment options to their passengers in order to take advantage of this emerging trend. Canadian airline WestJet recently launched its WestJetConnect Wi-Fi-based wireless IFE platform, while United Airlines launched United Private Screening.

Regional Insights

In 2016, the North American regional market held the largest share in the global W-IFE industry. It is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. The trend towards greater spending on air travel by consumers, particularly for their constant connectivity needs, has led to higher expenditures in North America (especially the U.S.). The U.S. has been positioned as a major regional market.

Asia Pacific will see significant growth in the coming years. It is a profitable market for airlines and a market that has the potential to become a market for PEDs to complement the BYOD trend. In-flight WiFi is becoming more popular among business travelers, especially in Japan and China. Airlines are also looking into W-IFE as a source of new ancillary revenue, since passengers are willing and able to pay for WiFi services.

Market Share Insights & Key Companies

Inmarsat plc. and Panasonic Avionics Corporation are major industry players that have made significant investments in deploying the infrastructure necessary to provide connectivity and content. These investments will help airlines meet passengers' demands for in-flight media efficiently and improve the connectivity experience by creating a digital environment that is very similar to one at home or work.

In the near future, consolidation is expected in this industry. Recent technological advancements and the growing popularity of BYOD are the main drivers of the global market. To increase their market presence and expand product offerings, industry participants are pursuing mergers and acquisitions. Gogo, Inc., BAE Systems PLC, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Rockwell Collins, Inc., SITAOnAir, Thales Group SA are the key players in this global market. Zodiac Aerospace, Lufthansa Systems GmbH, Inflight Dublin, Ltd, Bluebox Avionics Limited are some of the other companies experiencing significant growth.

Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market Report Scope

The report covers segments

This report predicts revenue growth at both the country and global levels. It also provides analysis of industry trends for each sub-segment from 2014 through 2025. Grand View Research divided the global Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market based on aircraft type, fitment type and technology.

• Aircraft Type Outlook (USD million; 2014-2025)

  • Narrow-Body

  • Wide-Body

  • Regional Jet

• Outlook on Fitment Types (USD Million; 2014-2025)

  • Retrofit

  • Line Fit

• Hardware Outlook (USD million; 2014-2025)

  • Antennas

  • WAPs

  • Modems

  • Other

• Technology Outlook (USD million; 2014-2025)

  • ATG

  • Ku-Band

  • L-Band

  • Ka-Band

• Regional Outlook (USD million; 2014-2025)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • The U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

  • Latin America

  • Middle East & Africa

These are the most frequently asked questions about this report

b. Global wireless in-flight entertainment market was valued at USD 1.39 Billion in 2019, and is forecast to grow to USD 1.60 Billion by 2020.

b. Global wireless entertainment market will grow at 16.6% compound annual growth rate between 2020 and 2027, to reach USD 4.70 Billion by 2027.

b. With a 38.3% share in 2019, North America was the dominant market for wireless in-flight entertainment. Higher expenditures in North America has been a result of consumers' tendency to spend more on air travel, particularly for their constant connectivity needs.

b. b.

b. The key factors driving growth in the wireless entertainment market include increasing awareness of wireless connectivity and the growing acceptance of the Bring Your Own Device trend (BYOD). This has complemented the rapid adoption of wireless entertainment and connectivity services.

Up Market Research published a new report titled “Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market research report which is segmented by Fitment Type (Line Fit, Retrofit), by Aircraft Type (Narrow-Body, Regional Jet, Wide-Body), By Players/Companies Lufthansa Systems GmbH, BAE Systems PLC, Gogo, SITAOnAir, Thales Group SA Other companies witnessing significant growth include Zodiac Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, Ltd, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Inflight Dublin, Bluebox Avionics Limited, Inc, Inc”. As per the study the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of XX% in the forecast period.

The report covers comprehensive data on emerging trends, market drivers, growth opportunities, and restraints that can change the market dynamics of the industry. It provides an in-depth analysis of the market segments which include products, applications, and competitor analysis.

Global Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market Report Segments:

The market is segmented by Fitment Type (Line Fit, Retrofit), by Aircraft Type (Narrow-Body, Regional Jet, Wide-Body).

Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report.

Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders:

• Industry drivers, restraints, and opportunities covered in the study
• Neutral perspective on the market performance
• Recent industry trends and developments
• Competitive landscape & strategies of key players
• Potential & niche segments and regions exhibiting promising growth covered
• Historical, current, and projected market size, in terms of value
• In-depth analysis of the Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market

Overview of the regional outlook of the Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market:

Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America region is further bifurcated into countries such as U.S., and Canada. The Europe region is further categorized into U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe. Asia Pacific is further segmented into China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, South East Asia, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Latin America region is further segmented into Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America, and the MEA region is further divided into GCC, Turkey, South Africa, and Rest of MEA.

Highlights of The Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market Report:

1. The market structure and projections for the coming years.
2. Drivers, restraints, opportunities, and current trends of Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market.
3. Historical data and forecast.
4. Estimations for the forecast period 2028.
5. Developments and trends in the market.

                1. Line Fit

                2. Retrofit

                1. Narrow-Body

                2. Regional Jet

                3. Wide-Body

8. Market scenario by region, sub-region, and country.
9. Market share of the market players, company profiles, product specifications, SWOT analysis, and competitive landscape.
10. Analysis regarding upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics.
11. Government Policies, Macro & Micro economic factors are also included in the report.

We have studied the Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market in 360 degrees via. both primary & secondary research methodologies. This helped us in building an understanding of the current market dynamics, supply-demand gap, pricing trends, product preferences, consumer patterns & so on. The findings were further validated through primary research with industry experts & opinion leaders across countries. The data is further compiled & validated through various market estimation & data validation methodologies. Further, we also have our in-house data forecasting model to predict market growth up to 2028.

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Reasons to Purchase the Wireless In-Flight Entertainment Market Report:

• The report includes a plethora of information such as market dynamics scenario and opportunities during the forecast period
• Segments and sub-segments include quantitative, qualitative, value (USD Million,) and volume (Units Million) data.
• Regional, sub-regional, and country level data includes the demand and supply forces along with their influence on the market.
• The competitive landscape comprises share of key players, new developments, and strategies in the last three years.
• Comprehensive companies offering products, relevant financial information, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and strategies by these players.