The global commercial aircraft inflight entertainment and connectivity system market was valued at USD 7.05 billion in 2025, with growth accelerating rapidly across all major regions.
The market is forecast to rise from USD 7.60 billion in 2026 to USD 11.09 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate of 7.85% over the forecast period.
Fleet expansion, premium cabin modernization, high-speed satellite connectivity and rising passenger expectations for seamless digital access are the primary forces driving that expansion.
Singapore Airlines has committed to a multiyear retrofit of 41 Airbus A350 aircraft, covering KrisWorld upgrades, new seating, premium economy enhancements and revised first-class suites.
Emirates is advancing its USD 5 billion Airbus A380 retrofit program across 219 aircraft, including premium economy cabins equipped with 13.3-inch inflight entertainment displays.
These flagship programs reflect a broader industry shift in which advanced cabin technology has become central to protecting premium positioning on long-haul, high-yield routes.
Asia-Pacific, which represents 34.50% of global revenue passenger kilometers, is forecast to be the fastest-growing region with a 10.34% CAGR through 2031, supported by major fleet orders.
AirAsia X placed a firm order for 150 Airbus A220 aircraft in May 2026 with deliveries scheduled from 2028, while Vietnam Airlines finalized an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in February 2026.
Seat-back inflight entertainment and connectivity accounted for 52.88% of market revenue in 2025, with Panasonic Avionics (OTC: PCRFY) reporting that its Astrova platform had secured 100 airline programs across 30 carriers by year-end.
Saudia subsequently introduced the Astrova platform on its Airbus A321XLR fleet, underlining growing demand for embedded systems on long-range narrowbody aircraft.
Thales Group reported that its FlytEDGE Aura platform is more than 30% lighter than its previous generation, addressing weight and cost pressures that have long challenged seat-back system adoption.
Installation expenses for embedded seat-back systems can reach approximately USD 10,000 per seat before content licensing and lifecycle maintenance costs are factored in.
Wireless and passenger-device entertainment is projected to record a 10.41% CAGR through 2031, making it the fastest-growing system category in the entire market.
Vueling has deployed Viasat-powered entertainment across more than half of its fleet, while Burrana reported selections for its RISE Power platform covering more than 880 aircraft worldwide.
Narrowbody aircraft represented 49.35% of the market in 2025, while regional jets are forecast to post the fastest aircraft-type growth rate at a 10.92% CAGR through 2031.
Intelsat’s multi-orbit electronically steered antenna had been installed on more than 100 regional jets by early 2025, with Embraer offering the system as a line-fit option on its E2 aircraft.
North America held the largest regional market share at 30.88% in 2025, with American Airlines introducing complimentary Wi-Fi across more than two million annual flights from January 2026.
American Airlines deployed that service using Viasat and Intelsat systems across approximately 90% of its fleet, with Delta and United also contributing to the shift toward free, high-speed onboard connectivity.
In Europe, Lufthansa, SAS and Virgin Atlantic have confirmed connectivity partnerships, while Middle Eastern growth is anchored by major investment programs at Emirates, Etihad and Saudia.
Key players profiled across the competitive landscape include Panasonic Holdings Corporation, Thales Group (EPA: HO), Safran SA (EPA: SAF), RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX), Burrana, Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), Viasat and Gogo, among others.
