Connected Aircraft Market Report 2026

The connected aircraft market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $9.11 billion in 2025 to $10.53 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising adoption of satellite-based connectivity to enable continuous aircraft-ground communication, increased deployment of onboard hardware and applications supporting real-time operational data exchange, growth in demand for enhanced passenger connectivity and in-flight digital services, advancements in airborne communication systems improving safety and situational awareness, expansion of airline investments in connected solutions to optimize fuel use and flight efficiency.

The connected aircraft market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $17.94 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing integration of next-generation broadband satellite networks enabling higher data throughput, increasing adoption of predictive analytics and connected aircraft platforms for real-time fleet management, expansion of digital ecosystems linking ground operations with airborne systems for seamless command and control, rising demand for cyber-secure communication architectures to protect aviation data flows, development of AI-enabled on-board applications enhancing operational decision-making and passenger experience. Major trends in the forecast period include integration of real-time flight analytics, enhanced in-flight passenger connectivity solutions, predictive maintenance using connected sensors, aircraft-to-ground communication optimization, cloud-based fleet management solutions.

An increase in air passenger travel is anticipated to drive the growth of the connected aircraft market going forward. Air travel refers to the act of boarding an aircraft to move from one place to another using any type of flying vehicle. The rise in air passenger travel is leading airline companies to expand their fleets by adding more aircraft to meet passenger needs. For example, in November 2024, according to Eurostat, a Luxembourg-based statistical office of the European Union (EU), air travel in the EU grew significantly in 2023, reaching 973 million passengers, a 19.3% increase compared to 2022. Therefore, the rise in air passenger travel is supporting the growth of the connected aircraft market.

Major companies operating in the connected aircraft market are concentrating on developing advanced product features such as avionics-connectivity datalink systems to improve operational efficiency and enhance the experience of aircraft owners or operators. Avionics-connectivity datalink systems allow an aircraft to communicate wirelessly through cellular (4G LTE) or Wi-Fi networks with ground systems or cloud services, automating data downloads, enabling remote monitoring of systems and logs, and minimizing the need for manual updates. For instance, in July 2023, Garmin, a US-based technology company, introduced PlaneSync for retrofit installations, featuring a 4G LTE or Wi-Fi connection through its new GDL 60 datalink. This system supports automatic database downloads to the aircraft, remote monitoring of aircraft system status via the Garmin Pilot app or D2 Mach 1 smartwatch, and compatibility with its GTN Xi navigators, TXi flight displays, and GI 275 electronic flight instruments. It also includes a feature (available in early 2024) that automatically sends engine and flight-log data to secure cloud storage after landing, thereby simplifying pre-flight and post-flight processes for owners or operators.

In May 2023, Viasat Inc., a US-based communications firm known for its satellite internet services, networking systems, and secure communications, acquired Inmarsat for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition allows Viasat Inc. to improve its satellite communication capabilities and enhance inflight connectivity services for both commercial and military aircraft. Inmarsat is a UK-based mobile satellite communication company that offers connected aircraft services.

Major companies operating in the connected aircraft market are Honeywell International Inc., Gogo Inc., Thales Group, Inmarsat PLC, Collins Aerospace, Viasat Inc., BAE Systems PLC, The Boeing Company, Airbus SE, Bombardier Aviation, Kontron AG, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Nelco Ltd., Eutelsat S.A., Zodiac Aerospace, L3Harris Technologies, Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques, Global Eagle Entertainment Inc., Cobham Aerospace Communications, Astronics Corporation, SmartSky Networks LLC, Intelsat S.A., Iridium Communications Inc., AeroVironment Inc., Avionica Inc., Satcom Direct Inc., Airspan Networks Inc., Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., Phasor Inc.

North America was the largest region in the connected aircraft market in 2025. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the connected aircraft market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the connected aircraft 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 have influenced the connected aircraft market by raising costs for imported satellite communication components, avionics hardware, and connectivity modules, particularly impacting North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions. This has led to delays in adoption for commercial and military applications. On the positive side, tariffs are encouraging domestic production, incentivizing investment in localized R&D, and promoting development of cost-effective connected aircraft solutions.

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

Connected aircraft refers to solutions designed to transform modern aviation by integrating satellite components, airplane hardware, airtime connectivity, and on- and off-board apps and services. This integration aims to alter the way people communicate in aviation, providing seamless connections between the aircraft and the ground, increasing flight efficiency, safety, and enhancing the passenger experience.

The primary types of connected aircraft include systems and solutions. Systems support operations such as data management and satellite communication. In the connected aircraft market, systems refer to electronic devices serving various purposes, including bringing fuel, air, and ignition together in an aircraft engine for combustion. These systems encompass basic tracking devices, installed communication devices, and high-capacity multitasking systems. Connectivity types include inflight connectivity, air-to-air connectivity, and air-to-ground connectivity, utilizing frequency bands such as Ka-band, Ku-band, and L-band. These technologies find applications in both commercial and military contexts.

The countries covered in the connected aircraft market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The market includes revenues earned by entities providing real-time information, ground and airborne command information, controlled communication services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

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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