Middle East Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment System - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2017 - 2030

The Middle East Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment System Market size is estimated at USD 189.36 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 250.56 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.78% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Key Highlights

• Narrowbody is the Largest Aircraft Type : A fleet of narrowbody aircraft adds flexibility in terms of fleet management and helps reduce airlines' operating costs, thereby resulting in its rapid adoption. Thus, narrowbody aircraft for long-haul routes are driving the demand for IFE systems.
• Widebody is the Fastest-growing Aircraft Type : Widebody aircraft are primarily designed for long-haul flights. Airlines operating widebody aircraft are adopting IFE systems to keep passengers entertained on long-haul routes. Thus, widebody aircraft dominate the Middle Eastern market.
• Economy and Premium Economy Class is the Largest Cabin Class : The economy and premium economy cabin classes have benefited from the growing emphasis on passenger amenities and comfort and fleet expansion.
• Saudi Arabia is the Largest Country : The country is expected to register a major revenue share during 2023-2029 due to the increasing levels of air transportation and a rising number of commercial aircraft orders from major airlines.

Middle East Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment System Market Trends

Narrowbody is the largest Aircraft Type

• In-flight entertainment has become an integral component of cabin interiors over recent years, playing an increasingly crucial part in defining a passenger's entire flight experience. The widebody segment dominated the deliveries in the region, especially the deliveries across Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, accounting for an overall share of 52% during 2017-2022. The overall passenger aircraft category, including narrowbody and widebody aircraft, witnessed a decline of 30% in 2020. This was due to the restrictions on travel across intercontinental and international routes. The procurement of new aircraft was also affected due to delays by airline companies in adding new aircraft to their fleet sizes.
• In 2022, in terms of cabin class, economy and premium economy accounted for around 92% of the overall IFE systems of all narrowbody aircraft delivered in the region. The adoption of narrowbody aircraft in long-haul routes of many Middle Eastern airlines has increased, thereby increasing the deployment of IFE systems. Emirates, the major airline in the region, is focused on increasing the number of its business-class seats and improving customer experience in the IFE systems segment.
• Economy and premium economy accounted for around 92% of the overall IFE systems of all narrowbody aircraft delivered in 2022. During 2023-2029, around 680 aircraft are anticipated to be delivered to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries. The fleet expansion plans in the region are expected to aid the procurement of both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. These factors will drive the growth of commercial aircraft IFE systems during the forecast period.

Saudi Arabia is the largest Country

• Customer experience is always the top priority for airlines. Passengers must have a positive experience every time they travel. So, to provide the best experience, the regional airlines focus on providing the latest IFE systems that play an increasingly important role in defining the complete passenger experience during their travel.
• The increase in passenger traffic will eventually drive the new aircraft procurements, creating the demand for the aircraft light market. In 2021, air passenger traffic in the whole of the Middle East recorded 302 million, a growth of 249% compared to 2020, and compared to 2019, the growth was 25%. Major countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, account for 55% of the total air passenger traffic in the region. Hence, they are expected to generate a demand for new aircraft compared to other Middle Eastern countries.
• Thales, Safran, and Panasonic are the major players in providing IFE systems in the Middle Eastern market. Major airlines, such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia Arabia Airlines, Etihad Airways, Iran Air, and FlyDubai Airlines are some of the carriers that have opted for the above-mentioned OEMs' IFE systems in their newly delivered aircraft, such as A320, A330s, A321neo, A350s, A380s, Boeing 777s, Boeing 737 MAX 8, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner in all cabin classes. Additionally, these airlines are emphasizing the adoption of 4K screens and OLED displays and increasing the availability of IFE systems to attract new customers and improve their existing services. Innovations and rising customer preferences are some of the factors that are expected to drive the market during the forecast period.

Middle East Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment System Industry Overview

The Middle East Commercial Aircraft In-Flight Entertainment System Market is fairly consolidated, with the top five companies occupying 71.52%. The major players in this market are Burrana, IMAGIK International Corp., Latecoere, Panasonic Avionics Corporation and Thales Group (sorted alphabetically).

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