PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 2161008
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 2161008
In-flight internet refers to the communication infrastructure that provides internet connectivity on aircraft through integrated airborne and ground- or satellite-based network systems. It enables continuous data transmission between aircraft and external communication networks, supporting onboard digital connectivity and communication capabilities.
The primary components of in-flight internet include antennas, wireless access points, modems, routers, network control units, and servers. Antennas refer to communication devices installed on aircraft to transmit and receive wireless signals, enabling connectivity between aircraft and ground or satellite networks. These systems are offered through free Wi-Fi, paid Wi-Fi, and premium paid Wi-Fi service models and utilize air-to-ground, satellite-based, and hybrid technologies. They provide high-speed, standard, and low-bandwidth connectivity and serve end uses including commercial aircraft, business jets, and military aircraft.
Tariffs are influencing the in-flight internet market by increasing the cost of imported aviation antennas, wireless access points, network controllers, modems, routers, and semiconductor-based connectivity equipment required for aircraft internet infrastructure. This is raising deployment and equipment expenses across commercial and military aviation, particularly in regions dependent on imported telecommunications and aerospace electronics, including Asia-Pacific and other emerging aviation markets. Hardware-intensive segments such as antennas, wireless access points, modems, and routers are most affected because of their reliance on global electronics supply chains. However, tariffs are also encouraging regional sourcing, domestic production of connectivity equipment, supplier diversification, and increased investment in localized aviation communication infrastructure, improving long-term supply chain resilience.
The in-flight internet market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides in-flight internet market statistics, including in-flight internet industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a in-flight internet market share, detailed in-flight internet market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the in-flight internet industry. This in-flight internet 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.
The in-flight internet market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.63 billion in 2025 to $1.78 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to growing passenger demand for onboard internet connectivity, increasing deployment of satellite-based aircraft communication systems, rising airline investment in connectivity infrastructure, expanding adoption of wireless aircraft networking equipment, and increasing demand for real-time airborne data transmission.
The in-flight internet market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.51 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0%. The growth during the forecast period can be attributed to rising adoption of 5G air-to-ground connectivity, increasing deployment of multi-orbit satellite systems, growing demand for higher onboard data capacity, expanding integration of hybrid connectivity architectures, and increasing demand for seamless global aircraft internet coverage. Major trends during the forecast period include increasing adoption of high-speed in-flight internet connectivity, growing deployment of multi-orbit satellite connectivity systems, rising adoption of 5G air-to-ground connectivity, increasing integration of hybrid air-to-ground and satellite systems, and growing demand for continuous and reliable aircraft internet connectivity.
The increasing air traffic volume is expected to drive the growth of the in-flight internet market going forward. Air traffic volume refers to the total number of flights, passengers, or cargo movements handled by the aviation system over a specific period, reflecting the overall level of air transportation activity. Air traffic volume is increasing due to growing global tourism and business travel, as rising disposable incomes and economic development enable more individuals and organizations to use air transportation for domestic and international journeys. The increase in air traffic volume supports the growth of in-flight Internet services by generating greater demand for dependable onboard connectivity, as more air travelers expect seamless internet access for communication, entertainment, and work during flights. For instance, in October 2024, according to the Department of Transportation, a US-based government department, 647,205 flights were operated in August 2024, representing a 2.61% increase from 630,761 flights in August 2023. Therefore, the increasing air traffic volume is driving the growth of the in-flight internet market.
Major companies operating in the in-flight internet market are focusing on expanding high-speed onboard connectivity services to enhance passenger experience, enable seamless streaming, and strengthen digital travel capabilities. High-speed onboard connectivity provides passengers and crew with fast and reliable internet access during flights through satellite or air-to-ground networks, enabling uninterrupted communication, streaming, and online activities. For instance, in August 2025, All Nippon Airways (ANA), a Japan-based airline, launched complimentary high-speed in-flight internet services for passengers across all classes on select international routes using Viasat's next-generation connectivity platform. The service enables video streaming and ground-like internet performance from boarding through landing, with ANA planning to expand the offering to additional aircraft and equip more than 80% of its international fleet with free high-speed Wi-Fi by the end of 2030.
In July 2025, SES S.A., a Luxembourg-based satellite communications company, acquired Intelsat Holdings S.a r.l. for $3.1 billion (€2.8 billion). Through this acquisition, SES S.A. aimed to strengthen its global multi-orbit connectivity capabilities, expand its satellite network portfolio, and enhance its ability to deliver integrated connectivity solutions across government, aviation, maritime, and enterprise sectors. Intelsat Holdings S.a r.l. is a Luxembourg-based satellite communications company that provides in-flight internet connectivity and other satellite-enabled network services for commercial airlines, governments, and enterprises.
Major companies operating in the in-flight internet market are Airbus SE, Honeywell International Inc, Safran SA, Thales SA, SES SA, Viasat Inc, Eutelsat Group SA, Kontron AG, Panasonic Holdings Corporation, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc, Anuvu Operations LLC, Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd, Gogo Inc, Astronics Corporation, Kymeta Corporation, EchoStar Corporation, ThinKom Solutions Inc, Intellian Technologies Inc, Get SAT Ltd, SkyFive AG, Moment SAS, Space Exploration Technologies Corp, RTX Corporation, SITA NV
North America was the dominating region in the in-flight internet market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the rapidly growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the in-flight internet market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the in-flight internet market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The in-flight internet market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as internet access management, network authentication services, bandwidth management, and connectivity subscription services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The in-flight internet market also includes sales of satellite communication (SATCOM) terminals, cabin network gateways, passenger connectivity portals, and bandwidth management systems. 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.
In-Flight Internet Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses in-flight internet market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for in-flight internet? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The in-flight internet market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
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