Market Analysis
Connected aircraft systems provide in-flight entertainment to air passengers by offering high-quality audio and video content along with games and flight information. These systems also provide real-time weather information to passengers and enable them to stream audio, video, and other content online by providing in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity. Rising air passenger traffic and growing integration of in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems are expected to drive the growth of the market. Furthermore, increasing investment by prominent airlines to ensure an enhanced in-flight experience is also expected to drive the market growth. For instance, Vietnam Airlines is investing in advanced in-flight entertainment systems with an aim to offer an improved traveling experience to passengers. The same airlines, in September 2018, collaborated with Thales Group; under this collaboration, the latter provided its AVANT IFE for the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, to the airlines. Additionally, the growing trend of “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) along with the introduction of smart aircraft cabins are expected to drive the market growth during the review period. However, issues related to cybersecurity and inconsistency of traditional data connection might limit the growth of the market.

Market Segmentation
The connected aircraft market, based on type, has been segmented into systems and solutions. The systems segment has been sub-segmented into satellite communication systems, data management systems, and others, whereas, the solutions segment has been categorized as fuel monitoring, flight management, electronic flight bags, aircraft monitoring & communication, passenger & crew connectivity, and others. The connected aircraft market, based on application, has been segmented into military and commercial. Based on aircraft type, the market has been divided into fixed-wing and rotary-wing. By connectivity, the global connected aircraft has been segmented into in-flight, air-to-ground, and aircraft-to-aircraft. Furthermore, by frequency band, the global market has been categorized as Ka-band, Ku-band, and L-band. The Ku band segment dominated the market in 2018 and was valued at USD 2,461.0 million.

Regional Analysis
The global connected aircraft market, based on region, has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. The US dominated the global market in 2018. Factors such as the presence of advanced technology and prominent companies such as Honeywell International, Inc., IBM Corporation, and Viasat, Inc. are expected to drive the market growth in the country. The market in Europe is expected to grow at a steady pace owing to increasing investment by companies such as Thales Group and SITA in R&D to create enhanced network solutions for connected aircraft.

Whereas, the market in Asia-Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the review period. Factors such as rising air passenger traffic in countries such as China and India and increasing investment made by prominent companies such as Honeywell International, Inc. in the region are expected to drive the market growth in the region. For instance, in May 2019, Honeywell International, Inc. launched the JetWave satellite communications system for Chinese airlines. The market in the Middle East & Africa is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities owing to the presence of airlines such as the Emirates Group and Etihad Airways. In Latin America, market growth is significantly driven by countries such as Brazil. The growing demand for new aircraft in the region to cater to the rising air passenger traffic is expected to drive the connected aircraft market during the forecast period.

Major players
The prominent players in the global connected aircraft market are- Airbus SAS (Netherlands), BAE Systems (UK), Cobham PLC (UK), Gogo Inc. (US), Honeywell International Inc. (US), Inmarsat PLC (UK), Panasonic Avionics Corporation (US), S&T AG (Austria), SITA (Switzerland), and Thales Group (France). The other prominent players operating the global connected aircraft market include Apple Aviation (UK), Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (US), IBM Corporation (US), Spafax Group (UK), and Viasat Inc. (US). These players follow product development, mergers, innovation, and acquisitions as a part of their growth strategies to stay relevant in the competitive market.