Aircraft Communication System Industry Size, Share and Trends, 2024–2032
- Rishika Chavan
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global aircraft communication system industry was valued at USD 17.12 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 33.52 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period. The market growth is primarily driven by the increasing need for secure, efficient, and real-time communication between aircraft and ground control, along with rapid advancements in satellite-based communication, software-defined radios (SDR), and high-speed data link technologies.
Market Overview
Aircraft communication systems (ACARS) integrate audio systems, communication radios, tuning units, cockpit voice recorders (CVRs), antennas, and static dischargers to facilitate seamless air-to-ground and in-flight communication. The growing air traffic, stringent safety requirements, and rising adoption of satellite-based navigation and wireless communication systems are boosting demand across both commercial and defense aviation.
The increasing commercialization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) presents additional opportunities. For instance, in April 2019, Honeywell International Inc. extended a contract with OJets to provide in-flight connectivity services for business aircraft, highlighting the rising demand in the UAV segment.
Impact of Geopolitical Tensions
The Russia-Ukraine war has notably influenced the aircraft communication system industry, increasing the emphasis on secure and resilient communication technologies. The conflict disrupted global supply chains, causing delays and higher costs for aviation components, including communication systems. Heightened security requirements have spurred demand for tamper-proof and reliable communication solutions, while restricted airspaces and altered flight routes have necessitated more robust and adaptable infrastructures.
Key Growth Drivers
Increase in Aircraft Deliveries
The rising number of aircraft deliveries is fueling market growth. For example, Airbus planned to deliver 863 commercial jets by 2019, driving procurement of audio integrating systems, antennas, cockpit voice recorders, and static dischargers. In commercial aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 767, multiple antennas are deployed for in-flight broadband communication, enabling reliable connectivity at altitudes up to 50,000 ft.
The growing demand for military helicopters, commercial aviation, and regional jets is also expected to propel the military aircraft communication system market during the forecast period.
Software Defined Radio (SDR) Adoption
SDR technology is transforming aircraft communication systems by providing a software-enabled digital infrastructure. SDR decodes incoming radio signals and enhances the accuracy and efficiency of radio communication, helping pilots receive real-time operational data. The increasing adoption of SDR across commercial and military aviation is a key factor driving market growth.
Restraining Factors
The high development cost of aircraft communication systems is a major challenge. Advanced systems include expensive antennas, communication radios, and audio integration components. Rapid technological changes in aircraft antennas and limited availability of radio spectrum from regulatory authorities may also constrain market growth.
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Market Segmentation
By Component: The antennas segment dominates the aircraft communication system market, driven by the rising need for reliable wireless communication systems in both commercial and defense aviation. Modern antennas, such as the AV-17 RAMI and AV-529 RAMI, support air-to-ground communication as well as in-flight broadband connectivity, enabling seamless data transmission for navigation, weather monitoring, and passenger connectivity. These antennas are designed to withstand high-altitude and high-speed conditions, ensuring uninterrupted communication across long distances. The transponder segment is also expected to grow significantly, particularly ADS-B-enabled transponders, which provide real-time aircraft position data, enhancing safety and air traffic management. Products like uAvionix’s tailBeaconX integrate with EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument Systems) to deliver enhanced situational awareness and ensure compliance with global aviation regulations. Other components, including receivers, transmitters, SDR units, and radio tuning systems, complement the core communication infrastructure, further supporting growth in this segment.
By System: The radio communication system holds the largest market share, accounting for 29.5% in 2023, driven by its widespread adoption across commercial, military, and business aircraft. Radio communication systems, encompassing VHF, HF, and UHF transceivers, facilitate long-range voice communication, essential for air traffic coordination and operational safety. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) segment is projected to grow rapidly, driven by regulatory mandates from authorities such as the FAA and ICAO. The FAA, for instance, proposed extending CVR recording duration to 25 hours for newly manufactured aircraft, necessitating upgrades to existing systems and boosting market demand for advanced CVRs with longer recording capacity and improved durability.
By Connectivity: Satellite communication (SATCOM) is anticipated to witness the fastest growth, fueled by increasing adoption of satellite-based voice and data services in both commercial and military aviation. SATCOM enables aircraft to maintain continuous global connectivity, even over remote or oceanic regions where conventional radio communication is limited. Additionally, VHF, UHF, and L-Band antennas are projected to see strong adoption, supporting in-flight entertainment, data streaming, and line-of-sight communication applications. The integration of Software Defined Radio (SDR) further enhances connectivity by allowing flexible frequency management, modulation, and data rate adjustment in real time.
By Fit Type: The line fit segment dominates due to increasing incorporation of advanced communication systems in newly delivered UAVs, commercial jets, and military aircraft. Line fit installations offer optimal system integration, ensuring maximum performance, reliability, and compliance with aircraft certification standards. The retrofit segment is also witnessing significant growth as airlines and defense operators upgrade legacy systems to next-generation antennas, including 5G-ready and SATCOM-enabled solutions, to meet evolving operational requirements and passenger expectations.
By Platform: Within aircraft platforms, the fixed-wing segment is expected to witness the fastest growth, supported by the rising number of commercial aircraft deliveries globally, including aircraft like the Boeing 787, Airbus A320, and Airbus A380, which employ multiple antennas and radio communication systems for both passenger and operational connectivity. The rotary-wing segment, including military and commercial helicopters, is also expected to grow due to increased deployment of GPS, HF, and VHF antennas for surveillance, reconnaissance, navigation, and communication applications. Enhanced communication capabilities are particularly critical for mission-critical operations in military, search and rescue (SAR), and oil & gas sectors, driving demand for robust, high-performance communication systems.
Regional Insights
North America is expected to hold the largest market share, driven by high air passenger traffic, UAV adoption, and the presence of key industry players such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
Asia Pacific is projected to see significant growth due to the rising utilization of UAVs and 3D-printed aircraft antennas, particularly in China. Airbus forecasts over 7,000 passenger aircraft will be required in the region by 2037.
Europe is estimated to grow rapidly due to increased investments in military UAVs and GPS-enabled helicopters for search and rescue operations.
Middle East & Africa and Latin America are also expected to register steady growth, driven by helicopter usage for oil, gas, and commercial applications.
Key Players
Leading companies in the aircraft communication system market include:
Cobham Plc (U.K.)
General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.)
Thales Group (France)
Harris Corporation (U.S.)
United Technologies Company (U.S.)
Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)
Iridium Communications Inc. (U.S.)
l3harris technologies (U.S.)
Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (U.S.)
Raytheon Company (U.S.)
Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co KG (Germany)
Viasat, Inc. (U.S.)
Cobham Plc, for example, offers a broad portfolio of SATCOM, VHF, and datalink antennas to support reliable communication across helicopters, regional jets, business jets, and wide-body aircraft.
Recent Industry Developments
April 2024: BAE Systems secured a USD 459 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for the supply of hardware, repair services, and technical support for the AN/ARC-231/A Multi-mode Aviation Radio Suite, highlighting ongoing demand for advanced communication solutions in defense aviation.
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