Aircraft Communication System Market Insights, Growth, Size, Share and Forecast, 2024–2032
- Rishika Chavan
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global aircraft communication system market was valued at USD 17.12 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 33.52 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period. North America dominated the market in 2023, accounting for 33.08% of the share.
The market is witnessing steady growth due to increasing adoption of advanced technologies in aviation, ensuring efficient, secure, and real-time communication between aircraft and ground stations. For instance, Airborne Wireless Network (AWN) is developing high-speed communication systems to provide cost-effective broadband connectivity to aircraft, highlighting industry innovations driving market expansion.
Growth Factors
Increase in Aircraft Deliveries:
The growing demand for commercial and military aircraft is boosting procurement of communication systems, including audio integrating systems, antennas, cockpit voice recorders, and static dischargers. For example, the AV-530 aircraft antenna is widely used for in-flight broadband communication, supporting high-altitude operations up to 50,000 ft. Military UAV programs and next-generation fighter aircraft initiatives are further propelling market growth.
Adoption of Software Defined Radio (SDR):
SDR enables digital radio communication over aircraft computing platforms, improving operational efficiency. It decodes radio signals, provides precise aircraft data, and enhances communication systems in both commercial and military aviation. The rising deployment of SDR solutions is expected to significantly boost market growth.
Restraining Factors
High Development Costs:
Building robust aircraft communication systems involves substantial investment in advanced antennas, radios, and audio integration systems. Rapid technological advancements require frequent upgrades, and limited availability of government-regulated radio spectrum poses additional challenges for market expansion.
Market Trends
Airborne Wireless Network (AWN) Technologies:
AWN is creating airborne broadband mesh networks by connecting multiple aircraft, forming a digital communication superhighway in the sky. This innovation supports real-time data sharing and enhances flight operations.
5G High-Speed In-flight Connectivity:
The increasing demand for high-speed internet onboard aircraft, supported by Ku-band antennas, is a key market trend. Airlines like American Airlines leverage satellite-based Gogo 2Ku systems to provide live TV and internet access, enhancing passenger experience.
Information Source:
Market Segmentation
By Component: The antenna segment is the dominant and fastest-growing component in the aircraft communication system market, widely used for air-to-ground and in-flight communication, with examples including the AV-17 RAMI and AV-529 RAMI antennas. Transponders are also experiencing significant growth, driven by ADS-B technology that enables real-time aircraft position tracking, such as uAvionix’s tailBeaconX Mode S ES ADS-B OUT transponder for UAVs and general aviation aircraft. Other components, including receivers, transmitters, transceivers, displays and processors, radio tuning units, and software-defined radio (SDR) systems, play an essential role in supporting modern aircraft communication operations.
By System: The radio communication segment holds the largest share, as it is critical for both commercial and military aviation, encompassing VHF and HF transceivers. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) segment is growing due to stricter ICAO regulations, with the FAA proposing to extend recording time to 25 hours for newly manufactured aircraft. Passenger address and interphone systems are witnessing increased adoption in commercial and military aircraft, further supporting market growth.
By Connectivity: SATCOM is the fastest-growing and largest connectivity segment, fueled by the adoption of satellite-based voice and data services. The VHF/UHF/L Band segment is also expanding, driven by in-flight TV broadcasting and line-of-sight communication applications, while HF communication continues to support long-range aircraft communication needs.
By Fit Type: The line fit segment dominates the market, largely due to the rising deliveries of UAVs and commercial aircraft. The retrofit segment is expected to grow steadily, driven by upgrades to next-generation antennas and communication systems, including the introduction of 5G-enabled solutions.
By Platform: Fixed-wing aircraft represent the fastest-growing segment, driven by commercial aircraft deliveries such as the Boeing 787, Airbus A320, and Airbus A380. The rotary-wing segment, including military and commercial helicopters, is supported by the increasing deployment of GPS, HF, and VHF antennas. Meanwhile, UAVs are seeing growing adoption across surveillance, defense, and commercial applications, further contributing to market expansion.
Regional Insights
North America: Largest market, valued at USD 5.26 billion in 2023, supported by increasing air traffic and UAV adoption.
Asia Pacific: Fastest-growing region, driven by UAV utilization, 3D-printed antennas, and government-backed aviation programs.
Europe: Growth fueled by military UAV investments and GPS-enabled SAR operations.
Middle East & Africa and Latin America: Expanding use of helicopters for commercial and oil & gas exploration applications.
Key Players
Leading companies focus on technological innovations, strategic contracts, and partnerships to maintain competitiveness:
Cobham Plc
General Dynamics Corporation
Thales Group
Harris Corporation
Honeywell International Inc.
Iridium Communications Inc.
L3 Technologies, Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Raytheon Company
Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co KG
United Technologies Company
Viasat, Inc.
Recent Developments
April 2024: BAE Systems secured a USD 459 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for hardware, repair, and technical support for the AN/ARC-231/A Multi-mode Aviation Radio Suite.
April 2024: Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) announced adoption of a modular aircraft with advanced secure communication and mission planning capabilities.
Report Coverage
The report provides:
Comprehensive insights on market trends, drivers, and restraints.
Detailed analysis of components, systems, connectivity, fit type, and platforms.
Evaluation of competitive landscape including mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships.
SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces assessment.
Regional and global market forecasts from 2024 to 2032.
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