5G in Aviation Market Outlook, Key Trends, Growth Opportunities, 2021–2028

According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global 5G in aviation market size was valued at USD 0.35 billion in 2020. The market is projected to grow from USD 0.54 billion in 2021 to USD 9.92 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 47.03% during the forecast period 2021–2028.

5G in aviation represents a fundamental transformation in wireless communication infrastructure, enabling rapid data transfer across the aviation ecosystem. It replaces legacy 4G LTE systems and supports next-generation applications including IoT, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR), thus opening new growth avenues for digital aviation.

Competitive Landscape

The 5G in aviation market is highly competitive with leading players focusing on partnerships, R&D, and innovation. These players are also expanding their service offerings and investing in large-scale deployments to gain a strategic edge.

Key Companies Covered:

• AeroMobile Communications Limited (U.K.)

• Cisco Systems Inc. (U.S.)

• Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Sweden)

• ANUVU Inc. (U.S.)

• Gogo LLC (U.S.)

• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (China)

• Inseego Corp. (U.S.)

• Intelsat Corporation (U.S.)

• Nokia Corporation (Finland)

• OneWeb Ltd (U.K.)

• Panasonic Avionics Corporation (U.S.)

• SmartSky Networks LLC (U.S.)

These companies are leveraging joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and long-term contracts to expand their 5G solutions across aviation platforms.

Source:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/5g-in-aviation-market-101778

Key Market Drivers

1. Surging Demand for High-Speed Connectivity

The growing requirement for faster internet access in both airport and in-flight environments is a primary driver. 5G offers ultra-low latency and high throughput, allowing passengers to enjoy real-time streaming and seamless communication while enabling operational efficiency for airlines and airports.

2. Integration of IoT, AR/VR, and Smart Operations

The rapid adoption of aviation IoT, coupled with innovations in AR/VR, is driving the demand for 5G-enabled infrastructure. This includes intelligent air traffic management, real-time aircraft health monitoring, and optimized ground operations.

3. Modernization of Air Traffic Control Systems

The integration of 5G into NextGen air traffic systems ensures enhanced aircraft safety, secure communication, and better coordination between aircraft and ground control.

Market Restraints

Despite its potential, several factors are restraining market growth:

• High Infrastructure Development Cost: Deploying 5G requires significant capital investment in hardware, base stations, and small cells.

• Spectrum Allocation Challenges: Regulatory hurdles and spectrum availability delays affect large-scale deployment.

• Dependence on 4G Infrastructure: Non-standalone 5G networks still rely on existing 4G systems, limiting full performance capabilities.Market Segmentation

• By Platform:
  The market is divided into 5G Airports and 5G Aircraft. The 5G Airports segment leads the market due to the rising demand for high-speed internet connectivity at terminals and in passenger waiting zones. Airports are increasingly adopting 5G to enhance digital services such as real-time flight updates, check-in automation, and passenger engagement. In contrast, the 5G Aircraft segment is focused on enabling advanced in-flight entertainment systems and seamless real-time communication between onboard systems and ground stations, improving both customer experience and flight safety.

• By Technology:
  The key technologies include Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). Among these, eMBB holds the largest market share, driven by its ability to deliver high-speed data for real-time services and entertainment. mMTC supports massive IoT connectivity, ideal for tracking, monitoring, and automation within aviation systems. URLLC is crucial for applications that demand ultra-low latency and high reliability, such as autonomous navigation and remote piloting. FWA provides fixed internet access, especially useful in airport infrastructure.

• By Communication Infrastructure:
  The market is segmented into Small Cell, Radio Access Network (RAN), and Distributed Antenna System (DAS). Small Cell dominates this segment due to its ability to offer efficient, low-power, and seamless 5G coverage in densely populated areas like terminals and aircraft cabins. RAN enables access to 5G radio signals and forms the core of wireless communication infrastructure. DAS supports the distribution of 5G signals across wide airport and aircraft interiors, ensuring consistent connectivity.

• By 5G Services:
  The services are bifurcated into Airport Operations and Aircraft Operations. Airport Operations is the fastest-growing segment, driven by the integration of 5G technologies in baggage handling, security checkpoints, passenger flow management, and smart building systems. These applications enhance operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. Aircraft Operations, on the other hand, benefit from 5G’s low latency and high reliability, supporting real-time flight data exchange, predictive maintenance, and connected cockpit technologies.

Regional Insights

• North America dominates the global market due to robust aviation infrastructure, rising air travel demand, and rapid 5G deployment.

• Asia Pacific is the second-largest market and is witnessing significant growth due to infrastructure investments in countries like China, India, and Japan.

Industry Development

May 2021 — ANUVU Inc. signed a definitive agreement with Breeze Airways to supply Wireless In-Flight Entertainment (W-IFE) services using its IRIS and Airconnect IFE Pro systems for E195 and E190 aircraft.