Market Trends of Middle-East and Africa Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the MEA In Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Market according to our research experts:
The Connectivity Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth During the Forecast Period
By product type, the connectivity segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The demand for connectivity has witnessed significant growth during recent years which has led to various passengers prioritizing connectivity over other amenities which are provided to them in-flight. To cater to this demand, the airlines in the Middle East and African region have collaborated with various inflight connectivity providers to integrate their existing systems with LTE technology and satellite communication technology.
Moreover, the airlines in the Middle East and African region are currently focusing on providing passengers with high-speed and reliable connectivity, which is driving the demand in the market in this region. The increasing number of partnerships for better inflight connectivity is helping the growth of the segment. In the present scenario, companies such as Immarsat and Panasonic Corporation are engaged in the providing better connectivity services on board flights in the Middle East and African region. For Instance, in 2022, In-flight entertainment and communication systems company Panasonic Avionics Corporation has announced agreements with both Iraqi Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines. For Iraqi Airways Panasonic will help in providing in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) in the new fleet of 21 narrowbodies and ten widebody aircraft. The aircraft will be line-fitted with Panasonic's X Series IFE solutions and will enter service in October 2022. Thus, such developments will propel the growth of the market in the near future.
The United Arab Emirates is Expected to Witness Significant Growth During the Forecast Period
The United Arab Emirates is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. An increase in the number of fleet modernization plans and higher international passenger traffic to and from the country. The presence of globally renowned airlines, like Emirates and Etihad, which are known to invest highly in passenger amenities, is also helping the growth of the market in the country. These airlines are increasingly collaborating with various global players to provide better IFEC services to passengers. The most prominent inflight entertainment which can be experienced by a passenger onboard an aircraft in the United Arab Emirates is the inflight entertainment system which is known as ICE and is currently being used by Emirates airlines. ICE stands for Information, Communication, and Entertainment. The ICE system features various entertainment content for the passengers ranging from movies, news, music, and podcasts amongst others. By making use of the system, a passenger can check the flight status as well as get a live view of the outside conditions through the external cameras which is fitted on the aircraft. Moreover, a passenger is also able to send messages as well as attend calls while in the air. Moreover, in 2022, Emirates Airways announced that they have invested USD 350 million to equip their 50-strong fleet of Airbus A350 with the next-generation inflight entertainment solutions which are being developed by Thales in order to increase the passenger onboard experiences. Thus, such developments will lead to the marker witnessing significant growth during the forecast period.
