5G in Aviation Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis, By Technology, By Aircraft Type (Commercial Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, Business Jets, Cargo Aircraft, Military & Government Aircraft, and UAS & UAM), By Application, By End-Use, and By Region, Forecast 2025-2032

5G in Aviation Market Overview and Key Insights:

5G in aviation market size reached USD 2,667.1 Million in 2024 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 38.4% during the forecast period. The introduction of 5G technology promises to transform numerous industries, including aviation. 5G technology, which offers substantially faster data speeds, reduced latency, and more dependable connections than previous generations, has the potential to improve a variety of aviation processes.

Market Drivers:

Rising demand for seamless connectivity is a key driver of revenue growth in 5G in aviation market. With fast data transfer speeds, low latency, increased security, high dependability, and support for many endpoints, private 5G networks can serve a wide range of terminal applications, from real-time baggage tracking to security surveillance. Because of the increased effort to integrate real-time communication over cellular networks to deliver voice, video, and data capabilities to the airport value chain, airports demand a solution that can fulfill diversified, data-intensive needs.

Network functionality and availability have substantially improved in the 5G era, particularly when using a private network. Today’s private 5G solutions enable operators to assign capacity, coverage, and quality in a strategic and secure manner, as well as prioritize certain devices and applications for network communication. Operators, for example, can add features that help them quickly allocate the proper assignment to the right individual or team based on abilities, availability, and location.

On August 2024, Gogo Business Aviation has formed a partnership with Skyservice Business Aviation, a North American business aviation leader, to develop Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Gogo 5G on six aircraft models. Gogo 5G will provide North American operators with improved air-to-ground (ATG) inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC), supported by a network of over 159 sites.

Market Opportunity:

Emergence of satellite-enabled 5G acts as opportunities for 5G in aviation market. The satellite sector is seeing a seismic upheaval as 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) emerge, a game-changing technology that seamlessly integrates satellite communications into the global telecommunications ecosystem. This is extremely appealing to industries such as aviation, where enabling network compatibility broadens global connectivity options, and standardized hardware reduces terminal development complexity and may eliminate the need for multiple communications devices on a single aircraft.

According to a GSMA estimate, 5G will have 1.5 billion customers by the end of 2023, with the figure expected to rise further. The appeal of 5G stems from its ability to serve a diverse range of IoT and digital use cases, propelling the next wave of technological upheaval, most likely powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI).</span></span> The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken the lead in assuring the safe integration of 5G technology while maintaining airplane safety systems.

On December 2024, ESA and Telesat successfully connected a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite to the ground using 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology in the Ka-band frequency range, taking a significant step toward making space-based connectivity as simple as using a mobile phone. This development opens up previously unattainable possibilities, as the combination of low-flying satellites and standardised 5G technology enables real-time, interactive connectivity. There are numerous possible uses, ranging from improving remote telemedicine services to driverless vehicles, disaster response team connectivity, and in-flight internet services.

Recent Trends:

Emerging trends include integration of 5G for connected aircraft operations, smart airports and digital ground operations, edge computing and real-time data analytics, satellite–5G hybrid connectivity, and private 5G networks for aviation facilities.

Airports are becoming digital ecosystems, with rising passenger loads, tougher security standards, and a growing reliance on data-driven operations, the aviation industry is adopting private 5G and LTE networks to update its infrastructure. Private 5G reduces aircraft turnaround times by enhancing the quality and consistency of communication amongst ground crew. Every step, from landing to take off, can now be planned more effectively. Real-time monitoring and automation improve baggage handling reliability, dramatically reducing the likelihood of lost or delayed bags.

Private 5G is accelerating airport automation and innovation by enabling the deployment of AGVs/AMRs for operations such as passenger transportation, luggage handling, airport cleaning, and other critical services, decreasing the need for manual labour. The technology also enables augmented reality applications for passenger assistance, staff training, and maintenance activities.

On June 2025, Croatia’s Hrvatski Telekom announced the development of a smart airport project with private 5G networks in collaboration with Markoja, a local provider of network and infrastructure solutions for fixed and mobile communications, the airports of Zagreb, Zadar, and Pula, and Zagreb University’s faculty of transport and traffic sciences. The project, called NextGen 5G Airports, aims to improve operational efficiency, security, and overall user experience at three Croatian airports.

Restraints & Challenges:

One of the most serious concerns for the aviation sector about 5G is the possible interference with aircraft systems, particularly radio altimeters. This could lead to aural message distractions and incorrect reading during the critical phase of flight, potentially resulting in crashes and incidents. This is especially concerning for business airplanes, since accurate altitude readings are required for landing in diverse places.

The FAA has expressed concern about the deployment of 5G in proximity to airports and critical flight paths. According to the FAA, there is a risk that signals from 5G towers could interfere with altimeter readings, particularly in low-visibility conditions. This could compromise the safety of landings, especially in inclement weather, when accurate altitude readings are essential. In response, the FAA has imposed temporary restrictions on some types of landings and advised airlines to update their equipment to ensure compatibility with the new 5G frequencies.

Technology Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the technology segment, 5G in aviation market is segmented into Air-to-Ground (A2G) 5G networks, satellite-enabled 5G, hybrid solutions, onboard private 5g networks, and edge computing integration.

Air-to-Ground (A2G) 5G networks segment contributed the largest market share in 2024. Air-to-Ground (A2G) connectivity enables aircraft to connect to the internet by interacting directly with ground-based cell towers. Unlike satellite connectivity, which requires signals traveling from an aircraft to satellites in space, A2G establishes a considerably shorter communication loop, giving data via high-speed, low-latency links between the aircraft and the terrestrial network. A2G infrastructure is less expensive to set up than satellite systems, especially for short to medium-range aircraft. This can lead to more economical services for airlines and customers, both in terms of CAPEX and operating expenses.

On March 2025, SkyFive has unveiled a new triple-path inflight connection solution that combines three networks to deliver high capacity, widespread coverage, and small size and weight of airborne equipment. The service will initially be validated on a smaller aircraft. For the first time ever, the new service combines SkyFive’s broadband Air-to-Ground (A2G) network, EchoStar Mobile’s Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), and a terrestrial 4G/5G network.

Aircraft Type Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the aircraft type, 5G in aviation market is segmented into commercial aircraft, regional aircraft, business jets, cargo aircraft, military & government aircraft, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & UAM.

Commercial aircraft segment contributed the largest market share in 2024. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), total commercial air passenger activity (domestic and international combined) recovered to nearly 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, with domestic aviation increasing by 30% and international aviation by more than 40%. This was mostly driven by development in the Asia Pacific area, with demand for international flights increasing by more than 120% compared to 2022, owing to the resumption of international travel from China.

In January 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration suggested an Airworthiness Directive (AD) to ensure that aviation and 5G C-Band can coexist safely. The directive mandates that airplanes in the United States after February 1, 2024 be prepared to operate safely in the presence of 5G C-Band wireless transmissions. The directive would mandate that transport category airplanes used in scheduled passenger or cargo flight operations have 5G C-Band-tolerant radio altimeters, or install an acceptable radio frequency filter.

Application Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the application, 5G in aviation market is segmented into passenger experience, aircraft operations, Air Traffic Management (ATM), airport operations, cargo & logistics, and others.

Airport operations segment contributed the largest market share in 2024. The aviation industry, a complex ecosystem that requires flawless connectivity and real-time data, is set to undergo a substantial transition with the introduction of 5G private networks. 5G private networks enable real-time tracking of baggage, ground service equipment, and aircraft, considerably increasing operating efficiency and decreasing delays. High-definition video monitoring, made possible by 5G’s high bandwidth, can improve security and situational awareness throughout the airport. Autonomous ground vehicles, guided by 5G’s low latency, can streamline baggage handling and aircraft towing.

On May 2023, Saab and Ericsson have opened a new “lab-to-life” research center in collaboration with Purdue University to test 5G aviation applications and future technologies. Building on Saab’s portfolio of airport safety solutions, Ericsson’s communications technology, and Purdue’s tradition of aviation innovation, the three firms’ collaboration will deliver the benefits of private 5G to airports, beginning with Purdue University Airport (LAF). The research center will evaluate high-performance 5G networks and their possible uses in real-world scenarios.

Geographical Outlook:

5G in aviation market is strategically segmented by geography to provide a comprehensive understanding of regional market dynamic. Discover demand analysis, emerging trends, and growth opportunities shaping market performance across different region and countries.

North America 5G in Aviation Market:

North America is registered to have highest market share in 5G in aviation market in 2024. This is mainly driven by rising demand for seamless connectivity and expansion of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) & drones. 5G technology has significant promise for the aviation industry, with advances in communication, efficiency, and passenger service. While 5G has some concerns for aviation, notably in terms of safety, it also provides unparalleled opportunity to improve operational efficiency, passenger experience, and overall sector innovation. As 5G continues to evolve, the aviation industry must react by updating existing systems, collaborating with telecom providers, and implementing new safety protocols.

On May 2023, Honeywell has announced VersaWave, a revolutionary compact satcom system with 5G capabilities for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industries. VersaWave combines satellite, cellular (5G, 4G, 3G), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity in a compact, lightweight device. These novel connectivity characteristics enable beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) communication for the AAM and UAS industries in an extremely tiny and lightweight device for its performance class.

Asia Pacific 5G in Aviation Market:

Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest growth rate during the forecasted period. Countries in Asia, particularly South Korea and Japan, are also examining the implications of 5G on aviation. Both countries are known for their technological advancements and have robust regulatory frameworks in place to address concerns. South Korea has implemented stringent guidelines to prevent interference, while Japan is closely monitoring the situation as it continues to expand 5G networks.

Domestic aviation traffic had increased above pre-pandemic levels by early 2024, owing to government-backed measures and high consumer demand. Asia-Pacific’s aviation sector is rapidly evolving, cementing its position as a pillar of global air transport. Asia-Pacific has strong long-term growth prospects, with passenger numbers expected to double by 2043 due to demographic and economic trends. This expansion will be driven by emerging economies like Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as existing giants like China and India. Furthermore, developments in technology, including AI-driven route optimization and biometric identification, promise to improve efficiency and passenger experiences.

On June 2024, a consortium of Japanese businesses led by NTT Docomo, Inc., and Space Compass Corporation, along with Mizuho Bank Limited and the Development Bank of Japan Inc., has agreed to invest USD 100 million in AALTO HAPS Limited, which manufactures and operates the stratospheric, solar-powered Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS). The investment will be made by the Japanese Consortium’s investment vehicle, HAPS JAPAN Corporation.

Europe 5G in Aviation Market:

Europe is expected to have considerable market share in 2024. In Europe, where 5G networks are being deployed more cautiously, aviation regulators have been actively engaging with telecom operators. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has performed research into the possible risks of 5G interference and is collaborating with the European Union to establish a set of best practices to ensure safety.

Several major European airports are actively deploying or testing 5G infrastructure to stay competitive and improve the travel experience. These airports are becoming into test beds for cutting-edge 5G technologies. They intend to streamline passenger services, optimize airport operations, and enable innovative technologies like as biometric check-ins, real-time baggage tracking, and augmented reality navigation by incorporating high-speed, low-latency networks.

On October 2024, Ericsson has teamed with Schiphol Airport, the world’s third largest airport in terms of international passenger traffic, to research use cases for a cutting-edge private 5G network. The cooperation aims to accelerate Schiphol’s digital transformation into a future-ready airport with powerful digital infrastructure to support next-generation services. The firms will collaborate to develop novel applications of 5G technology, such as IoT-based monitoring, real-time safety systems, and predictive maintenance solutions.

Competition Analysis:

5G in aviation market is characterized by a fragmented structure, with several players competing across various segments and regions. List of major players included in 5G in aviation market report are:

• Collins Aerospace
• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
• Nokia Corporation
• Intelsat
• Gogo Inc.
• Panasonic Avionics Corporation
• Airbus
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Niral Networks
• NTT DATA Group Corporation
• Airspan Networks Inc.

Strategic Developments in 5G in Aviation Market:

• In October 2025, Airbus and Ericsson have successfully installed a private 5G solution at the Airbus production facility in Hamburg, with another deployment currently underway in Toulouse. This program is part of Airbus’ ambitious digitalization strategy, which aims to improve factory automation, traceability, and operational efficiency while adhering to the industry’s highest safety and security requirements. The relationship between Ericsson and Airbus makes use of Ericsson Private 5G, which is known for its dependability, security, and excellent performance.
• In June 2025, Croatia is advancing digital transformation in the aviation sector with the launch of the NextGen 5G Airports project, a 5.6-million-euro initiative led by Hrvatski Telekom in collaboration with software solution company Markoja, Zagreb’s Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, and the airports of Zagreb, Zadar, and Pula. The deployment of private 5G networks at these airports aims to improve operational efficiency, security, and passenger experience. The project is backed by the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility’s CEF Digital subprogram.
• In July 2023, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Singtel have inaugurated a 5G Aviation Testbed on Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3’s airside. This allows businesses to use 5G to test and implement innovative solutions, increasing productivity for vital airside jobs such as aircraft ground operations, ground handling, and line maintenance services. The 5G Aviation Testbed is one of CAAS’ air transport industry transformation efforts designed to increase workforce productivity and operational capabilities following COVID.

Key Advantages for Stakeholders:

Navistrat Analytics’ industry report provides an in-depth quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current trends, market forecasts, and dynamics within the global market. The historical years covered in this report are 2022 to 2023, with 2024 serving as the base year for market size calculations. The forecast period extends from 2025 to 2032.

The report includes an executive summary and a comprehensive overview of market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges (DROC), along with insights into regulatory standards. It features detailed analyses such as PORTER’s Five Forces, SWOT, and PESTLE, as well as assessments of technological trends and the competitive landscape.

PORTER’s Five Forces analysis helps stakeholders evaluate the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and substitution threats, enabling them to assess the level of competition and the attractiveness of the global market. The competitive landscape provides stakeholders with a clear understanding of the current market positions of key players, offering valuable insights into their competitive environment.

Scope And Key Highlights Of 5G in Aviation Market Report:

5G in Aviation market report offers a detailed analysis of market size, including historical revenue (in USD Million) data for 2022-2023 and revenue forecasts for 2025-2032 across the following segments:

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
  • Air-to-Ground (A2G) 5G Networks
  • Satellite-Enabled 5G
  • Hybrid Solutions
  • Onboard Private 5G Networks
  • Edge Computing Integration

• Aircraft Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
  • Commercial Aircraft
  • Regional Aircraft
  • Business Jets
  • Cargo Aircraft
  • Military & Government Aircraft
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & UAM

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
  • Passenger Experience
  • Aircraft Operations
  • Air Traffic Management (ATM)
  • Airport Operations
  • Cargo & Logistics
  • Others

• End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
  • Airlines
    • Aircraft OEMs & Tier-1 Suppliers
    • In-flight Entertainment & Connectivity (IFEC) Providers
  • Airport
  • Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs)
  • Telecom Operators & Satellite Providers
  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • U.K.
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Benelux
    • Nordic Countries
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Oceania
    • ASEAN Countries
    • Rest of APAC
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Rest of LATAM
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • South Africa
    • Israel
    • Turkey
    • Rest of MEA

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