Aircraft Communication System Market

The aircraft communication system is a vital component in modern aviation, allowing pilots and air traffic controllers to exchange critical information for safe and efficient air travel. It is a complex system that includes a variety of technologies and protocols, including voice and data communication, navigation, surveillance, and weather information.

The aircraft communication system is a critical element of the aviation infrastructure, ensuring the safety of passengers, cargo, and aircraft. The system comprises several components, including radios, transponders, navigation aids, and satellite communication devices. These components work together to provide pilots with a comprehensive picture of the airspace around them, enabling them to make informed decisions about their flight path and altitude.

One of the key features of the aircraft communication system is voice communication, which is used to communicate between the aircraft and air traffic controllers on the ground. Pilots use specialized radios to communicate with the ground, including VHF and HF radios, which allow them to communicate over short and long distances, respectively. In addition to voice communication, the system also includes data communication, which is used to transmit critical information, such as flight plans, weather reports, and navigation data.

The navigation component of the aircraft communication system includes a range of technologies, including GPS and inertial navigation systems. These technologies enable pilots to accurately determine their position and navigate through the airspace, even in adverse weather conditions or low visibility.

Another critical component of the aircraft communication system is surveillance, which involves tracking the movement of aircraft through the airspace. This is achieved through the use of radar, ADS-B, and other technologies, which provide air traffic controllers with real-time information on the location and trajectory of aircraft.

The aircraft communication system also includes weather information, which is critical for safe and efficient flight planning. Pilots use weather radar, satellite imagery, and other tools to monitor weather conditions, allowing them to avoid adverse weather and adjust their flight path as needed.

Dynamics of Aircraft Communication System Market

Drivers in Aircraft Communication System Market

The adoption of software-defined radio (SDR) technology is on the rise for satellite communication, driving the growth of this market. Aircraft manufacturers face technical challenges in achieving payload flexibility and minimizing the complexity and cost associated with system integration. To address these challenges, satellite systems must be developed that are interconnected with the global communications infrastructure and can function in emergency situations. Satellite communication involves a wide range of network technologies that facilitate high-speed voice and data communication between passengers and flight crew.

SDR technologies provide flexibility in the operation of satellite communication devices and cater to the need for reconfigurable, flexible payloads as part of onboard communication satellite systems in aircraft. These devices have enhanced capabilities and innovative features, and they form an important component of the aircraft communications architecture.

In 2022, Lockheed Martin received the 1000th AN/ARC-238 Software-defined Radio (SDR) from Rohde & Schwarz for installation on F-16 aircraft. The R&S MR6000R/L radios from the SOVERON radio family include two airborne radios that constitute the AN/ARC-238, which is fully qualified for use on the F-16 and satisfies the standards for secure communication. Additionally, in 2021, the E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet of NATO aircraft was to be equipped with Leonardo's new software-defined radio, the SWave Airborne SDR SRT-800, as part of the Final Lifetime Extension Programme (FLEP) to ensure its operational viability during the forecast period.

Restraints in Aircraft Communication System Market

The limited availability of the radio spectrum poses a significant challenge for the aircraft communication system market. Radio-frequency interference (RFI) caused by competing users can lead to poor performance of active science sensors. Unlike passive science systems, active science systems share a band with other services, which can result in signals from other radio services interfering with active science systems. To minimize this interference, several mitigation strategies may be employed. The aviation industry must act now to improve its use of the limited spectrum to prevent future expenses. However, obtaining licenses to launch and deploy a satellite in high band frequencies is a time-consuming and costly process that involves documentation and payment for band allotment. This limited radio spectrum availability acts as a restraint to the growth of the aircraft communication system market. To address this issue, new technologies in wireless communication, such as the Airborne Wireless Network (AWN), are being developed to provide safe and efficient aviation operations. AWN is creating a high-speed broadband airborne wireless network by connecting to multiple aircraft information, acting as an airborne router, and sending and receiving broadband signals from one aircraft to another. The introduction of such technologies will drive market growth in the future. Additionally, other strategies such as enhanced adjacent band filtering, improved aviation equipment maintenance standards, and balanced coordinated deployments of new CNS radio systems can help mitigate the challenges posed by limited radio spectrum availability.

Opportunities in Aircraft Communication System Market

The aviation industry is witnessing a surge in demand for next-generation IP systems owing to their ability to enable air-to-ground data communication. AeroMACS communications, a type of next-generation IP system, is being increasingly used to ensure safe and secure flight operations. The shift in communication service providers' preference from high-power single line of contact to a low-power mesh system is further driving the growth of the market. The low-power mesh system is less susceptible to single points of failure and can enable communication packets to determine the best route to the destination based on traffic levels and available system bandwidth.

The increasing number of aircraft deliveries is also playing a pivotal role in the growth of the market. Multiple aircraft antennas are being used in commercial aircraft such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 767 for in-flight broadband communication. The AV-530 aircraft antenna is a popular choice for this purpose due to its ability to operate at altitudes of up to 55,000 ft. The growing demand for aircraft antennas for usage in the next-generation fighter aircraft program is expected to further propel the military aircraft communication system market during the forecast period.

Software-defined radio (SDR) is a radio communication hardware system that is increasingly being used in the aviation sector to decode the receiving radio signal and provide accurate information about the aircraft operations to the pilot. SDR is also enhancing the efficiency of radio communication systems in the aviation sector. The increasing demand for software-defined radio in the aviation sector is expected to boost market growth during the forecast period.

In conclusion, the demand for next-generation IP systems, aircraft antennas, and software-defined radio is on the rise in the aviation industry, and this trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. The market is being propelled by factors such as the increasing demand for aircraft, the need for safe and secure flight operations, and the growing importance of efficient radio communication systems.

Challenges in Aircraft Communication System Market

One of the most complex challenges in the aviation industry is ensuring a safe increase in air traffic demand. Predictions suggest that air traffic operations will nearly triple their current value in the next 20 years. Developing, validating, and implementing new strategic ideas to address future demands is essential to manage such a significant increase in air traffic. Air traffic management (ATM) systems play a vital role in guiding, controlling, and coordinating aircraft movement. ATM systems are used by air traffic controllers to monitor air traffic regularly. However, a lack of proper ATM systems can result in aircraft communication issues, leading to aircraft collision or crashing.

A risk assessment identifies the lack of a widely accepted methodology and safety criteria in the aviation industry as the cause of risk in ATM. Navigation, intervention capability, and exposure to risk are the three primary categories of ATM factors. However, the regulatory framework that sets acceptable levels for many stakeholders, including airports, airlines, manufacturers, pilots, and air traffic controllers, cannot be separated from these aspects. During peak periods, such as daily peak hours, weekly peak days, and seasonal peaks, ATM systems struggle to manage air traffic. Airport authorities face various challenges, including allocating runways for landing and takeoff, reducing the time gap between two aircraft movements, gate allocation, taxiway allocation, aircraft turnaround time, and emergency landings. Addressing these issues to maintain safe and efficient air traffic management during peak hours is a major challenge.

The failure of ATM systems can also be due to the aging of systems and a lack of regular maintenance. For instance, Mumbai's air traffic control automation system, which safely and efficiently handles a large number of flights landing, taking off, and overflying, recently presented more than 50 subsystem problems due to the aging of the systems. The current hardware automation system was over 15 years old, while its lifespan is ten years.

Ecosystem of Aircraft Communication System Market

The aircraft communication system market is categorized based on connectivity, which includes satellite communication (SATCOM), high frequency (HF), very high frequency (VHF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and data link communication. Among these, the SATCOM segment is predicted to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. The increasing demand for satellite voice communication and data communication services in aircraft is driving this growth. The software-defined radio aids in the design of satellite communication systems, providing assistance in changing frequencies, modulation schemes, and data rates.

The UHF segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the various applications of UHF antenna in commercial aircraft, business jets, regional jets, and others. UHF and HF waves are suitable for line-of-sight applications that require high-end accuracy and are mainly used in the aircraft communication system for in-flight television broadcasting.

The data-link communication system is employed in the aircraft to establish communication between the pilot, crew member, and ground-based communication controller for the air traffic control (ATC) service. This system enhances the efficiency and predictability of the aircraft communication system by providing automated assistance to flight crew members through a controller.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to have the fastest growth rate during the forecast period due to the increasing utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and 3D printed aircraft antennas in China. Additionally, supportive aviation policies from the governments of several nations in the region and increasing private investments are expected to propel market growth. The Europe market is expected to grow due to investments in the field of military UAVs for battlefield operations and the use of GPS antennas in helicopters for search and rescue operations. The rest of the world market is also predicted to witness significant growth due to the increasing use of helicopters in the Middle East & Africa for oil and gas exploration and the use of UAVs for commercial applications in South America.

The aviation communication system market is classified into various systems including the audio integrating system, communication radios, radio tuning systems, cockpit voice recorder, and static dischargers. Among these, the communication radio segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to its increasing use in commercial aircraft, military aircraft, business jets, and others. The communication radio and radio tuning systems comprise of VHF and HF transceivers, which are employed for long-range voice communication. The audio integrating system segment is also projected to register substantial growth as it integrates audio from cockpit audio services. This includes interphone communication between crew members and pilots, and consists of various components such as an audio electronic control unit, audio control panel, handheld microphones, and flight compartment speakers.

The cockpit voice recorder, also known as CVR, is designed to continuously record radio communications and flight crew conversations. The CVR is installed in the aircraft equipment compartment and contains one battery unit, an acoustic beacon, and a water-activated switch. It can store up to 2 hours of analog data.

Static dischargers, on the other hand, are mounted on the trailing edges of the aircraft and are used to dissipate static electricity. This electricity is created on the trailing edges of wings and tail surfaces during take-off, landing or when the aircraft is flying through rain. The static dischargers use static wicks to reduce electricity and provide a conductive path for static electricity to return to the atmosphere. This helps to ensure safe and secure flight operations.

The aviation communication market is classified by component into various categories including the antenna, transponder, receiver, transmitter, transceiver, display & processor, and others. The antenna segment dominates the market owing to its widespread use in the aviation industry, and its critical role in establishing in-flight communication. For example, the AV-17 RAMI antenna provides radiation patterns for air-to-ground communication while the AV-529 RAMI antenna enables in-flight broadband communication.

A transponder is a wireless communication system utilized in air navigation to emit a coded signal in response to an interrogating received signal. Collins Aerospace, a United Technologies company, has recently introduced its HF-9000 high-frequency communication transceiver for fixed-wing aircraft and rotary-wing aircraft. This device maximizes the radiated high-frequency signal power of the aircraft antenna, which leads to improved long-range voice communications.

Based on platform, the market is divided into fixed-wing and rotary-wing segments. The fixed-wing segment includes commercial aircraft, business aircraft, military aircraft, general aviation aircraft, and fixed-wing UAVs, and is predicted to experience the fastest growth during the forecast period. This growth is expected due to the increasing commercial aircraft deliveries worldwide. Commercial aircraft like Boeing 787, Airbus A320, and Airbus 380, use several aircraft antennas, as well as communication radio, to maintain communication in flight.

The rotary-wing segment is divided into military helicopters, commercial helicopters, and rotary UAVs. This segment is expected to experience significant growth in the forecast period, primarily due to the increased use of GPS, HF & VHF antennas, and communication radios in commercial and military helicopters. Military helicopters and rotary UAVs use GPS antennas for surveillance & reconnaissance purposes.

The market can be categorized based on distribution channels into original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket. During the forecast period, the OEM segment is expected to have the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) due to the increasing number of military and commercial UAV deliveries worldwide in recent decades. The growth of the OEM segment is attributable to advancements in communication radio and aircraft antenna technology in the commercial and military aviation sectors. Furthermore, an increase in commercial aircraft deliveries and a high demand for advanced communication systems for military aircraft are contributing to the growth of the OEM segment.

On the other hand, the aftermarket segment is expected to have the largest market share during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to several airlines across the globe upgrading to the next generation aircraft antennas, such as 5G antennas, in the commercial aviation sector.

Dominating Companies in Aircraft Communication System Market

• L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES
• THALES GROUP
• COLLINS AEROSPACE
• HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
• ELBIT SYSTEMS
• NORTHROP GRUMMAN
• RAYTHEON INTELLIGENCE AND SPACE
• ROHDE & SCHWARZ
• BAE SYSTEMS
• GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.
• COBHAM AEROSPACE COMMUNICATIONS
• GARMIN LTD.
• ORBIT COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS LTD
• UNIVERSAL AVIONICS
• SITA
• UAVIONIX
• JUPITER AVIONICS CORPORATION
• TRIG AVIONICS LIMITED
• MICROAIR AVIONICS PTY LTD
• AVIDYNE CORPORATION
• BECKER AVIONICS
• COMMTACT LTD.
• FUNKE AVIONICS
• TQ GROUP
• Iridium Communications Inc.
• Viasat, Inc.
• Lockheed Martin Corporation

Recent Developments in Aircraft Communication System Market

• In 2021, Honeywell announced that it had partnered with Inmarsat, a British satellite telecommunications company, to deliver a new class of aviation communication services that will enhance the safety and efficiency of air travel. This partnership will provide global, real-time inflight connectivity and advanced flight data analytics to reduce flight delays and enhance overall passenger experience.
• In 2020, Collins Aerospace, a unit of Raytheon Technologies, acquired FlightAware, a leading flight tracking data company. This acquisition will enable Collins Aerospace to offer enhanced flight tracking capabilities and data analytics solutions to its customers.
• In 2019, Thales Group acquired Gemalto, a global digital security company, to create a new leader in digital identity and security solutions. Thales and Gemalto have strong capabilities in the aviation communication system market, and this acquisition will enable Thales to offer more comprehensive and integrated solutions to its customers.
• In 2018, Cobham plc acquired the antenna business of Axell Wireless, a provider of wireless communication solutions for public safety and transportation markets. This acquisition will enable Cobham to expand its portfolio of communication solutions for the aviation market.
• In 2018, Honeywell announced a partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to deploy its GoDirect Cabin Connectivity technology on KLM's fleet of Boeing 737NG and Embraer E190 aircraft. This partnership will provide passengers with high-speed inflight Wi-Fi and other connectivity services.
• In December 2020, Comtech Telecommunications Corp. acquired the assets of NG-911, a provider of Next Generation 911 (NG911) solutions. With this acquisition, Comtech is expected to strengthen its position as a leading provider of mission-critical communication systems, including those used in aircraft.
• In September 2020, L3Harris Technologies announced that it had completed the acquisition of Flight Data Systems (FDS), a provider of flight data recorders, ground support equipment, and related services. The acquisition is expected to help L3Harris expand its offerings in the aircraft communication systems market.
• In June 2019, Honeywell announced that it had partnered with Curtiss-Wright Corporation to develop a new cockpit voice and flight data recorder (CVFDR) that integrates both functions into a single unit. The collaboration between the two companies is expected to lead to more efficient and cost-effective aircraft communication systems.
• In April 2019, Collins Aerospace announced that it had acquired FlightAware, a provider of real-time flight tracking and data services. The acquisition is expected to enhance Collins Aerospace's offerings in the aircraft communication systems market, particularly in the areas of flight tracking and situational awareness.
• In October 2018, Garmin International announced that it had acquired Flight Plan LLC, a provider of wireless in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions. The acquisition is expected to help Garmin expand its offerings in the aircraft communication systems market and provide better connectivity solutions to its customers.

In conclusion, the aircraft communication system is a vital component of modern aviation, enabling pilots and air traffic controllers to communicate and exchange critical information for safe and efficient air travel. It is a complex system that includes a variety of technologies and protocols, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of passengers, cargo, and aircraft. As the aviation industry continues to evolve and new technologies emerge, the aircraft communication system will undoubtedly continue to evolve and improve, further enhancing the safety and efficiency of air travel.