The aviation industry is evolving fast, driven by the emergence of new players, groundbreaking innovations, and an unwavering pursuit of progress. In recent years, over 56,900 patents have been filed, and 2,500 grants awarded, redefining the way we perceive air transport.
According to Airports Council International (ACI), more than 5 billion passengers travel annually across various airlines. To remain competitive and meet evolving passenger expectations, airlines must rethink their onboard offerings and services, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies.
Key advancements such as AI, IoT, 5G, and connectivity are revolutionizing aircraft design, enhancing efficiency, and elevating the passenger experience. By 2025, air travel is expected to become more connected, seamless, and enjoyable than ever before.
Supersonic comeback
After the Concorde’s final flight in 2003, supersonic travel is making its comeback. Japan has launched a project, led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), to develop low-noise supersonic aircraft, with the aim of joining global efforts to create supersonic commercial passenger aircraft in the 2030s and 2040s.
Meanwhile, Boom Supersonic has secured 130 orders and pre-orders from American Airlines, United Airlines and JapanAirlines for its Overture aircraft. Designed to fly twice as fast as current airliners, the Overture will carry between 64 and 80 passengers, and will be optimized to run on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), combining speed, safety and sustainability.
I. Artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the aviation industry, delivering enhanced safety, efficiency, and personalization for passengers and operations alike. Airlines now use AI to create more tailored travel experiences by analyzing passenger data. For example, chatbots provide instant, human-like customer support, while AI-powered platforms recommend in-flight entertainment, meals tailored to dietary needs, and even personalized destination tips. Advanced cabin systems adjust lighting, temperature, and humidity automatically, ensuring optimal comfort during the journey. Cutting-edge tools, like InteliSence, go a step further by monitoring real-time cabin conditions and alerting crew members to passenger needs, making in-flight services more responsive.
For flight operations, AI brings critical advancements. By processing vast datasets—including weather conditions, air traffic, and fuel consumption—AI helps optimize flight routes, reducing delays, cutting fuel costs, and minimizing environmental impact. AI systems also monitor passengers’ well-being, detecting signs of stress or fatigue and prompting proactive responses from the crew, such as offering refreshments or providing updates. These AI-driven innovations not only streamline operations but also enhance the overall travel experience, paving the way for a safer, more enjoyable journey.
AI’s influence extends to the cockpit. Tools like Beacon AI assist pilots by providing real-time recommendations, reducing errors, and enhancing flight safety. Drones exemplify the potential of autonomous systems, already excelling in tasks like deliveries and surveillance. While fully autonomous commercial flights are still under development, regulatory agencies, such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), aim to enable these advancements by 2035, signaling a future of transformative change.
These AI systems are even more powerful when integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT). AI processes the massive amounts of real-time data generated by IoT devices, enabling smarter and more responsive systems across aviation.
II. IOT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the passenger experience in aviation, offering more personalized and seamless services throughout the journey. In 2022, the aviation IoT market was valued at $7.4 billion, and it’s expected to reach $50.9 billion by 2031, growing at an annual rate of 23.9%. This surge reflects how IoT technology is seamlessly blending data collection and automation across every stage of air travel and every connected devices.
For passengers, IoT-enabled sensors personalize the in-flight experience by dynamically adjusting cabin conditions, including lighting, temperature, and even air quality. IoT also facilitates real-time baggage tracking through RFID technology, reducing stress and improving transparency for travelers.
On the operational side, IoT ensures predictive maintenance by using sensors to monitor aircraft systems and detect potential issues early. This prevents disruptions, reduces delays, and enhances safety.
Advanced connectivity solutions, such as 5G networks, further amplify IoT’s capabilities by enabling real-time communication between aircraft, ground systems, and other devices, supporting faster responses and more efficient operations.
III. 5G and connectivity
77% of travelers prioritize in-flight Wi-Fi when choosing an airline
Nowadays, travelers consider in-flight Wi-Fi a key factor when choosing an airline, making in-flight connectivity (IFC) an increasingly important feature of the modern travel experience. In the coming years, IFC will completely transform the way passengers experience air travel. A third of all aircraft were connected by 2024, and we expect half of them to be connected by 2030, thanks to technological advances, increased satellite capacity and profitable partnerships.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, such as Starlink and Gogo, are leading this transformation. unlike traditional geostationary satellites, LEO satellites orbit at much lower altitudes, enabling faster data transmission and reliable global coverage, even in the most remote areas. These advancements are setting new standards for in-flight connectivity, allowing passengers to enjoy high-speed internet whether they’re flying over oceans, deserts, or other uninhabited regions.
Qatar Airways has embraced this innovation by becoming the first airline in the Middle East and North Africa to equip its fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi. This forward-thinking initiative offers passengers a seamless and premium internet experience on board. With connection speeds reaching up to 350 megabits per second, and even 500 Mbit/s per aircraft, passengers can stay connected throughout their journey, from boarding to landing, free of charge. Whether it’s gaming, streaming videos, shopping, or browsing the web, travelers can now enjoy the same level of connectivity they expect on the ground.
Further advancements are on the horizon. Gogo’s 5G network, set to launch in 2025, will enable business jets to connect directly to ground stations, improving speeds and reducing latency. Additionally, new antenna technologies that adjust automatically to satellite positions will ensure stable connectivity throughout flights. These innovations will not only enhance performance but also lower costs, delivering ultra-fast internet with minimal delays for an even better passenger experience.
Connectivity greatly enhances in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, enabling them to provide advanced and innovative services. Currently, over 6,500 aircraft are equipped with seat-back displays, while wireless IFE systems are available on more than 8,800 planes. With the advancements in connectivity, IFE systems are offering highly personalized solutions, tailoring content and services to each passenger. Additionally, they will drive airline economic growth by integrating shopping and payment functionalities similar to those available on the ground.
Together, in-flight connectivity (IFC) and IFE are transforming air travel, elevating the passenger experience while unlocking new revenue opportunities for airlines.
Moment is a key player in technologies for the travel industry, combining in-flight entertainment, services and e-commerce.
Moment transforms the passenger journey through connectivity technologies, software platforms, a marketplace in the sky and dedicated content catalogs, with modular design to adapt to all companies needs and all journeys.
Renowned for its open innovation projects and lasting customer relationships, Moment partners with international airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, AZUL and Nok Air who rely on it’s agile approach and innovation.
The future of air travel starts here. Contact us to elevate your airline’s passenger experience, and for more insights, click to explore the landscape of in-flight entertainment and services in our latest report!
