ccording to the MRFR report, multiple trends are shaping the inflight advertising landscape — from format innovations to platform shifts and evolving airline business models. One of the strongest trends is the transition from static media (magazines, tray tables, baggage tags) to digital display systems (seat-back screens, overhead display, in-flight entertainment systems) which allow for richer creative, video content, dynamic scheduling, and real-time targeting.
Another emerging trend is the use of connectivity and real-time data to deliver contextual ads onboard. With more aircraft equipped with in-flight WiFi and streaming services, advertisers have the opportunity for location-based, destination-specific marketing and even direct-to-passenger offers during the flight. This means that the inflight advertising market is increasingly blending with digital advertising and programmatic media.
There is also a trend in segmentation by aircraft type: MRFR notes that the Inflight Advertising Market segment is expected to develop at a CAGR of 11.7% over the projected period, making up the largest market share. This suggests that airlines operating large commercial fleets are prime venues for inflight advertising, more so than business jets or charter services.
Regionally, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow fastest, reflecting increasing air travel in emerging markets, adoption of low-cost carriers, and investments in upgraded in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems. The report suggests China held the largest share in the region, and India showed the fastest growth.
In terms of product types, display systems dominate — which fits with the trend toward digital screens onboard. Print formats like inflight magazines, baggage-tags etc remain present but are being overshadowed by digital growth. This trend implies that advertising agencies and airlines should pivot budgets toward onboard digital displays and dynamic media rather than traditional static placements.
The trend of ancillary revenue optimisation is also important: airlines are increasingly monetising everything from WiFi sponsorships, branded content, to travel lifestyle partnerships, rather than purely inflight physical media. Advertisers are looking for high-engagement, captive moments (e.g., long-haul flights) where the attention span is higher and the environment is relatively distraction-free.
Finally, measurement and analytics are becoming more important in inflight advertising. Although MRFR doesn’t elaborate fully in publicly summary data, the trend is towards data-driven ad campaigns onboard, leveraging passenger connectivity, seat maps, destination data, and ad inventory optimisation. This is part of a wider digital media trend but applied in the aviation context.
In summary, the inflight advertising market is evolving: digital display systems, connectivity-enabled targeting, rapid growth in Asia-Pacific, and the shift to programmatic and analytics are all major trends. Companies active in the space should adapt to these to stay competitive and capture the next wave of growth.
