The world in-flight entertainment (IFE) market generated revenues totalling $1.52 billion last year, a 19.8% increase on 1997 figures, says a report from analyst Frost & Sullivan.
The report lists as major IFE revenue drivers increased airline profitability, fractional ownership programmes for business jets, high-price complete cabin interactive IFE systems for commercial and business jets and increased commercial and business jet production. The Asian slowdown and IFE reliability issues, resulting in "restrained acceptance", are cited as constraining factors.
The air transport sector remains IFE's biggest market, with revenues of $1.41 billion last year. Although smaller, with sales of $110 million, the business sector grew by 43% year on year and, by 2005, is expected to generate revenues of around $450 million.
Source: Flight International
