AirFi launches AirFunnl to reduce inflight video file sizes by 45%

Reducing file sizes by nearly half addresses the primary bottleneck for wireless IFE: the cost and speed of updating content libraries over cellular ground links. For the broader streaming ecosystem, this represents a successful cross-pollination of standard web technologies like CMAF into highly constrained edge environments. As airlines increasingly pivot toward 'bring your own device' (BYOD) models to reduce aircraft weight and maintenance, efficiency in the delivery stack becomes a competitive necessity. Watch for AirFi to integrate this stack with its LEO satellite connectivity offerings to enable real-time library updates mid-flight.

The launch of AirFunnl coincides with a broader industry shift toward lightweight, wireless-first cabin architectures. In February 2026, Air Cambodia selected AirFi to deploy wireless streaming across its Airbus A320 and ATR 72-series fleets, prioritizing a flexible browser-based experience over traditional seatback hardware. This trend is further supported by market data from Mordor Intelligence in January 2026, which projects that wireless and BYOD installations will grow at a 7.35% CAGR through 2031, significantly outpacing the growth of embedded screens.

Competitive pressure is also mounting as traditional IFE giants modernize their stacks. Panasonic Avionics launched its eXNeo upgrade in April 2026 to revitalize legacy seatback systems, while Safran Passenger Innovations unveiled RAVE OS 2 at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2026 to enhance cloud connectivity and open-platform architecture. AirFi's focus on file size reduction positions it specifically to capture the low-cost and regional carrier segments, where minimizing ground data costs is a critical operational KPI.

Beyond technical delivery, the IFE sector is increasingly focused on ancillary revenue through digital services. According to Research and Markets (June 2026), the global IFEC market is expected to reach $7.87 billion by the end of the year, driven by the expansion of connected aircraft ecosystems. AirFi recently celebrated its 15th anniversary in June 2026, noting that its portable streaming solutions are now utilized by more than 80 airline and transportation operators worldwide, including recent deployments with Etihad Airways.