Global Commercial Aviation Market Assessment, By Aircraft Type [Narrow Body, Wide Body, Others], By Application [Freight, Passenger, Others], By Operation [Autonomous Aircraft, Manual Aircraft, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F

Global commercial aviation market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.45% during the forecast period 2024-2032, growing from USD 177.30 billion in 2024 to USD 271.07 billion in 2032. The commercial aviation market is on a solid growth trajectory, supported by an uptrend in air travel demand and technological advancements. As the global economy grows, more passengers report to the skies, supported by rising disposable incomes and an increasingly large middle class among emerging markets. This new wave of air travel interest includes holidays, business, international tourism travel, pioneers of economic bonds, and cultural exchange.

Besides passenger demand, the industry is shifting drastically toward more fuel-efficient aircraft. The aircraft manufacturers are generously pursuing new technologies to reduce operational costs and environmental impacts. And the stakeholder pressure has grown based on concerns about sustainability. This focus on efficiency is changing the shape of airline fleets as more and more carriers wish for narrow-body jets to carry out domestic and regional routes. These pressures create a dynamic environment where airlines are pressured to meet shifting consumer needs while dealing with supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tension. Also, the commercial aviation market is at the cutting edge of global connectivity.

For instance, in November 2024, Federal Express Transportation boosted the number of freighter flights between Qingdao, China, and the United States as the company leverages its new international gateway at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport. The trial service began operating weekly in May and has now been upgraded to five flights per week using a B777 freighter. The upgrade will also reduce the transit time of parcels to North America from Qingdao and surrounding areas by one business day, allowing next-day delivery on some shipments.

Air Fleet Expansions Contribute to Market Opportunities

Significant market opportunities in the commercial aviation sector are therefore emerging due to the expansion of air fleets as airlines respond to increased passenger demand, especially in emergent markets. Aircraft acquisition has become more urgent due to increasing demands for newness. This is mainly spurred by low-cost carriers, which improve connectivity and make air transport much more accessible to a broader audience.

Besides this push for sustainability, leading airlines to take up fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, where once the traditional airliners are phased out, it increases the demand for newer aircraft with modern technologies on board. This shift mainly satisfies environmental considerations but also saves airlines costs in the form of operation expenses. Manufacturers are poised to take advantage of this trend as well. They would increase their production to fulfill new needs in the aviation market, making it a dynamic and competitive landscape for many years into the future.

 

For example, in July 2024, flynas Company LCC signed an agreement with Airbus SE to acquire 160 new aircraft, doubling its total orders to 280. This move, announced at the Farnborough Airshow, supports Saudi Vision 2030 and flynas’s expansion plans. The deal includes 30 A330neo and 130 A320 aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2027. It solidifies flynas as one of the top four low-cost airlines globally. The signing ceremony was attended by notable industry leaders, marking a significant milestone for the aviation sector.

Technological Advancements Fuel the Commercial Aviation Market Growth

Technological innovation is another driver for expanding the commercial aviation market, transforming how airlines function, and improving passenger experiences. Some leading innovations include artificial intelligence that adjusts flight operations and scheduling while personalizing customer service through data insights. This increases operational efficiency and enhances safety within the industry.

Technological innovation also changes the management of fleets by developing sustainable aviation technologies. Airlines have increasingly used fuel-efficient aircraft and, therefore, started exploring alternative fuels, like biofuels and electric propulsion systems, to reduce their environmental footprint. These developments respond to regulatory pressures about sustainability and growing consumer demand for environmentally-friendly travel options. While developing further, such technological innovations will help enhance connectivity, reduce cost, and improve overall service quality to propel the commercial aviation industry to growth, poised in an increasingly competitive scenario.

For instance, in March 2024, The Boeing Company used advanced composite materials to make its 787 Dreamliner, which is 20% more fuel-efficient than its predecessors. The fuselage has a single piece of composite barrel sections rather than the several aluminum sheets and fifty thousand rivets on current airplanes.

Increased Business Travel Acts as a Catalyst

The increasing interest in business travel is a decisive factor that affects the commercial airline market, as business travel continues to be one of the most important sources of revenue for airlines. As people realize that face-to-face relationships are a crucial part of their business and would effectively assist in making deals, business travel is again on the rise.

Besides, the willingness to pay for premium travel options at the corporate end so that employees are comfortable and productive during the trip is increasingly prevalent across businesses. On the one hand, this shows an increase in airline revenue, while on the other hand, it makes airlines focus on their services in terms of corporate needs. The total need for flights is thus further fueled by strategizing essential trips under hybrid work models adopted by the organizations. Business travel will be the pivot on which all airline strategies and offerings will revolve, reshaping the commercial aviation market for sustained growth in a changing landscape. Furthermore, the introduction of offerings exemplifies how airlines are innovating to meet the evolving demands of business travelers.

For example, in August 2024, Oman Air launched its new Business Studio, replacing its first-class product, with services on London and Bangkok routes. This new cabin has spacious layouts, lie-flat seats, and Wi-Fi, but at more affordable rates. It aims to align with global trends and national tourism objectives, offering enhanced value and appeal. The Business Studio promises one of the region’s best business-class experiences, featuring privacy walls, large personal screens, and à la carte dining.

Dominance of Narrow Body Aircrafts    

Single-aisle aircraft, which are narrow-bodied aircraft, are the dominant trend in commercial aviation. These airlines prefer such aircraft over others mainly because they are more operationally efficient and flexible, ideal for shorter to medium-haul routes. Since more and more airlines continue to adopt the low-cost carrier model, demand for narrow-bodied aircraft has surged, mainly because of their relatively lower operating costs and fuel efficiency.

Narrow-body aircraft have the advantage of allowing point-to-point travel; thus, more destinations can be reached without losing efficiency. This will be an excellent ability to adjust flight schedules due to changes in demand. Further gains in design and technology increase the range and performance of new narrow-body types, allowing longer routes to be covered economically. These aircraft are now the backbone of many airline fleets worldwide. They drive growth in passenger traffic and significantly contribute to the overall expansion of the commercial aviation market.

For instance, in November 2024, Vietnam Airlines is set to start a tender of 50 narrow-body aircraft in 2025 under its expansion to reach 170 aircraft by 2035, based on increasing demand in Southeast Asia. The tender will be open to invite proposals from major manufacturers, such as Airbus and Boeing or COMAC. The firm's narrow-body fleet currently comprises Airbus only, but this upgrade has allowed the firm to diversify. The airline’s fleet expansion reflects a commitment to operational efficiency and strategic growth amidst recovering demand post-pandemic.

Asia-Pacific Dominates Commercial Aviation Market Share

The rapid economic expansion and growth in the Asia-Pacific region's middle-class population drives the commercial aviation market growth. Countries like China and India are experiencing growing air travel demand as more people seek affordable transportation.

Airlines are expanding in this region to accommodate increased passengers, and the government's policies on improving aviation infrastructure make operations smoother. Full-service and low-cost carriers are positioned to cater to different consumer needs. The overall investment in the Asia-Pacific region will ensure that this region leads in commercial aviation growth for at least the next ten years since major population growth in China and India also drives regional growth.

For instance, in December 2024, Air India confirmed an order for 100 additional Airbus SE aircraft, comprising 10 A350s and 90 A320 Family models. This builds on their 2023 order of 470 aircraft, bringing their total Airbus order to 350. The airline has selected Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component to maintain its A350 fleet, ensuring reliability through engineering services in Delhi. Currently, Air India has 344 new Airbus aircraft expected and 185 Boeing aircraft yet to be delivered.

Download Free Sample Report

Future Market Scenario (2025-2032F)

• The commercial aviation market is expected to grow at an increasing rate as air travel demand increases and the global economy improves.
• However, Asia-Pacific will be the most significant segment, with substantial investments in aviation infrastructure and growing airline fleets.
• The airline's response to sustainability initiatives includes shifting to fuel-efficient and environment-friendly aircraft.
• Low-cost carriers should thrive, enhancing competition and accessibility in air travel while driving demand for narrow-body aircraft.

Report Scope

“Commercial Aviation Market Assessment, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F” is a comprehensive report by Markets and Data. It provides in-depth analysis and qualitative and quantitative assessment of the current state of the global commercial aviation market, as well as industry dynamics and challenges. The report includes market size, segmental shares, growth trends, opportunities, and forecast between 2025 and 2032. Additionally, the report profiles the leading players in the industry, mentioning their respective market share, business models, competitive intelligence, etc.

Report Attribute	Details
Base Year of the Analysis	2024
Historical Period	2018-2022
Forecast Period	2025-2032
Projected Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.45% between 2025 and 2032
Revenue Forecast in 2032	USD 271.07 billion
Segments Covered	Aircraft Type, Application, Operation
Regions Covered	North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Key Companies Profile	The Boeing Company, Airbus SE, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Bombardier Inc., General Electric Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc, General Dynamics Corporation, Embraer S.A., and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Limited
Customization Scope	15% free report customization with purchase
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail the customized purchase options to fulfill your precise research needs.
Delivery Format	PDF and Excel through email (subject to the license purchased)

In the report, the global commercial aviation market has been segmented into the following categories: 

• By Aircraft Type
  • Narrow Body
  • Wide Body
  • Others
• By Application
  • Freight
  • Passenger
  • Others
• By Operation
  • Autonomous Aircraft
  • Manual Aircraft
  • Others
• By Region
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • South America
  • Middle East and Africa

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

A competitive landscape of key players like Embraer S.A., Boeing Company, and Airbus SE characterizes the commercial aviation market. These giants continue to innovate, make strategic partnerships, and focus on sustainability. Boeing and Airbus, in particular, have maintained a duopoly in the market for large commercial aircraft, constantly jostling with their respective flagship models.

This is where emerging players such as Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Limited from China prepare to challenge this dominance with new aircraft for domestic and international markets. The outlook remains positive and is sustained by increasing demand for air travel and the need for fleet modernization.

With airlines making fuel efficiency a significant priority and increasing the environmental friendliness of their activities, manufacturers are looking for next-generation technologies in aircraft. Such innovation, in combination with increasing connectivity across the globe, positions the market for continued growth as established players adapt to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes. Recent advancements in the global aviation sector foster significant developments in developing countries.

For instance, in November 2024, Airbus SE marked a remarkable step in India’s aerospace sector that 'Make in India' has undertaken. Developed jointly with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, the project will assist in enhancing India's self-reliance in its defense manufacturing by producing 56 C295s that would eventually replace the old Avro fleet of the Indian Air Force. The assembly process will include procuring raw materials and manufacturing components across various locations in India with high standards maintained through a fully digitized model. Airbus has already delivered six C295s from Spain and plans to train Indian personnel to support operations. This initiative not only strengthens India's defense capabilities but fosters the growth of a holistic aerospace ecosystem, paving the way for future aircraft production and assembly lines in the country.

Key Players Operating in the Global Commercial Aviation Market are:

• The Boeing Company
• Airbus SE
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Bombardier Inc.
• General Electric Company
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Embraer S.A.
• Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Limited

Markets and Data’s reports answer the following questions:

• What is the current and future market size of the product/service in question globally or specific to different countries?
• How are the markets divided into different product/service segments and the market size and growth of each segment?
• What is the market potential of different product segments and their investment case?
• How are the markets predicted to develop in the future, and what factors will drive or inhibit growth?
• What is the business environment and Regulatory landscape specific to the product/service?

If you can't find what you're searching for or have any custom requirements for the global commercial aviation market, you may approach our team at info@marketsandata.com.