Global aircraft auxiliary power unit (APU) market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.04% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 3.02 billion in 2024 to USD 4.15 billion in 2032. The global aircraft auxiliary power unit (APU) market is encountering competing pressures that will affect the directional potential of industry. Increases in air passenger traffic and rises in the procurement of military aircraft have generated demand for reliable onboard power solutions. At the same time, there are considerable headwinds facing the APU market, including pressures from environmental regulations that seek to lower emissions from aircraft systems, the high costs to R&D and manufacture advanced APU systems, and the rise of more electric aircraft architecture that will diminish aircraft owners’ dependency on traditional APUs.
The industry is addressing these challenges with the innovation of efficient fuel-powered APU systems, while investigating compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel. Fleet modernization programs and retrofitting options for older aircraft will also provide an opportunity. However, it remains to be seen if alternative power solutions, specifically in the commercial and military aviation industry, will gain traction, shaping the future potential growth of the APU market. As such, APU manufacturers and other suppliers will need to adapt and navigate these complex pressures and evolve within this challenging landscape.
For instance, in June 2025, Honeywell International Inc. announced that Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has selected Honeywell's proven 36-150 auxiliary power unit (APU) and Honeywell Attune for the U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).
Expanding Role of Aircraft APUs in Modern Aviation Drives the Global Market Growth
An Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) was once relegated to the basic function of providing pneumatic and electrical power to aircraft while on the ground, but the role and capabilities of APUs have changed dramatically. Today’s APUs sustain several operational workloads, which consist of powering avionics while performing pre-flight checks, powering systems to provide comfort while in the cabin, and finally modifying the operational need for ground power units (GPUs). In many cases, APUs within modern aircraft enabled hybrid-electric propulsion systems and provided emergency backup power, capabilities that were designed to enhance operational efficiency and safety. APUs also provided opportunities for reduced engine wear by eliminating ground idle times and improving ETOPS operations that are enhanced by redundancy. Overall, APUs are now designed with environmental responsibility in mind, as aviation strives for lower aircraft emissions and lower fuel consumption, making them a growing component of the professional aviation workload.
For instance, in March 2025, RTX Corporation entered into three agreements with JetZero, the developer of a novel blended wing body aircraft, to provide key systems for the airframer's full-scale demonstrator. Pratt & Whitney integrates the PW2040 engine and auxiliary power unit (APU); and Collins Aerospace provides the nacelle and propulsion mounting structure.
Strategic Industry Collaborations Fuel Market Expansion
The aircraft APU industry is undergoing considerable change due to cross-sector collaborations in which manufacturers work with technology companies and energy producers to help solve significant challenges. Aerospace businesses are working with electric propulsion companies to develop hybrid APU solutions and are leveraging partnerships with fuel producers to operate carbon-neutral. Joint ventures facilitate the R&D process of lightweight and highly efficient units capable of achieving challenging emissions thresholds. Collaboration enables investments to be allocated together to the next evolution of APU technology because manufacturers can work collectively on hydrogen-compatible APUs, for example, which will need integrated power systems and consideration for growing battery needs. At the same time, maintenance providers and carriers are forming data-sharing consortia to maximize APU lifecycle and support data alignment to develop leading improvements on fleet management. These burgeoning collaboration approaches are essential, as managing the demand for performance in terms of sustainability is vitally important. Cooperative approaches also create new revenue streams, as well as ensuring the future sustainability of aviation. This is being witnessed across the APU ecosystem and contributes to reshaping competitive dynamics around the commercial and military aviation segments.
For instance, in April 2025, Tata Group-owned Air India signed a long-term agreement with Honeywell International Inc. The agreement provides comprehensive maintenance support for Honeywell APUs, ensuring high aircraft dispatch reliability and fleet availability, and lower unplanned maintenance costs across Air India’s new fleet.
Commercial Aviation Dominates the Largest Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit Market Share
Commercial aviation is becoming a key growth driver for the Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) market, with rising demand for air travel, growing fleets and the need for operational efficiency. Today's APUs increase aircraft autonomy by decreasing ground power dependency, decreasing turnaround times, and increasing fuel efficiency per flight. This sets the stage for APU upgrade adoption as operational efficiencies enable cost-saving initiatives. Airlines are driven to find cost savings and more sustainable operations and as targets of lower emissions and less noise compliance, next-generation APUs are being focused on. The increase in ultra-long-haul and long-haul flight activity now also requires power redundancy available in-flight, which is driving APU requirements. APUs are evolving into more significant parts of the aviation architecture as aviation continues to move towards more electric systems and hybrid systems, and their contribution to additional growth and innovation in commercial aviation will be fundamental.
For instance, in August 2024, Air Arabia Group selected Honeywell International Inc. to supply its 131-9A auxiliary power units (APUs) for the airline's existing order of 120 A320neo-family aircraft. The agreement between Honeywell and Air Arabia includes comprehensive maintenance support for the APUs, ensuring improved dispatch reliability, increased fleet availability, enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced unplanned maintenance costs across the carrier's fleet.
North America Dominates Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Size
North America stands out as the dominant region in the aircraft auxiliary power unit (APU) market globally. This can be attributed to a robust aviation industry, aircraft fleet renewal rates that outpaced demand, advanced aerospace support and infrastructure. Regulations in North America require strict compliance in relation to fuel efficiency and emissions to help provide benefits that require strong demand in the APU systems' overall design and production. High volumes of air traffic and commercial operational traffic, along with significant military aviation traffic, contribute to sustained operation and uses for APUs in North America. With technological advancements and new operational requirements, North America will continue to capture most of the APU market.
For instance, in December 2024, Safran Power Units (Safron Group) announced to expand the international support network for its auxiliary power unit (APU) installed on the Dassault Falcon 6X, appointing ExecuJet MRO Services’ facilities in Australia, Malaysia, and Dubai as authorized service centers (ASCs) for the SPU150 equipment.
Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Global Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Global Market
1. Project Scope and Definitions 2. Research Methodology 3. Impact of U.S. Tariffs 4. Executive Summary 5. Voice of Customers 5.1. Respondent Demographics 5.2. Factors Considered in Purchase Decisions 5.3. Lifecycle Cost Efficiency 5.4. Downtime Efficiency 6. Global Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Outlook, 2018-2032F 6.1. Market Size Analysis & Forecast 6.1.1. By Value 6.2. Market Share Analysis & Forecast 6.2.1. By Aircraft Type 6.2.1.1. Commercial Aviation 6.2.1.1.1. Narrow Body 6.2.1.1.2. Wide Body 6.2.1.1.3. Regional 6.2.1.2. Military Aviation 6.2.1.2.1. Fighter Jets 6.2.1.2.2. Transport Aircraft 6.2.1.2.3. Helicopters 6.2.1.3. Business and General Aviation 6.2.1.3.1. Business Jets 6.2.2. By Installation Type 6.2.2.1. Fixed-wing APUs 6.2.2.2. Rotary-wing APUs 6.2.2.3. Auxiliary Power Systems (APS) 6.2.3. By Fuel Type 6.2.3.1.1. Jet Fuel 6.2.3.1.2. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) 6.2.3.1.3. Hybrid-Electric Integration 6.2.4. By Region 6.2.4.1. North America 6.2.4.2. Europe 6.2.4.3. Asia-Pacific 6.2.4.4. South America 6.2.4.5. Middle East and Africa 6.2.5. By Company Market Share Analysis (Top 5 Companies and Others – By Value, 2024) 6.3. Market Map Analysis, 2024 6.3.1. By Aircraft Type 6.3.2. By Installation Type 6.3.3. By Fuel Type 6.3.4. By Region 7. North America Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Outlook, 2018-2032F 7.1. Market Size Analysis & Forecast 7.1.1. By Value 7.2. Market Share Analysis & Forecast 7.2.1. By Aircraft Type 7.2.1.1. Commercial Aviation 7.2.1.1.1. Narrow Body 7.2.1.1.2. Wide Body 7.2.1.1.3. Regional 7.2.1.2. Military Aviation 7.2.1.2.1. Fighter Jets 7.2.1.2.2. Transport Aircraft 7.2.1.2.3. Helicopters 7.2.1.3. Business and General Aviation 7.2.1.3.1. Business Jets 7.2.2. By Installation Type 7.2.2.1. Fixed-wing APUs 7.2.2.2. Rotary-wing APUs 7.2.2.3. Auxiliary Power Systems (APS) 7.2.3. By Fuel Type 7.2.3.1.1. Jet Fuel 7.2.3.1.2. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) 7.2.3.1.3. Hybrid-Electric Integration 7.2.4. By Country Share 7.2.4.1. United States 7.2.4.2. Canada 7.2.4.3. Mexico 7.3. Country Market Assessment 7.3.1. United States Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Outlook, 2018-2032F* 7.3.1.1. Market Size Analysis & Forecast 7.3.1.1.1. By Value 7.3.1.2. Market Share Analysis & Forecast 7.3.1.2.1. By Aircraft Type 7.3.1.2.1.1. Commercial Aviation 7.3.1.2.1.1.1. Narrow Body 7.3.1.2.1.1.2. Wide Body 7.3.1.2.1.1.3. Regional 7.3.1.2.1.2. Military Aviation 7.3.1.2.1.2.1. Fighter Jets 7.3.1.2.1.2.2. Transport Aircraft 7.3.1.2.1.2.3. Helicopters 7.3.1.2.1.3. Business and General Aviation 7.3.1.2.1.3.1. Business Jets 7.3.1.2.2. By Installation Type 7.3.1.2.2.1. Fixed-wing APUs 7.3.1.2.2.2. Rotary-wing APUs 7.3.1.2.2.3. Auxiliary Power Systems (APS) 7.3.1.2.3. By Fuel Type 7.3.1.2.3.1.1. Jet Fuel 7.3.1.2.3.1.2. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) 7.3.1.2.3.1.3. Hybrid-Electric Integration 7.3.2. Canada 7.3.3. Mexico *All segments will be provided for all regions and countries covered 8. Europe Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Outlook, 2018-2032F 8.1. Germany 8.2. France 8.3. Italy 8.4. United Kingdom 8.5. Russia 8.6. Netherlands 8.7. Spain 8.8. Turkey 8.9. Poland 9. Asia-Pacific Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Outlook, 2018-2032F 9.1. India 9.2. China 9.3. Japan 9.4. Australia 9.5. Vietnam 9.6. South Korea 9.7. Indonesia 9.8. Philippines 10. South America Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Outlook, 2018-2032F 10.1. Brazil 10.2. Argentina 11. Middle East and Africa Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Outlook, 2018-2032F 11.1. Saudi Arabia 11.2. UAE 11.3. South Africa 12. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis 13. PESTLE Analysis 14. Market Dynamics 14.1. Market Drivers 14.2. Market Challenges 15. Market Trends and Developments 16. Case Studies 17. Competitive Landscape 17.1. Competition Matrix of Top 5 Market Leaders 17.2. SWOT Analysis for Top 5 Players 17.3. Key Players Landscape for Top 10 Market Players 17.3.1. RTX Corporation 17.3.1.1. Company Details 17.3.1.2. Key Management Personnel 17.3.1.3. Key Products Offered 17.3.1.4. Key Financials (As Reported) 17.3.1.5. Key Market Focus and Geographical Presence 17.3.1.6. Recent Developments/Collaborations/Partnerships/Mergers and Acquisitions 17.3.2. Honeywell International Inc. 17.3.3. Safran Group 17.3.4. Eaton Corporation plc 17.3.5. PBS Group a.s. 17.3.6. JSC NPP Aerosila 17.3.7. MTU Aero Engines AG 17.3.8. Hamilton Sundstrand Corp. (Collins Aerospace) 17.3.9. Siemens AG 17.3.10. Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. *Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work. 18. Strategic Recommendations 19. About Us and Disclaimer
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