General Aviation Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

General Aviation Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The General Aviation Market was valued at USD 19.91 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 24 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of about 3% during the forecast period (2021 - 2026).

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected on general aviation market in the short term as the orders and deliveries have witnessed a decline in 2020. However, due to the increased operations of the helicopters and business jets for the transport of patients, charter operations, and VIP transportation among others, the plans for fleet modernization have been unaffected in the long term. This is expected to enhance the growth of the general aviation market in the coming years.

Due to the growth in high-net-worth individuals and ultra-high-net-worth individuals globally, there has been an increase in demand for private travel, subsequently driving the procurement of helicopters and business jets with enhanced cabin interiors.

Also, with the growth in tourism sector in various regions, many charter operators and tourism companies are making plans expand their fleet with introduction of new piston engine aircraft, turboprop aircraft, helicopters and further expand their presence.

The growing concern over aviation emission has shifted the focus of manufacturers toward the development of all-electric aircraft. New electric aircraft models are being developed to be used as a flying taxi. The growth of flying taxis is expected to increase the demand for the general aviation market in the future.

Key Market TrendsPilot Training Institutes are Driving the Growth of the Piston Fixed-wing Aircraft Segment

Piston fixed-wing aircraft are suitable for conducting moderate speed low altitude fights, and due to their inherent maneuver characteristics, they are popular amongst the pilot training institutes across the world. Thus, most of the orders for piston fixed-wing aircraft are from pilot training institutes, while a handful of them are purchased by private aviation enthusiasts and aircraft racers. For instance, in July 2019, the US-based ATP Flight School announced a procurement order for 100 Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft at the 2019 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture show held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Deliveries are scheduled for completion by the end of 2023. Similarly, as of December 2019, Airways Aviation, a European pilot training institute announced its plans to increase its operating fleet size by 22 aircraft by 2023. The piston fixed-wing segment of the general aviation market is dominated by Cirrus Design Corporation, Piper Aircraft Inc., and Diamond Aircraft Industries. To further increase their market share globally, the companies robustly investing in the development and procurement of all-electric aircraft. In this regard, in June 2020, Velis Electro of Pipistrelreceived the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification. The aircraft became the first-ever fully electric aircraft to receive its type certification. Such developments towards emission-free piston engine aircraft is expected to accelerate the growth of the segment during the forecast period.

North America region Currently Dominates the Market

North America region currently has the highest share in the market and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. The region holds the largest operating general aviation aircraft fleet in the world with the United States accounting for the majority of its share. The growth of the general aviation market in the region is driven by the existence of mature aviation infrastructure, wherein an estimated 65% of the annual general aviation flights conducted are for business and public services. In the United States, more than 90% of the registered civil aircraft are general aviation aircraft, and around 487,200 US-certified pilots operate general aviation aircraft. The general aviation industry contributes over USD 150 billion to the US economy, annually. According to National Agricultural Aviation Association, the agricultural aviation operations have grown by more than 15% during the period of 2012 – 2019. In addition to the growth in demand for fixed-wing aircraft, the demand for civil helicopters is also witnessing growth due to helicopter service (such as air taxis, air ambulance, etc.) in the region. Furthermore, the increasing investments of the aerospace companies towards the introduction of urban air mobility in the North American air space are expected to rapidly strengthen the growth of the general aviation market in the region during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The general aviation market is slightly fragmented with many players in the market that provide helicopters, business jets, piston-engine aircraft, and turboprop aircraft for their customers. However, in terms of market share, Bombardier Inc., Textron Inc., Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Embraer SA, and Dassault Aviation SA are some of the prominent players in the market. To further increase their presence in the market, the companies are developing new advanced aircraft models that have relatively lower weight and better fuel efficiencies. In October 2020, Airbus Corporate Jets launched the ACJ TwoTwenty business jet, an extra-large business jet that meets the requirement for a heavy and long-range business jet. The new business jet is based on A220 Family with about three times more cabin space with approximately third less operating costs. It is also equipped with two times better connectivity Wi-Fi systems, and electro-chromatic windows, and LED lighting. Similarly, in October 2020, Embraer announced its plan to design, develop and manufacture a new turboprop aircraft with larger cabin space compared to traditional turboprop aircraft with low noise and vibration and have a low-wing design as well as a T-tail. The company plans to induct the new turboprop aircraft by 2027. Such innovations are expected to attract new potential customers, which in turn would help the aircraft OEMs to increase their share in the market in the coming years.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support

Companies Mentioned

Airbus SE
The Boeing Company
Bombardier Inc.
Dassault Aviation SA
Embraer SA
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Textron Inc.
Honda Aircraft Company
Cirrus Design Corporation
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd
Diamond Aircraft Industries
Piper Aircraft Inc.

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