Aircraft Landing Gear Market Assessment, By Aircraft Type [Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing], By Type [Main Landing Gear, Nose Landing Gear], By End-user [OEM, Aftermarket], By Sub-Framework [Actuation System, Steering System, Brake System, Others], By Region, Opp

Aircraft Landing Gear Market Assessment, By Aircraft Type [Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing], By Type [Main Landing Gear, Nose Landing Gear], By End-user [OEM, Aftermarket], By Sub-Framework [Actuation System, Steering System, Brake System, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global aircraft landing gear market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.52% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 7.49 billion in 2023 to USD 12.41 billion in 2031. The market has experienced a significant growth rate in recent years and is expected to maintain its expansion over the years to come.

The aircraft landing gear market refers to the industry that manufactures and provides landing gear systems for various types of aircraft, including commercial airplanes, military aircraft, and general aviation planes. The landing gear is a crucial component of an aircraft, responsible for supporting the aircraft on the ground during takeoff and landing, as well as providing stability during taxiing. The market includes the production, sale, and maintenance of various types of landing gear systems, which may vary based on the type of aircraft they are designed for. These systems typically consist of landing gear struts, wheels, brakes, and associated components.

Several factors contribute to the dynamics of the aircraft landing gear market, such as the demand for new aircraft, fleet modernization efforts by airlines, and the overall growth of the aviation industry. Market players include both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), which produce landing gear systems for new aircraft, and aftermarket service providers, which offer maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.

Increasing Commercial Aviation Industry

The primary driver of industry growth in the forecast period is the expanding commercial aviation sector. The increasing public interest in aviation and a rise in government spending on aircraft development are significant factors propelling the demand within the industry. Furthermore, heightened technological investments for enhancing aerospace infrastructure contribute significantly to industry growth. The aircraft landing gear market is set to experience a favorable growth rate in the upcoming years due to increased government activities, funds, and development initiatives.

For instance, as reported by Airport Business in 2020, the United Kingdom disclosed an allocation of USD 35 million for the construction of the departure lounge at Birmingham Airport. The state-of-the-art facility, designed to accommodate over one million passengers monthly, features top-notch infrastructure and world-class amenities, including advanced security measures. Additionally, in 2018, the Australian government's Department of Home Affairs granted USD 50.1 million for security upgrades at regional airports. Consequently, the continuous rise in government expenditure on the aviation sector contributes to the sustained growth of the aircraft landing gear market throughout the forecast period.

Rising Commercial Airplanes Increase the Demand

The escalation in the production of commercial airplanes is primarily a response to the heightened demand in the airline industry. The demand surge is fueled by airlines' efforts to modernize their fleets, replacing older aircraft with newer ones, which are more fuel-efficient models such as the Boeing 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner. The industry's optimistic outlook and confidence in long-term growth contribute to increased production rates. As commercial airplane production rises, there is a concomitant surge in the demand for landing gears.

Landing gears are integral components that provide crucial support during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. Newer aircraft models often incorporate advanced landing gear systems to enhance safety, performance, and overall operational efficiency. The demand for landing gears is sustained by the natural lifecycle of aircraft, necessitating modernization and replacement. Technological advancements, including lightweight materials and innovative design features in landing gear systems, further bolster their demand.

Additionally, government investments in aviation infrastructure, such as airport expansions, indirectly contribute to increased demand for commercial aircraft and consequently, landing gears. The aerospace industry's unwavering commitment to meeting stringent safety and regulatory standards further underscores the importance of reliable and efficient landing gear systems. In essence, the dynamic interplay between the rising production of commercial airplanes and the demand for landing gear characterizes the evolving landscape of the aviation market.

For instance, in 2023, Boeing announced its plans to increase the production of the 737 Max from 31 to 38 planes monthly to meet the demand for more fuel-efficient aircraft. The company is raising the output of the larger 787 Dreamliner from four to five planes per month by the end of the year.

Government Initiatives

Global government policies and regulations significantly shape the aviation industry and, by extension, impact the aircraft landing gear market. Stringent safety standards enforced by regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) set the tone for the design and manufacturing of landing gear, ensuring airworthiness. Environmental regulations advocating for fuel efficiency and emission reductions, exemplified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), influence aircraft design and consequently, landing gear specifications.

Noise regulations, implemented to address environmental concerns, may lead to modifications in landing gear design to reduce operational noise. Export controls on aerospace technologies regulate the global supply chain for landing gear components, impacting manufacturers and suppliers. Air traffic management policies, such as the Single European Sky initiative in Europe, influence aircraft operations, potentially affecting landing gear requirements.

Customs and trade policies, economic stimulus packages, and security regulations play pivotal roles in shaping the aviation landscape and subsequently influencing the demand, manufacturing, and trade of landing gear components. Moreover, government responses to global crises, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, introduce emergency measures and financial support packages that can impact aircraft orders and maintenance, thereby indirectly affecting the landing gear market.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

• The industry is expected to see ongoing advancements in landing gear technologies, such as the integration of smart sensors and materials to enhance performance, reduce weight, and improve fuel efficiency.

• The use of composite materials in landing gear components was gaining traction, driven by their lightweight properties and potential to contribute to overall fuel savings for airlines.

• The implementation of predictive maintenance through data analytics and sensor technology is expected to increase, allowing for more efficient monitoring and initiative-taking maintenance of landing gear systems, reducing downtime and operational costs.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Recent developments in the aircraft landing gear market emphasize a strategic shift towards outsourcing MRO services to specialized providers. Airlines are recognizing the value of partnering with established players to ensure the operational integrity of their fleets, reduce maintenance costs, and maximize the efficiency of landing gear components, which are critical for the overall safety and performance of aircraft.

In March 2023, Emirates recently entered into two significant agreements for extensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services with Lufthansa Technik AG. According to the terms of the contract, Lufthansa Technik will supply Emirates with exceptionally flexible additional capacity for A380 base maintenance, encompassing C-checks and the overhaul of the airline's main landing gears for its double-deck flagship aircraft.

In July 2022, Ethiopian Airlines announced the signing of a deal with Boeing Global Services. The agreement incorporated a program for the exchange of landing gears for 19 Boeing V787 models and a 5-year contract for services related to airplane health management.