Engineered Material Arresting System Market Assessment, By System [Fixed System, Portable System], By Platform [Ground Based, Ship Based], By End-use [Commercial Airport, Military Airbase, Aircraft Carrier], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-203

Engineered Material Arresting System Market Assessment, By System [Fixed System, Portable System], By Platform [Ground Based, Ship Based], By End-use [Commercial Airport, Military Airbase, Aircraft Carrier], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global Engineered Material Arresting System Market is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.38% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 851.91 million in 2023 to USD 1505.85 million in 2031. The market has experienced significant growth in recent years and is expected to maintain a strong pace of expansion in the coming years.

The Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS), also known as the arrestor bed, is a bed or platform built at the end of the runway to lessen the severity of a runway excursion. The engineered material employed is a high energy absorbent material of specified strength that has the potential to crush under the pressure of the aircraft, thereby lessening the severity of the damage. The engineered material arresting system market is experiencing growth due to advancement in arresting gear technologies, increased spending on runway safety and strict government regulations. However, the significant costs associated with developing and maintaining engineered material arresting systems limit market expansion. On the contrary, the need for low manpower and limited land use is likely to boost the growth of the engineered material arresting system market in the future.

The expanding number of commercial airports has resulted in increased demand for engineering material arresting systems. As air travel grows more popular and accessible, airlines and airports put passengers' and crews' safety first. Engineered material arresting systems are an important safety measure that can help to prevent accidents and save lives. They are used to bring an airplane to a halt in an emergency, such as when it is unable to stop on its own. As a result, they represent a significant expenditure for airports and airlines.

For instance, in June 2023, the Sedona Airport in Arizona, USA, started the USD 40 million runway safety project with funding from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Sedona-Oak Creek Airport Authority. The project includes construction of retaining walls at each end of the runway to allow installation of engineered materials arresting systems (EMAS) beds.

Expansion of Commercial Airport Industry

The commercial airport industry is a significant driver of the Global Engineered Material Arresting System Market. With the ongoing growth in air travel and the expansion of the global airport industry, there is an increasing need for enhanced runway safety and emergency landing capabilities. The demand for commercial aircraft, including large passenger jets and cargo planes, continues to rise, resulting in more extensive and busier airport operations.

For example, in February 2023, India’s largest airline InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. (IndiGo) announced to form a partnership with Turkish Airlines, to expand its footprint in Europe. The airline is set to receive 500 additional aircraft from aircraft manufacturer, Airbus SE, for this expansion. Currently, IndiGo has more than 300 aircraft in its fleet, operating to 76 domestic and 26 international destinations.

Advancements in Aircraft Technology Driving the Market

Advances in aircraft technology are a significant driver of the engineered materials arresting system market. Aircraft are getting more advanced, with a focus on higher performance, shorter takeoff and landing distances, and better safety features. These technological advancements include more powerful engines, lightweight materials, and superior avionics, resulting in aircraft that require novel arresting devices to supplement their capabilities.

For example, in August 2023, NASA developed a quiet supersonic aircraft called X-59, aiming to change regulations and enable flights at speeds ranging from Mach 2 and Mach 4. With this, the agency is exploring the possibility of supersonic travel that could reduce transoceanic flight times significantly.

Safety Concerns & Government Regulations Acting as Catalyst

Aviation safety is of the utmost importance, and arresting systems play a critical role in reducing the risks connected with takeoff, landing, and emergencies. Aviation authorities and organizations around the world have severe safety regulations, requiring the deployment of arresting devices at airports and aircraft carriers. For military operations, arresting devices ensure that military aircraft can safely land on aircraft carriers' small decks, even in severe conditions. Regulations in the commercial aviation sector include requirements for emergency landing capabilities as well as safety measures such as the installation of arresting devices at airports. Ensuring compliance with government laws is a driving force in the global engineered material arrested system market, as airports strive to improve their safety and security.

For example, in September 2020, the Supreme Court of India sought responses from the Central Goevrnment and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on a plea seeking installation of engineered materials arresting system at airports having table-top runways. Here, it referred to the tragic accident of Air India plane crash at Kozhikode airport in August 2020, which left 21 people dead including both pilots.

Dominance of Ground Based Platforms

The ground-based sector of the market is predicted to have the highest growth rate in the future. This growth is primarily due to the usage of modern engineered materials arresting systems (EMAS) in ground-based platforms such as airports and military sites to improve runway safety by utilizing a series of crushable blocks to limit an aircraft's speed during an emergency overrun. The construction of new airports is likely to drive market expansion during the forecast period.

For instance, in January 2021, Runway Safe Group agreed to provide South America’s first EMAS system, which will be installed at Congonhas Airport, Sao Paulo in Brazil. Kibag Brazil Ltda and Conserva de Estradas Ltda, two construction firm have been awarded the contract by INFRAERO to install two Runway Safe’s greenEMAS solution.

Asia-Pacific Expected to Drive the Market

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. The significant rise is primarily due to increasing aircraft carrier construction and procurement plans and increasing investments in construction and modernization of airport infrastructure in India, China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. Furthermore, the rise in air passenger traffic and a growing requirement for airport safety and security in the region is driving the market.

For instance, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India is expected to overtake China and USA as the world’s third largest air passenger market by 2030. India’s passenger volume is expected to reach 412 million in FY2024-25, according to the Airport Authority of India (AAI).

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Increased focus on runway safety drives the demand for engineered materials arresting systems.

Rising awareness on passenger and aircraft safety will lead to higher adoption of engineered materials arresting systems in airports worldwide.

Technological breakthroughs will lead to enhanced EMAS materials and designs.

Increase in passenger traffic and number of airports in the Asia Pacific region is expected to drive the market in the future.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key participants in the engineered material arresting system market include Runway Safe Group, General Atomics, A-Tech, Inc., QinetiQ North America, Curtis Wright Corporation, and Wire Rope Industries, among others. The environment is characterized by continuous innovation, as the key market players engage extensively in research and development to increase their product lines, hence helping the market grow. Major companies are carrying out a variety of strategic initiatives to broaden their reach, including new product releases, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and collaboration with other businesses. To grow and thrive in a competitive environment, the engineered materials arresting system developers must provide cost-effective products.

In July 2022, Curtis Wright Corporation completed the acquisition of the Safran Aerosystems Arresting Company for USD 240 million. The acquisition solidified Curtis-Wright's position as a key supplier of aircraft recovery and arresting systems, expanded the company's defense portfolio outside of the United States, and support numerous NATO members in Europe region.