Aircraft Seating Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Seat Type (Passenger Seats, Pilot & Crew Seats, and Other Seat Types), Aircraft Type, Seat Materials, Component, Standard, End User and By Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Aircraft Seating Market is accounted for $7.46 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $11.62 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. Aircraft seating is the design, manufacture, and installation of seats in an aircraft's cabin that offer passengers in different classes comfort, safety, and space efficiency. The growing demand for air travel, which forces airlines to optimize cabin layouts, and developments in lightweight materials that lower fuel use are the main factors propelling the aircraft seating market. Innovations to improve the in-flight experience and airline competitiveness are also being driven by passenger expectations for ergonomic design and in-seat entertainment.
According to Airbus, India will require 1,750 new passengers and cargo aircraft over the next 20 years to meet an exponential rise in passenger and freight traffic. According to the IATA, air travel demand increased significantly in March 2023, with passenger-kilometers (RPKs) rising 52.4% over March 2022.
Market Dynamics:Driver:Increase in air travel demand
The growing demand for air travel, particularly in countries that are developing, is a major factor propelling the aircraft seating market. Airlines are growing their fleets and improving seating capacity to handle the growing number of passengers due to rising disposable incomes and a trend toward more accessible air travel. Additionally, there is a greater demand for seats in all classes as a result of the expansion of business and tourism travel worldwide. More comfortable, effective, and creative seating options are becoming more and more in demand as airlines fight for passengers' attention.
Restraint:Impact of fuel prices on airline budgets
Fluctuating fuel prices significantly impact airline budgets, directly affecting spending on non-essential upgrades, including aircraft seating. When fuel prices increase, airlines tend to prioritize cost-cutting and operational efficiency over investing in new or improved seating. Budgetary restrictions cause delays in fleet modernization plans, especially when it comes to premium and economy cabin seating improvements. As fuel prices decline, airlines might have more money to improve passenger comfort, which would increase demand for aircraft seats.
Opportunity:Increasing demand for low-cost carriers (LCCs)
Demand for airline seats is rising, mostly due to Low-Cost Carriers' (LCCs') quick growth. LCCs place a strong priority on cost effectiveness and passenger volume, which makes lightweight, long-lasting, and reasonably priced seating solutions necessary. Economy-class seat sales are being driven by this trend, especially for seats with high density arrangements. Additionally, the need for lightweight seating is in line with LCCs' growing preference for fuel-efficient aircraft, which is driving market expansion.
Threat:Economic slowdowns and travel restrictions
Travel limitations and economic downturns have created major hurdles for the airline seating sector. The demand for air travel has decreased as a result of these reasons, which has affected airline earnings and their capacity to make investments in new aircraft and improved seating. The market's expansion has also been hampered by border closures and quarantine regulations, which have further reduced passenger flow. However, pent-up travel demand and the return to regular air travel patterns are likely to fuel a gradual recovery in the demand for aircraft seating as economies improve and travel restrictions loosen.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on the aircraft seating market because it caused airlines to cease fleet expansion and postpone seating renovations due to travel limitations and decreased passenger demand. Airlines were forced to reduce expenses due to decreased income streams, which delayed retrofitting projects and slowed new seating orders. Increased health concerns also caused attention to shift toward flexible seating arrangements that support hygiene and social separation. Despite the fact that recovery is in progress, the pandemic has changed industry priorities, placing a higher priority on airplane seating's efficiency, safety, and adaptability.
The passenger seats segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The passenger seats segment is estimated to be the largest. Passenger numbers have increased as a result of the post-pandemic revival of air travel, the expansion of the middle class, and rising disposable incomes. As demand increases, airlines are improving their cabins and growing their fleets. Airlines have also made investments in cutting-edge seating options like ergonomic designs, sophisticated recline mechanisms, and in-flight entertainment systems as a result of the emphasis on passenger convenience and pleasure. The market is growing as a result of consumers' growing desire for business and premium economy travel.
The seat actuators segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The seat actuators segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period, due to an increased emphasis on passenger comfort, especially in first-class cabins. Airlines are spending more money on chairs that have sophisticated features like lumbar support, leg rest adjustment, and recline—all made possible by actuators. Furthermore, the development of lightweight, energy-efficient actuators that use less fuel is the result of scientific developments. Adoption of premium seat actuators in contemporary aircraft is further fuelled by rising air travel and passengers' demands for individualized seating experiences.
Region with largest share:Asia Pacific is expected to have the largest market share during the forecast period due to rapid increase in demand for air travel, driven by growing disposable incomes and growing travel to places like China, India, and Southeast Asia. The demand for high-density seating arrangements is further increased by the growth in low-cost carriers (LCCs). Additionally, in an effort to draw in corporate travelers, regional airlines are spending more money on premium seating and fleet refurbishment. The Asia-Pacific aircraft seats industry is still being driven by the emphasis on increasing passenger comfort and capacity as well as economic expansion.
Region with highest CAGR:North America is projected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to significant demand for air travel, especially for pleasure and business, which is driving airline fleet expansion and modernization. Seating innovations are fueled by the region's concentration on passenger comfort, which includes a growing emphasis on premium seating options and cutting-edge in-flight facilities. Additionally, the need for lightweight, premium seats is increasing as a result of fleet modernization initiatives that aim to save maintenance costs and increase fuel efficiency.
Key players in the marketSome of the key players profiled in the Aircraft Seating Market include Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG, Jamco Corporation, Thompson Aero Seating Ltd., Stelia Aerospace, Acro Aircraft Seating Ltd., Geven S.p.A., HAECO Cabin Solutions, Expliseat, Aviointeriors S.p.A., Mirus Aircraft Seating Ltd., Adient Aerospace LLC, INNOVINT Aircraft Interior GmbH, Aerospace Technologies Group, Inc. (ATG), ZIM Aircraft Seating GmbH, Optimares S.p.A., Pitch Aircraft Seating Systems Ltd., and TECNAVIA SA.
Key Developments:In February 2024, Recaro Aircraft Seating has been selected by Air India to supply premium economy and economy seating for its widebody expansion program, which is part of the record-breaking order of 470 aircraft. Over 22,000 Recaro seats would be installed in the airline's linefit and retrofit twin-aisle programs over the next five to six years, according to the agreement.
In October 2023, Acro Aircraft Seating was awarded a contract to retrofit Series 9 fixed-back economy-class seats to up to 15 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft by Electra Airways, a European charter and AMCI airline. The first cargo vessel would arrive at the end of 2023, with the first Airbus A320 expected to arrive in early 2024.
In June 2023, Acro Aircraft Seating was selected to supply Deutsche Aircraft with their Series 9 economy class seats for the D328 family of aircraft, which includes the new D328eco and a retrofit option for the proven D328 turboprop.
Seat Types Covered:
• Passenger Seats
• Pilot & Crew Seats
• Other Seat Types
Aircraft Types Covered:
• Narrow-Body Aircraft
• Wide-Body Aircraft
• Regional Aircraft
• Business Jets
• Commercial Aircraft
• Transport Aircraft
• General Aviation
• Other Aircraft Types
Seat Materials Covered:
• Cushion Materials
• Structure Materials
• Upholsteries & Seat Cover Materials
Components Covered:
• Seat Actuators
• Foams
• Structure
• Electrical Fittings
• Other Components
Standards Covered:
• 9G Seats
• 16G Seats
• 21G Seats
End Users Covered:
• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
• Aftermarket
• Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)
• Other End Users
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements