Aviation Fuel Card Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Card Type (Merchant Cards and Branded Cards), By Application (Commercial Aviation and Private Aviation) and By Geography

Aviation Fuel Card Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Card Type (Merchant Cards and Branded Cards), By Application (Commercial Aviation and Private Aviation) and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Aviation Fuel Card Market is accounted for $2.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $5.4 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period. An aviation fuel card is a specialized payment card designed for purchasing aviation fuel and related services. Issued by fuel providers or aviation companies, these cards streamline transactions for pilots, flight operators, and aircraft owners, offering convenient access to fueling facilities at airports worldwide. They often include features such as detailed reporting, customizable controls, and discounts on fuel purchases.

According to the latest updates from IATA, ICAO, the Airports Council International (ACI), the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the international air passenger traffic in 2022 has improved compared to that of 2021.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising passenger and cargo traffic globally

Owing to increasing air travel and freight transportation globally, there is a growing demand for efficient and streamlined payment solutions for aviation fuel purchases. Aviation fuel cards offer convenience, cost savings, and enhanced management of fuel expenses for airlines, flight operators, and aircraft owners. This trend fuels the adoption of aviation fuel cards, driving growth in the market.

Restraint:

Limited acceptance at small airports

While major airports often readily accept fuel cards, smaller regional and private airports may have limited infrastructure or agreements with specific fuel providers, leading to restricted acceptance. This limitation complicates fuel procurement for pilots and flight operators, requiring alternative payment methods or prearranged fuel arrangements. Consequently, the inconvenience and potential delays associated with limited acceptance hinder the widespread adoption and utility of aviation fuel cards.

Opportunity:

Growing adoption in private aviation

Private aviation operators, including individual aircraft owners and charter companies, increasingly rely on fuel cards to streamline fuel purchasing processes, manage expenses, and access discounted fuel rates. Additionally, as private aviation continues to expand globally, especially among high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients, the demand for convenient and efficient payment solutions like aviation fuel cards is expected to rise, driving market growth.

Threat:

Lack of standardization

Without standardized protocols and systems, interoperability issues arise, hindering seamless transactions across different fuel providers and aviation operators. This lack of uniformity complicates administrative processes, such as reconciling fuel usage and expenses, leading to inefficiencies and errors. Additionally, varying security measures and data formats may compromise the integrity and security of transactions, raising concerns about fraud and data breaches, which affect the widespread adoption of market expansion.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the aviation fuel card market. Reduced air travel demand and flight operations during lockdowns and travel restrictions led to a sharp decline in fuel purchases, affecting fuel card usage and revenue for providers. Additionally, financial uncertainties and cost-cutting measures among airlines further dampened market growth.

The branded cards segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

In the aviation fuel card market, the branded cards segment is projected to emerge as the largest during the forecast period. Branded cards, offered by major oil companies and aviation fuel providers, often come with exclusive benefits such as discounts, rewards, and loyalty programs tailored to frequent users. Additionally, they provide access to a wide network of affiliated fueling locations, enhancing convenience for pilots and aircraft operators. These factors contribute to the dominance of branded cards in the aviation fuel card market.

The private aviation segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The private aviation segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR in the aviation fuel card market during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing popularity of private aviation services among high-net-worth individuals, corporate travelers, and charter operators. Aviation fuel cards offer streamlined payment processes, enhanced security, and access to premium services, catering to the specific needs and preferences of private aviation customers, thus driving rapid expansion in this segment.

Region with largest share:

The North American region is positioned to dominate the aviation fuel card market due to various factors. It boasts a well-established aviation industry with a large fleet of aircraft, extensive air travel networks, and numerous airports equipped with fueling facilities. Additionally, North America is home to major aviation fuel providers and oil companies that offer branded fuel cards. The region's robust infrastructure, strong regulatory framework, and high air travel demand contribute to its dominance in the aviation fuel card market.

Region with highest CAGR:

Asia Pacific is positioned for rapid growth in the aviation fuel card market owing to the region's burgeoning aviation industry, driven by increasing air travel demand and rising investments in airport infrastructure, which creates significant opportunities for fuel card providers. Moreover, economic growth, expanding fleets, and a growing number of aviation businesses in countries like China and India contribute to the market's potential. This favorable environment positions Asia Pacific as a key growth hub in the aviation fuel card market.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Aviation Fuel Card market include Associated Energy Group LLC, Avfuel Corporation, BP Plc, Chevron Aviation, CSI Enterprises Inc, EPIC Aviation LLC, ExxonMobil Aviation, FlyBuys, Kropp Holdings Inc, Phillips 66 Aviation, Shell Aircraft, TITAN Aviation Fuels Inc, TotalEnergies SE, U.S. Bank Voyager Fleet Systems Inc., Viva Energy Group Ltd, WEX Inc. and World Fuel Services Corporation.

Key Developments:

IN December 2021, British Airways will become the first airline in the world to use sustainable aviation fuel produced in the UK after signing a multi-year agreement with Phillips 66 Limited.

In May 2018, BBA Aviation plc announced that it will acquire EPIC Aviation LLC, DBA Epic Fuels, a privately-held company with headquarters in Irving, Texas; operations in Salem, Oregon and its subsidiary, QTpod in Boulder, CO. It is anticipated that EPIC Fuels will be a separate operating business within the BBA Aviation portfolio.

Card Types Covered:
• Merchant Cards
• Branded Cards

Applications Covered:
• Commercial Aviation
• Private Aviation

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 2021, 2022, 2023, 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

Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances