Air Starter Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Type (Turbine Air Starters and Vane Air Starters), By End-User (Oil & Gas, Mining, Marine and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2026-2034

The global air starter market size was valued at USD 478.65 million in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 500.35 million in 2026 to USD 713.41 million by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.53% during the forecast period.

The global air starter market is expanding as the equipment is increasingly used in heavy machinery, airplanes, and industrial equipment, including gas turbines and diesel engines. It is a mechanical device used to start the engines of airplanes, maritime vessels, and other industrial machinery. Air starters offer reliability and instant torque delivery and are safer than electric starters for use in hazardous environments.

Air Starter Market Driver

Growing Demand for Reliable and Efficient Air Starters to Support Market Growth

The rising emphasis on reducing emissions and improving efficiency drives the demand for air starters as they offer safer and more efficient methods to start heavy engines than electric starters. Their ability to operate in high temperatures and harsh environments has increased their use in the marine industry for large marine diesel engines. Air starters are widely used for starting engines where reliability and efficiency are critical in the aviation industry.

Air Starter Market Restraint

Higher Costs to Hinder Market Growth

The high costs of purchasing and installing air starter systems are among the main concerns affecting the growth of the market. The initial investment in equipment and infrastructure can be expensive for small operators. Further, the complex design and use of expensive materials provide reliability and efficiency, adding up to the cost of air starters and making them relatively expensive. This aspect also limits their usage to certain applications such as large-diesel engines, where the size of electric starters and batteries creates challenges to utilize despite lower costs.

Air Starter Market Opportunity

Expansion of Oil & Gas and Mining Industries Drives Product Demand

As industries such as oil & gas, mining, and others expand, the demand for robust and reliable systems is anticipated to grow. In the oil & gas industry, air starters are utilized to start engines used in drilling operations owing to their robust ability to operate in even harsh environments. Further, technological advancements in air starter technology, such as improved durability and efficiency, are anticipated to drive market growth. Additionally, strict environmental rules are boosting the demand for air starters as they produce fewer pollutants compared to standard electrical starters.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in Air Starter
• Key Industry Trends
• Regulatory Landscape for Air Starter
• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)
• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

Analysis By Type

Based on type, the market is divided into turbine starters and vane starters.

Turbine air starters are utilized extensively on large turbofan engines of commercial and military aircraft, as well as marine ships and vessels, trains, heavy construction equipment, and others, owing to their ability to provide more torque and simplicity. These air starters provide a better power-to-weight ratio and improved efficiency and are preferred more in numerous applications.

Analysis By End-User

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into oil & gas, mining, marine, and others.

The market is majorly dominated by the oil & gas industry owing to the sector’s reliability on heavy-duty engines and equipment in drilling rigs, production platforms, and others. Air starters are preferred due to their ability to operate in severe conditions, which are highly prevalent in the oil & gas industry. Furthermore, the increasing oil & gas activities are anticipated to support the market growth. For instance, according to the International Energy Forum, oil and gas annual upstream capital expenditures increased by around USD 63 billion year-on-year in 2023 and are projected to rise by a further ~USD 26 billion in 2024. This increase in upstream spending might drive market growth for air starters as they are used in the upstream sector.

Regional Analysis

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The North America region is expected to dominate the market owing to its well-established industrial sector and extensive use of heavy equipment and machinery. Sectors such as maritime, oil & gas, and others, depend considerably on air starters owing to their durability and efficiency. Additionally, the region’s focus on enhancing industrial efficiency and operational safety will also propel market growth. The volatility in the end-user’s spending might impact the demand for air starters. According to Natural Resources Canada (Department of the Government of Canada accountable for energy, natural resources, minerals and metals, mapping, remote sensing), In 2023, Canada’s mining sector witnessed a noteworthy ~17% surge in capital expenditure (CAPEX). However, in 2024, the CAPEX is anticipated to decline by ~3%.

The Europe market is influenced by strict rules and environmental regulations that focus on enhancing fuel efficiency. The growing implementation of air starters in marine applications, particularly in large ships and tankers, is contributing to the market growth.

The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to be driven by the rapid industrialization and growth of varied industries in countries such as China, India and Southeast Asia. With growing economies, the growth in the mining and construction sectors is increasing the need for dependable and efficient engine starting systems for heavy-duty machinery and applications.

In Latin America, the market is supported by the growth of industrial and marine sectors in countries such as Brazil and Mexico. The region’s growing maritime trade and shipping activities are further contributing to the demand for air starters in applications where durability and reliability are of concern. Furthermore, the presence of the massive oil & gas industry in the region fuels the growth of the market. As air starters are crucial in large diesel gas engines operating in exploration and drilling activities, they exhibit a significant demand in the region.

Key Players Covered

The global market is fragmented in terms of the number of providers. Various market initiatives, R&D activities, and others, are anticipated to drive market growth. Ingersoll Rand is one of the key market players that offers flexible and efficient air starters that are applicable to a wide range of industrial, marine, and automotive applications. The company has a wide portfolio of turbine and vane starters with a variety of horsepower, torque, and efficiency.

The report includes the profiles of the following key players:

• Ingersoll Rand (U.S.)
• Caterpillar (U.S.)
• Rheinmetall AG (Germany)
• Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)
• Maradyne (U.S.)
• Gali (Spain)
• Rowland Company (U.S.)
• Industrial Power Units Ltd (U.K.)
• JetAll (U.S.)
• MAK Controls & Systems Pvt. Limited (India)

Key Industry Developments

• In August 2024, Austart introduced ATS203 Engine Air Starters applicable in a variety of areas such as marine, industrial, and oil & gas. The equipment offers efficient starting of large engines with minimal air consumption and is able to withstand harsh environments.
• In March 2023, Ingersoll Rand introduced the ST2000 Air Starter. Its design includes a single-stage solid billet aluminum turbine motor, which protects the engine and starter components.