Aircraft Antenna Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Platform (Fixed-Wing (Commercial Aircraft, Business Aircraft, Regional Jets, General Aviation, Military Aircraft, and Fixed-Wing UAVs), Rotary-Wing (Military Helicopter, Civil Helicopter, and Rotary-Wing UAVs)), By Frequency Band (VHF & UHF Band, Ka/Ku/K Band, HF Band, X Band, C Band, and Others), By End-user (OEM and Aftermarket), By Application (Commercial and Navigation & Surveillance), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global aircraft antenna market size was valued at USD 389.5 million in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 400.7 million in 2022 to USD 631.1 million by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.71% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with aircraft antenna experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of -17.35% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

An aircraft antenna is a device used to navigate the aircraft by using radio frequencies. It is used to communicate with other aircraft and ground-based control stations. Communication and navigation are the major applications of aviation antennas. These antennas are installed on top or bottom of an aircraft. The development of reconfigurable liquid antennas for aircraft adaptability is the latest trend in the market. Different types of antennas, such as communication antennas, loop antennas, GPS antennas, marker beacon antennas, and others, provide real-time information for communication, surveillance, and navigation applications.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE IMPACT

Impact of Russia-Ukraine War Crisis on Aviation Sector to Reshape Global Dynamics

• In the Russia and Ukraine war, the Starlink antenna project of SpaceX has amplified the virtue of GPS and anti-detection systems. The rise in the war situation around the world has given rise to the demand for secure transmission systems along with the agility for accurate operations.


• Ukraine reportedly destroyed Russia's tank and heavily armored vehicles with Tb2 Drones, which lack a basic level of communication systems. This situation directs that the existing war fleet needs modernization along with superior connectivity systems.


• The recent war has shown the use of multi-platform anti-jamming antennas being used to prevent detection and intrusion from enemies. Multi-platform anti-jamming antennas can be boarded on UAVs and vehicles as well; they can be operated over the ground and for aviation applications as well. Such undiscoverable systems are anticipated to drive the growth in the coming years.


• Due to the on-going war, Russia recently faced a major decline in airlines contracts from various countries and companies; the country announced to start home production of jet aircraft, which will result in self-sustained growth and revenues generated from exports in the coming years.


• Thus, the aviation industry in Europe was hampered as the war crisis led to a slowdown in the economy, disruptions of raw material supply chains, and declining air traffic.

LATEST TRENDS

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Innovation and Development of 3D Printing Technology in Aircraft Antenna is the Latest Trend

3D printing technology has been increasingly adopted to fabricate 3D electromagnetic complex structures in the aerospace and defense sector. On-site production has a huge advantage from 3D printing. Parts and supplies must be transported, which costs both time and money; with additive manufacturing, bespoke components created on-site.

The potential for a globally distributed manufacturing network enhances overall efficiency while saving money, allowing businesses to keep appropriate inventory levels to maximize output and create new value chains across industries. 3D printing creates opportunities for OEMs to produce antenna connectors and antenna sealants through advanced technologies.

In January 2022, Boeing partnered with Titomic, a Melbourne-based company behind the Titomic Kinetic Fusion (TKF) 3D printing method, to develop additive manufacturing in the space industry. The firms will collaborate to research the usage of sustainable titanium powders for 3D printing space system parts.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increase in Demand for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Commercial and Military Applications to Drive Market Growth

A surge in aircraft up-gradation, an increase in demand for military UAV exercises, and a rise in adoption of advanced communication & navigation systems are the major factors that drive the global market. Military agencies are investing in developing military class drones to be used on the battlefield. Reliable communication becomes a key aspect in such military applications of UAVs. Major key players are getting productive accreditation, inspiring market growth toward innovations and operative resemblance in the industry.

In April 2020, Lockheed Martin concluded the first phase of the multi-function electronic warfare air large (MFEW-AL) program for the U.S. Army. MFEW-AL program focuses on antenna technology for incorporating electronic warfare & cyber techniques in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Defense allocated USD 7.5 billion for unmanned systems and associated technologies. The UAV technology can be crucially useful to farmers in the agricultural sector, including enriched productivity, reduced pollution, lower costs, strengthened employment opportunities, and easier adaptation to climate.

Thus, an increase in demand for unmanned systems from the defense forces and commercial applications leads to the growing demand for next-generation communication and navigational antennas that drive the growth of the market.

Modernization of Air Traffic Management Infrastructures to Boost the Market Growth

The demand for technologically advanced aircraft has increased drastically over the last few years. Major key players in the developed countries are currently focusing on the innovative manufacturing of advanced aircraft. Modernization of air traffic management infrastructure improves the efficiency of the global aviation industry. Air traffic management infrastructure consists of air navigation services to handle air traffic more efficiently to reduce flight delays. These antennas help improve the connectivity to the aircraft, from air-air and air to land.

Under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Next-Generation Air Transportation System program, the current communication infrastructure will get updated in the U.S aviation industry. The success of the program will increase the safety standards for passengers and the efficiency of air traffic management systems.

Furthermore, ViaSat provides Ka-Band frequency, which will provide the same internet as in the office. High speed gradually greater than 20 Mbps will be offered for unparalleled in-flight connectivity. Thus, the introduction of advanced technologies and modernization of air traffic control centers boost the market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Growing Number of Aircraft Backlogs and Stringent Government Regulations to Hinder Market Growth

Airlines from all over the world are looking for some budget-friendly solution related to aircraft antenna, but the ongoing pandemic and war situations have resulted in severe disruption of supply and distribution chains. Moreover, airline operators have failed to generate a considerable profit.

Major restraints affecting the market growth include the cancellation of aircraft orders. The decline in aircraft deliveries occurred due to Boeing's retaliation from the contract of BOEING 737 Max jet. Such incidents affected the overall market growth in past years. The initial stage of aircraft antenna manufactured for each aircraft and drone being used has a high cost and varies in each sector.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all the company’s model airplanes to avoid the interference of 5G bands with the installed components, after which they may not function effectively. Such certain safety directives must be in effect for overall safety and need to be considered solemnly.

Implementation of 5G frequency bands on airports is restricting few aircraft from following through with the guidelines, as some fleets have old systems installed. Some components are observed getting damaged when a plane lands at the airport as they are not compatible with new frequencies. This could act as a restraining factor for the market.

SEGMENTATION

By Platform Analysis

Fixed-Wing Segment Dominated the Market in 2021 Due to Growing Air Traffic and Increasing Aircraft Deliveries

Based on platform, the market is segmented into fixed-wing and rotary-wing.

The fixed-wing segment is further classified into commercial aircraft, business aircraft, regional jets, general aviation, military aircraft, and fixed-wing UAVs. The rotary-wing segment is divided into military helicopter, civil helicopter, and rotary-wing UAVs.

The fixed-wing segment held the highest aircraft antenna market share in 2021. The dominance is due to the increase in the number of aircraft deliveries and rising spending on the aviation sector due to the growing number of air travelers. In 2021, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the major aircraft original equipment manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, delivered 340 and 611 aircraft. Boeing delivered 340 in 2021, which was nearly double the total aircraft delivered in 2020.

The rotary-wing segment will witness remarkable growth during the 2022-2029 period. The growth is attributed to the rising demand for small drones for commercial and defense applications. In February 2022, The U.S. Army signed a contract with Skydio to deliver its X2D drone to the Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record.

By Frequency Band Analysis

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Ka/Ku/K Band Segment to Showcase Highest Growth with 5G Network Adoption in Aviation

Based on frequency band, the market is segmented into VHF & UHF band, Ka/Ku/K band, HF band, X band, C band, and others.

The X band segment is projected to be the largest segment during the forecast period. The X band is a microwave radiofrequency. It is used for in-flight radar communication with Earth-based air traffic control stations.

The Ka/Ku/K band segment will showcase the highest rate during the forecast period. This growth is due to the rapid adoption of 5G in aviation, driving the segment growth. The Ka/Ku band hybrid aviation satcom antenna enables global broadband connectivity services for government and commercial users on worldwide high-capacity and conventional satellite networks.

By End-user Analysis

OEM Segment to Remain Dominant Due to Presence of Large Number of Antenna Providers

Based on end-user, the market is divided into OEM and aftermarket.

The OEM segment dominated the market and will continue its domination during the forecast period. The presence of a large number of aviation antenna providers for numerous applications, such as communication, navigation, and surveillance for real-time data, drives the aircraft antenna market growth. In May 2019, Boeing Phantom Works, the company’s advanced technology arm, introduced a new flat satellite antenna that would bring high-speed broadband to military aircraft.

The aftermarket segment will witness the highest growth during the forecast period. Regular replacement of aircraft antennas due to limited life span and maintenance services of an aircraft for enhanced operations drive the growth of the aftermarket segment during 2022-2029.

By Application Analysis

Navigation & Surveillance Segment to Exhibit Remarkable Growth Owing to Rising Installation of Next-Generation GPS Antennas

Based on application, the market is divided into commercial and navigation & surveillance.

The commercial segment is anticipated to be the largest segment in 2021. UHF band antennas are used for communication applications in aircraft. These antennas are used for transponders and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). The aircraft short-range communication uses a VHF band between 118 MHz and 137 MHz to talk with air traffic control. Thus, the rising number of aircraft deliveries drives the growth of the segment.

The navigation & surveillance segment will grow with the highest compound annual growth rate during the forecast period. Increased demand for next-generation navigational antennas, such as GPS antennas, marker beacon antennas, emergency locator transmitting antennas, and others, drives the segment growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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This market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

North America dominated the market in 2021 and was valued at USD 163.9 million. The growth is attributed to the presence of a well-flourished aviation industry and the presence of the highest aircraft fleet in the U.S. Furthermore, rising investments in developing technologically advanced aircraft antennas boost the market growth in the region.

Asia Pacific would grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid expansion of the aviation sector and growing urbanization lead to rising demand for commercial aircraft. Furthermore, increasing defense expenditure from emerging economies, such as China and India, leads to rising procurement of military aircraft and helicopters that drive the growth of the market.

Europe will showcase significant growth during the assessment period. A growing number of aircraft deliveries due to increasing air traffic and rising use of reconfigurable liquid antennas in an aircraft from France propels the market growth.

The rest of the world would register significant growth during the forecast period. Growing tourism, increasing air travelers, and growing defense spending from the Middle Eastern countries drive the market growth across the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Technological Advancements by Key Market Players Drive the Market Growth

The introduction of technologically advanced aircraft antennas for surveillance and communication applications is the upcoming trend in the market. A diversified product portfolio of GPS antennas and rising spending on research and development from the aircraft antenna manufacturers propel the market growth. In May 2022, Mayflower Communications and BAE Systems developed MAGNA under the sponsorship of the U.S. Navy to support GPS protection requirements for the sea, air, and ground platforms. MAGNA is a technologically advanced anti-jam GPS navigation antenna. The signals provided by these antennas are greater than 90 dB J/S anti-jam protection to the aircraft.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Antcom Corporation (U.S.)


• Smiths Interconnect (U.S.)


• Boeing (U.S.)


• Cobham Limited (U.K.)


• Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)


• L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (U.S.)


• Maxtena Inc. (U.S.)


• Harxon Corporation (China)


• Chelton Limited (U.K.)


• Sensor Systems (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2021- Antcom Corporation announced to deliver its high-filtering antennas with interference robustness. These antennas will be equipped with high-filtering amplifiers that reject out-of-band interference, protecting GPS L1 and L2 signals.


• March 2021- Honeywell signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Fiplex communications. The acquisition will expand the in-built connectivity and communications solutions of Honeywell International Inc.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Aircraft Antennas Market

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The global aircraft antenna market research report provides an in-depth technical analysis of the market and majorly focuses on key aspects such as leading market players, Russia-Ukraine war effect along with government bell out packages on the market, antenna systems, and leading technological trends. Besides, the report offers insights into the aviation market trends and highlights key industry developments & trends. In addition to the factors described above, the report provides several factors that will contribute to the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Report Scope & Segmentation