Aircraft Electrical System Market Size, Share & Covid-19 Impact Analysis, By Platform (Fixed-Wing and Rotary Wing), By Component (Generators, Conversion Devices, Battery Management Systems), By Application (Power Generation Management, Flight Control & Operation, Cabin System, Configuration Management), By Technology (Conventional, Electric), By End User (OEM and Aftermarket) and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global aircraft electrical system market size was USD 19.95 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 27.29 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.83% during the forecast period.

An aircraft electrical system is a self-contained network of electric components used to generate, transmit, distribute, utilize, and store electric power and electrical energy. Generators and alternators are majorly used in aircraft to produce electricity. This equipment is engine-driven and powered by an auxiliary power unit (APU), a hydraulic motor, and a ram air turbine (RAT). The increasing use of lightweight wiring in commercial aircraft and advancements in high-density battery solutions for electric aircraft is propelling the market growth. In July 2019, for instance, Astronics Corporation launched a new vertical power primary power system (PPS). The PPS offers a new approach towards charging circuits for experimental and light-recreation aircraft and improves system reliability, saves space, reduces installation time, and is suitable for retrofit installations.

Decreasing Global Deliveries of Commercial Aircraft amid the COVID-19 Pandemic to Hamper Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic, which erupted in China in December 2019, is having a negative impact on the aircraft electrical system market growth. The aviation industry is facing some critical challenges, such as new travel trends, international travel bans due to the coronavirus effect, and managing commercial aircraft supply chains. The global passenger traffic report published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that in 2020, there has been a 14.2% revenue fall from air passenger travel.

As stated by a Bloomberg 2020 report, the U.S. aerospace industry lost USD 220 billion in market value during the COVID-19 era. The Boeing Company’s deliveries were hampered due to the issues associated with the Boeing 737 MAX orders. The Teal Group's report states that the Boeing Company did not receive a single order during January 2020. An aircraft electrical system is an essential component of an aircraft; there has been a direct impact on the market as demand for fixed-wing aircraft has contracted due to the COVID-19 impact on the aviation industry.

However, companies located in North America, such as Amphenol Corporation, Avionic Instruments, LLC, and Honeywell International Inc., are investing in the digital transformation of electrical systems in airplanes by upgrading their fleets with integrated drive generators, variable speed constant frequency generators, and auxiliary power units. These devices provide better agility, connectivity, and productivity and are expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the market from 2022 to 2027.

LATEST TRENDS

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Introduction of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries to Boost the Market

In the early stages of the development of the aviation industry, conventional batteries were used in airplanes, such as Lead Acid (Pb-acid), Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH). The technologically advanced batteries of today consist of Lithium-ion (Li-ion), Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S), Lithium Air (Li-air), and Zinc Air (Zn-air). These batteries are improving the operational performance of airplanes. The Li-S batteries, in particular, are witnessing increasing adoption as they are extremely lightweight, provide reverse recharging, and deliver higher energy output than the previous versions of lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, the increasing use of Li-S batteries in aircraft electrical systems to improve an aircraft's operational efficiency is anticipated to boost market growth.

DRIVING FACTORS

 The Transition towards Next-Generation More Electric Systems to Drive Market Growth

The primary factor that is driving this market is the adoption of More Electric Systems in aircraft instead of using a conventional electric system. In conventional electric systems, hydraulics perform several operations to actuate the landing gear, flight control operations, and aircraft power generation management. However, the conventional systems are bulky and lead to an increase in the weight of the aircraft.

The latest versions of the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 feature the More Electric System. This system applies a distributed electric system to run flight operations. The system is also cost-effective and lightweight, reducing the aircraft's overall maintenance cost and weight. In January 2020, for example, Safran launched an advanced More electric system for vertical take-off (VTOL) aircraft instead of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Rising Demand for Fighter Jets from Emerging Economies to Aid Growth

In July 2020, the Ministry of Defence (India) and the Russian government signed a deal worth USD 2,400 million for the MiG-29, Su-30 MKI, and MiG-29s fighter jets. These fighter jets are aimed at improving the aerial strength of the Indian Air Force. In May 2020, the Indian government announced the induction of a 114-strong fleet of medium-weight multirole fighters. These fighter jets are built in India with more electrical technology. The manufacturing cost was estimated to be around USD 17 billion under the Make in India economic policy. Under this program, Boeing was partnering with India-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and Mahindra Defense Systems Ltd. for the advanced fighter jet F/A-18.

China has been increasing its defense budget for the procurement of advanced jets. The fifth-generation fighter jets, such as SHENYANG J-31, SUKHOI T-50, F-35 LIGHTNING-II, and F-22 RAPTOR, consist of an advanced electrical system. The increasing border disputes between India and China have indirectly raised the demand for aircraft electrical systems. Therefore, the increasing demand for fifth-generation fighter jets across the Asia Pacific is fueling market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Maintenance Cost of Aircraft Electrical Systems to Restrict Market Growth

High maintenance costs are associated with replacing conventional electrical systems. An aircraft’s electrical system comprises generators, conversion devices, distribution devices, and battery management systems. High initial investments are required to upgrade these conventional systems. Therefore, the necessity of upgraded electrical systems is likely to hinder the market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Platform Analysis

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 Rising Adoption of Fixed-Wing Aircraft from Emerging Economies to Feed Market Growth

Based on the platform, the market is classified into fixed-wing and rotary-wing. The fixed-wing segment consists of commercial aviation, military aviation, business & general aviation, and fixed-wing UAVs.

The fixed-wing segment held a dominant share of the market in 2019. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for narrow-body aircraft, wide-body aircraft, very large aircraft, and regional transport aircraft from emerging economies such as China and India. The increasing demand for commercial aircraft from India directly reflects the supply chain of aircraft electrical systems. According to a 2019 report by Boeing, industry experts state that India needs 2,380 commercial aircraft from 2019 to 2039. The report also predicted a 20% growth in India's passenger traffic in 2019. Military aviation consists of fighter jets and transport aircraft. The increasing use of fighter jets and fixed-wing UAVs by several armed forces worldwide is supporting market growth.

The rotary-wing segment consists of civil aviation, military aviation, general aviation, and rotary-wing UAVs. The rotary-wing segment is projected to register a high CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is mainly attributable to the increasing use of helicopters in commercial applications, such as the transportation of people and cargo, search and rescue missions, tourism, military uses, construction, law enforcement, agriculture, firefighting, medical transport, and aerial observation.

By Component Analysis

Conversion Devises Segment to Register a Higher CAGR till 2027

Based on components, the market is classified into generators, conversion devices, distribution devices, battery management systems, and others.  

The generator segment is further classified into starter generators, auxiliary power units (APUs), integrated drive generators (IDG), variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) generators, and generator control units (GCUs). The generators segment is expected to hold the largest share in the market during the forecast period. This growth is owing to the growing demand for generators for fixed-wing aircraft and rotary-wing aircraft. Generators are majorly used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and are powered by the aircraft engine.

The conversion devices segment is subdivided into inverters, converters, and transformer rectifier units (TRUs). The conversion devices segment is projected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is due to the increasing use of conversion devices in aerospace networks to provide high-quality DC and AC electrical power sources. TRUs are used to convert the primary electrical aircraft network into a secondary electrical network.

The distribution devices segment is sub-segmented into wires & cables, connectors & connector accessories, and bus bars. The increasing use of battery management systems and alternators in commercial aircraft, business jets, and fixed-wing UAVs is set to accelerate market growth.

By Application Analysis

Flight Control & Operation Segment Dominated in 2019 Backed by Increasing Demand for Business Jet Platforms

Based on application, the market is segmented into power generation management, flight control & operation, cabin system, configuration management, and air pressurization & conditioning.

The power generation management segment consists of an electrical distribution network, which delivers accurate management and protection of an aircraft from electrical loads to improve flight safety. This segment is estimated to hold a higher CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is owing to the increasing use of power management devices in business jets and commercial aircraft.

The flight control & operation segment held the dominant share of the market in 2019. The dominance is due to the introduction of innovative power system solutions to raise electrical system efficiency and performance of business jets during flight operations. The increasing use of generators and power converters for cabin systems, configuration management, and air pressurization & conditioning systems is likely to fuel market growth.     

By Technology Analysis

Electric Segment to Exhibit Highest CAGR Supported by the Rising Adoption of Commercial Aircraft and UAVs

In terms of technology, the market is segmented into conventional, electric, and others.

The conventional segment is expected to have a dominant share of the market during the forecast period. The dominance is due to the increasing use of conventional technology in narrow-body aircraft, regional transport aircraft, military helicopters, and rotary-wing UAVs.

The electric system is classified into hybrid electric systems and fully electric systems. The electric segment is anticipated to project a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is on account of the increasing adoption of hybrid electric systems in combat aircraft.

The others segment consists of a more electric system, which is majorly used in business jets. Collins Aerospace, for instance, invested USD 3,000 million from 2009 to 2019 to install more electric architecture in commercial aviation, business aviation, and military aviation.

By End-User Analysis

Growing Number of Military Jet Deliveries Worldwide to Propel the Market

In terms of end-users, the market is segmented into OEM and aftermarket.

The OEM segment is anticipated to hold a dominant share of the market during the forecast timeline. This growth is attributed to the increasing number of military jet deliveries across the world. In August 2020, for example, the Indian Air Force received five Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation (France) to improve India's aerial strength. The initiation of research and development programs to develop technologically advanced electrical systems to improve military aircraft's power efficiency would also contribute to market growth.

The aftermarket segment is anticipated to exhibit a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the up-gradation programs implemented by several defense forces and commercial airlines. The renewal of up-gradation contracts for combat aircraft, fighter jets, business jets, and UAVs would also bolster growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The market size in North America stood at USD 8.41 billion in 2019 and the region is set to lead the aircraft electrical system market share during the forecast timeline. This will be mainly due to the presence of key players in the US, including Ametek, Amphenol Corporation, Astronics Corporation, GE Aviation, Honeywell International Inc., and others. The dominance of this region is also attributable to the improved domestic airline networks, growth in defense spending, and surging numbers of air passengers in the U.S. and Canada.

The market in Europe is projected to show significant growth during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the rising demand for lightweight aircraft from the UK, France, and Germany. The aviation industry in the UK is adopting advanced power management solutions for commercial aircraft. The strategic investments by private firms in the UK and Germany for advanced product development in aircraft electrical systems are expected to boost the market.

The market in Asia Pacific aircraft electrical systems is projected to show the highest growth during the forecast timeline. This growth is owing to the rapidly expanding aviation industry in China, India, and Japan. The air transport industry report (2019) states that China's commercial airlines and its supply chain are expected to create USD 78 billion in revenue for China. As stated by the global aerospace and defense industry outlook report (2020), China will require 8,085 aircraft over the next 20 years. The increasing demand for commercial aircraft from China and India is projected to boost the market.

The Middle East is also expected to exhibit considerable growth during the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for fixed-wing UAVs, business jets, and air-ambulance helicopters.

The Rest of the World is foreseen to display decent growth during the forecast period. This growth is owing to the increasing spending on rotary-wing aircraft and UAVs in Africa and Latin America.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Set to Support Innovations Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems to Aid Market Growth

This market is characterized by the presence of dominant players holding significant market shares. They are focusing on business partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and collaborations. The competitive landscape of the market depicts the domination of selected players, such as BAE Systems, GE Aviation, Thales Group, Ametek, Amphenol Corporation, and Meggitt. The key players are focusing on developing a diverse product portfolio of aircraft electrical systems, supply chain management, maintenance, and other solutions. For example, in May 2020, GKN Aerospace signed a contract with Eviation (Israel) to support electrical wiring interconnection systems. According to this contract, GKN Aerospace provided electrical wiring interconnection systems, wings, and empennage for Alice's electrical aircraft.

LIST OF KEY MARKET PLAYERS PROFILED IN THIS REPORT:

• Ametek (The U.S.)


• Amphenol Corporation (The U.S.)


• Astronics Corporation (The U.S.)


• Avionic Instruments, LLC (The U.S.)


• Bae Systems (The U.K.)


• Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (The U.S.)


• Crane Aerospace & Electronics (The U.S.)


• Eaglepicher Technologies, LLC (The U.S.)


• Esterline Technologies (TRANSDIGM GROUP) (The U.S.)


• GE Aviation (The U.S.)


• Hartzell Engine Technologies (The U.S.)


• Honeywell International Inc. (The U.S.)


• Meggitt (The U.K.)


• Nabtesco Corporation (Japan)


• PBS Aerospace (The U.S.)


• Pioneer Magnetics (The U.S.)


• Radiant Power Corporation (The U.S.)


• Safran (France)


• Thales Group (France)


• United Technologies Corporation (The U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In May 2021, Safran Electrical & Power and Pyroalliance signed a partnership agreement for the development of emergency pyrotechnic electrical shutdown solutions. This development is dedicated to high-power electric networks on future-generation aircraft.


• In March 2021, GKN Aerospace was awarded a contract by the Boeing Company to provide electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for the Boeing 777X aircraft family.


• In March 2021, Rolls-Royce signed an agreement with Vertical Aerospace to power Vertical Aerospace’s flagship Urban Air Mobility (UAM) aircraft. The electrical system will be integrated into the VA-X4 piloted all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle


• In February 2021, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) provide funding worth USD 10 million for six projects that are part of Connecting Aviation By Lighter Electrical Systems (CABLES). The CABLES team is expected to develop medium-voltage (> 10 kV) power distribution cables, circuit breakers, and connectors for fully electrical aviation applications.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Aircraft Electrical System Market

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The aircraft electrical system market research report provides a structured analysis of the market. It majorly focuses on key aspects, such as leading market players, power electronics methodology used in commercial aviation military, electrical components, combat aircraft types, applications of this system in the defense sector, industrial presence of starter generators, auxiliary power units, and the market's leading technological trends. Besides this, the report offers highlights of the key industry developments. Furthermore, the report provides several factors contributing to the market's growth over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation