Aircraft Lighting Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Aircraft Type (Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing), By Lighting Type (Interior Lights and Exterior Lights), By Point of Sale (OEM and Aftermarket), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global aircraft lighting market size was valued at USD 2.50 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 2.75 billion in 2024 to USD 5.20 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.58% during the forecast period. North America dominated the aircraft lighting market with a market share of 31.07% in 2023. Moreover, the aircraft lighting market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 936.9 million by 2032, driven by rising aircraft refurbishment drive market growth by extending lifespan of older aircraft.

Aircraft lighting systems provide illumination for both interior and exterior applications. The exterior lights illuminate operations such as navigation landing at night, inspecting icing conditions, and safety from a midair collision. Similarly, interior lighting offers illuminated instruments, cockpits, cabins, and other sections occupied by passengers or crew members. Certain lighting solutions, such as warning and indicator lights, indicate the operation status of equipment. The aircraft interior light is the main focus of the lighting system as it ensures passenger safety and comfort. Cabin lighting is an important part of ensuring the best in-flight passenger experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic had severely affected the aviation industry. It was visible in different forms, including low passenger air traffic, delays in aircraft deliveries, and cancellation of aircraft orders. In addition, all airport operations, including procurement and demand creation of new aircraft, were halted, disrupting production and the overall supply chain of aircraft manufacturing and procurement. As the number of cases decreased, the aviation industry started gaining momentum with time and is anticipated to grow exponentially over the forecast period.

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GLOBAL AIRCRAFT LIGHTING Market Snapshot & Highlights

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2023 Market Size: USD 2.50 billion
• 2024 Market Size: USD 2.75 billion
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 5.20 billion
• CAGR: 9.58% from 2024–2032

Market Share:

• North America dominated the aircraft lighting market with a 31.07% share in 2023, driven by robust commercial aircraft deliveries and strong aftermarket demand in the U.S.
• By lighting type, interior lighting held the largest market share in 2023 due to increasing focus on passenger comfort, cabin ambiance, and luxury design features in wide-body and long-haul aircraft.

Key Country Highlights:

• United States: Led the global market in 2023; expected to reach USD 936.9 million by 2032 due to high retrofit demand and aircraft production by Boeing.
• India: Rapid expansion in civil aviation infrastructure and growing demand for energy-efficient LED lighting solutions in domestic carriers is propelling market growth.
• China: Investments in indigenous aircraft production (e.g., COMAC C919) and fleet expansion plans are contributing significantly to lighting system demand.
• Germany: Home to major OEMs like Diehl Stiftung, supporting innovation in LED-based lighting systems for European carriers.
• France: Increasing focus on luxury interior upgrades and retrofit programs in partnership with Airbus drives demand for advanced lighting technologies.
• Japan: Major airlines adopting customizable cabin lighting systems to enhance brand identity and passenger experience.
• Brazil: Rising MRO activities and regional aircraft modernization by Embraer supports interior and exterior lighting system upgrades.
• United Arab Emirates: Investments by Etihad and Emirates in fleet upgrades and first-class cabin redesigns are boosting demand for adaptive lighting systems.
• Europe: Witnessing strong growth in luxury and ambient lighting trends, alongside rising demand for sustainable and energy-efficient aircraft technologies.

Aircraft Lighting Market Trends

Growing Demand for Aesthetic, Lightweight, and Customized Lighting to Accentuate Market Growth

In recent years, OEMs and airlines have directed their focus toward the enhancement of visually pleasing lighting. Previously aircraft lighting wasn’t given much priority since safety and demand for lightweight aircraft component-making were the major focus of aircraft producers. With time, the manufacturers understood that a monotonous tone and unpleasant lights didn’t provide as much comfort to the passengers. On longer-duration flights, passengers felt uncomfortable at a high altitude. Therefore, a need arose to include lightweight lighting pleasing to the human eyes to ease the passenger during the journey. Moreover, the requirement to incorporate luxurious elements within aircraft for affluent clientele has opened up opportunities for OEMs to produce and acquire opulent lighting solutions, ensuring the well-being and safety of passengers at elevated altitude.

• For instance, in March 2023, Virgin Atlantic Airlines unveiled an enhanced lighting and service concept ahead of introducing its A330 NEO aircraft. The airlines objective is to revolutionize the onboard journey through individual cabin designs and services. The updated physical and technological aspects offer upgraded lighting and personalized services, fostering improved interaction between passengers and flight crew.
• North America witnessed aircraft lighting market growth from USD 705.6 Million in 2022 to USD 776.7 Million in 2023.

Aircraft Lighting Market Growth Factors

Rising Demand and Adoption of Energy-Saving Aircraft Lighting Supports Market Growth

The Light-Emitting Diode (LED) is the main lighting solution highly adopted in aircraft cabin lighting. The advanced technology delivers high durability, energy efficiency, and luminosity, bringing plenty of benefits to an aircraft. Globally, LED lights have been preferred recently to traditional bulbs, owing to the multiple uses and advantages of LEDs, which are anticipated to fasten the development of energy-efficient aircraft LED lights for exterior and interior use. The operational cost is lower than other types of illumination, such as fluorescent lamps. Thus, the adoption of LED and other advanced lighting systems to drive aircraft lighting market growth.

• In August 2023, Honeywell Corporation, one of a pioneer airport equipment provider announced the launch of its Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) manufacturing facility in Gurugram, India. The Honeywell range of low-wattage, LED based lighting solutions help airports improve operations and maintain compliance, while also helping to decrease their energy use and adding to the longevity of the assets.

Rising Aircraft Refurbishment Drive Market Growth by Extending Lifespan of Older Aircraft

In recent times, there has been an increase in the requirement for refurbishment and restoration of aging airplanes and corporate jets. Given that a significant number of aircraft are retired and overhauled annually, there exists a necessity to be renovate and refurbish older airplanes as either cargo or passenger airplanes. Several operators and airlines have initiated the process of renewing with cutting-edge lighting solutions as a modernization measure. Additionally, airline operators globally highly invest in aircraft modernization programs and increase contracts with OEMs to upgrade traditional cabin interiors and aircraft lighting systems, as the airline industry mainly focuses on enhancing passenger experience and comfort by installing advanced aircraft interior systems. Growing expenditure on the aviation sector and growing spending on the development and design of advanced aircraft lighting drive market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Existing Aircraft Backlog and Delayed Deliveries to Limit Market Growth

There has been a decrease in aircraft deliveries since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. A sudden halt of all airport operations disrupted the supply chain, making accessing raw materials, workforce, and production more difficult. All these aftermaths combined led to a huge downfall in the overall demand and deliveries of aircraft globally, thereby widening the aircraft backlog count. All OEMs are working at full capacity to fulfill the backlog created due to the pandemic.

• For instance, in January 2023, a leading OEM, Airbus S.A.S., reported a backlog of 7,239 aircraft. Of the total aircraft backlog, 91% were A320 and A220ceo/neo narrow bodies. However, The Boeing Company has accumulated 5,430 aircraft backlog, of which 79% is narrow body.

Additionally, growing demand from airline operators as an aftermath of COVID-19 is further growing the backlog, enabling the OEMs to widen their scope and capacity of production. A huge backlog of deliveries will limit the market to grow to some extent and thus hamper the market growth.

Aircraft Lighting Market Segmentation Analysis

By Aircraft Type Analysis

Growing Airline Fleet to Drive Market Growth for Fixed-Wing Segment

Based on aircraft type, the market is categorized into fixed-wing and rotary-wing. The fixed-wing aircraft type is further segmented into commercial aircraft, military aircraft, regional jet, and business jets and general aircraft. The rotary-wing aircraft type is further bifurcated into commercial helicopters and military helicopters. The military aircraft segment is expected to hold a 23.68% share in 2023.

The fixed-wing segment held the highest market share in 2022, owing to strong demand and presence globally. A high rise in demand for commercial and military aircraft is leading market growth for the fixed-wing segment. Additionally, a growing net worth of individuals leading in higher purchasing power has increased leisure travel and, thus, demand for business jets. As the number of fixed-wing aircraft deliveries grows yearly, the market is also expected to grow.

The rotary-wing segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR due to the growing demand for helicopters for commercial purposes such as air ambulances and tourism. Additionally, the increase in the growing procurement of military aircraft is one of the major reasons for segment growth during the forecast period. For Instance,

• For instance, in January 2022, the U.S. Marine Corps received its first CH-53K King Stallions. The helicopter is one of the most powerful heavy-lift helicopters in the U.S. military. 

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By Lighting Type Analysis

Growing Demand for Aesthetic Lighting to Propel Interior Lights Segment Growth

According to lighting type, the market is segmented into interior lights and exterior lights. Interior lights segment is further segmented into signage lights, ceiling & wall lights, floor path lighting, reading lights, and lavatory lights. Furthermore, the exterior lights segment is further segmented into emergency lights, navigation lights, and others.  

The exterior lights segment dominated the market with a higher share owing to high cost and growing aircraft deliveries. With a growth in the number of aircraft deliveries to airlines and service providers around the world, the segment is expected to grow further during the forecast period.

The interior lights segment is expected to record the highest CAGR owing to the adoption of aesthetic lighting in the aircraft interiors and in refurbishment of older aircrafts. Airlines have now started emphasizing on aesthetic lighting in cabins, therefore, leading to an overall rise in the demand for interior lighting solutions.

• In December 2023, Japan Airlines unveiled new cabin interiors for its flagship A350-1000 aircrafts. The refurbishment comes with four cabins with modern suites and trade. Furthermore, the new interiors feature mood and aesthetic lighting in addition to high shell doors. The suite is expected to offer a range of living space options coupled with a headset-free Euphony sound.

By Point of Sale Analysis

Growing Aircraft Refurbishment to Boost Aftermarket Segmental Growth  

Based on point of sale, the market is divided into OEM and aftermarket.

The aftermarket segment accounted for the largest share in 2022. The segment is anticipated to lead the market in the forecast period owing to the rising demand for aircraft lighting customization according to customers’ needs. The segment's growth is also attributed to increasing aircraft flight hours. A rise in air passenger traffic leads to increased use of lights. These lights required detailed inspection and bulb replacements on a period specified by the manufacturer.

The OEM segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR from 2023-2030, owing to increased demand for aesthetically pleasing lighting. Furthermore, the growing demand for new-gen aircraft in the U.S. and emerging countries such as China and India in the Asia Pacific is anticipated to aid the market's growth in forthcoming years.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The global market is segmented into regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the rest of the world.

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North America 

North America was valued at USD 776.7 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to dominate the market due to the presence of top aircraft OEMs, such as Boeing and Bombardier, among many others, in this region. Furthermore, North America has the largest market in the world, leading to more technological advancements and designs for aircraft lighting.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is predicted to grow at the highest CAGR due to the rising number of OEMs. The growth of the aviation sector in the Asia Pacific stands out as a primary driver behind the advancement of the market in Asia Pacific. Furthermore, India has the world’s third-largest civil aviation market, and the increasing aerospace infrastructure and defense spending will create lucrative growth opportunities in forthcoming years.

Europe

Europe accounted for the second-highest market share in 2022. The growth is due to the growing adoption of advanced LED lighting technology for a cabin for modern-generation aircraft. Additionally, the presence of key players such as Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG, STG Aerospace Limited Safran, Cobham plc, and Oxley Group are some of the major companies in the market and have some of the largest customer bases globally. The Middle East market is anticipated to witness significant growth in the forecast period owing to the emerging aviation industry and demand for luxury interiors in the region

List of Key Companies in Aircraft Lighting Market

Key Players Adapt Strategies to Ensure Market Survival by Expanding Service Portfolio

The global market is highly fragmented, with various key players such as Astronics Corporation, Cobham Plc., Honeywell International Inc., Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG, Luminator Technology Group, and Safran. These players focus on providing a wide scope of energy-efficient solutions for fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Besides, increasing investment in R&D activities and the rising focus on strategic acquisition and collaboration strategy would support expanding its product and brand portfolios.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Astronics Corporation (U.S.)
• Aveo Engineering Group s.r.o (Czech Republic)
• Bruce Aerospace (U.S.)
• Cobham plc (U.K.)
• Collins Aerospace (U.S.)
• Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG (Germany)
• Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)
• Luminator Technology Group (U.S.)
• Oxley Group (U.K.)
• Safran (France)
• Soderberg Manufacturing Company (U.S.)
• STG Aerospace Limited (U.K.)