Belt Loader Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Ownership (New Delivery, Resale, and Lease/Rent), By System (Self-Propelled, Electric, Towable, Diesel, and Other), By Weight (0-1000 Kg, 1000 – 5000 Kg, and <5000 Kg), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global belt loader market size was valued at USD 1.18 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow from USD 1.38 billion in 2023 to USD 2.46 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.56% during the forecast period.                  

A belt loader is a type of ground support equipment that helps in the loading and unloading process of cargo and luggage to load in the aircraft. A loader is equipped with mechanical conveyor belts that help in the loading and unloading of cargo and luggage with ease. The loader is positioned at the entrance of the baggage compartment, the baggage or cargo is loaded on the belt, and it is carried to the opening where it is loaded. Loaders come in various variants, such as self-propelled, electric, towable, diesel, and gas.

The market has experienced remarkable growth in terms of revenue and advancements. The booming commercial aviation market, growing adoption of advanced technology, and growing eGSE components are major factors responsible for the growth. Moreover, the growing procurement and use of military aircraft and transport applications, in turn, add up to the growth in the base year and during the forecast period.

COVID-19 IMPACT

COVID-19 Pandemic Led to Disruptions in Supply Chains, Hampering Access to Raw Materials

The COVID-19 pandemic, which started in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, has drastically impacted the global economy, subsequently causing a major impact on the global aviation industry. The disruption in the supply chain and shortage of skilled labor amid the pandemic led to delays in aircraft deliveries, thus creating a load of backlogs with OEMs and making the aircraft manufacturing industry the worst hit by the pandemic. The worldwide lockdown has also left the aviation sector with crippled aircraft deliveries. Since airport operations were completely stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has hugely impacted the overall market of ground support equipment, hampering the growth of the market. However, it has been noted that the aviation industry is expected to recover bout 80% to pre-pandemic numbers by 2023.

• For instance, in May 2022, ICAO International Civil Aviation Authority, unveiled that air traffic is all set to return to pre-pandemic levels by 80%.

LATEST TRENDS

Emergence of Sustainable Ground Support Systems is the Prominent Market Trend

There has been a recent surge in research and development for developing sustainable, eco-friendly ground support equipment, including loaders. Carbon emissions from aviation have caused much harm to the environment, leading to various actions by airport and aviation authorities worldwide to develop initiatives and rules to reduce carbon emissions. Since authorities have initiated work towards reducing carbon emissions, many GSE OEMs have joined hands to develop sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for ground support handling to cater to sustainability regulations and decrease the overall carbon footprint. Additionally, since eco-friendly GSE ensures operator cost savings, demand for sustainable ground support systems has risen.

• For instance, in September 2020, Air France launched their first all-electric turn-around of an Air France flight –AF226, bound for Delhi in India. On this occasion, an Airbus A350-9 was handled with 100% TLD electric GSE.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increased Adoption of Self-Propelled Loaders To Drive the Belt Loader Market Growth

A self-propelled loader propels, moves, and functions without external help or a manual. Self-propelled loaders can be handled remotely, therefore, were in huge demand during the pandemic. Furthermore, they're being used and demanded various other reasons, such as efficiency, cost saving, and precision in performance, since there's low to no human intervention in tasks other than remote handling. Therefore, self-propelled loaders are in high demand and will continue to drive the market in the forecast period.

Increased Passenger Air Traffic to Boost the Market in the Long Run

In the post-pandemic scenario, there has been a rise in the number of passengers worldwide. Soon after the lockdown ended and the number of cases of COVID-19 subsided, there has been a rise in the number of travelers worldwide. Additionally, a report by International Air Travel Association, IATA, has mentioned that the number of travelers and the aviation industry will grow and return to pre-pandemic conditions by 2024, showcasing a full recovery from the effects of the downfall during the pandemic. Therefore, increased passenger air traffic will subsequently lead to the need for better ground support equipment, including loaders. For Instance,

• In April 2023, IATA International Air Transport Association unveiled a 55% growth in air traffic in February 2023, as compared to February 2022. This growth is attributed to the lowered number of COVID-19 cases and subsequent ease in travel restrictions.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost Associated with Procurement and Maintenance of Loader Systems to Restrict the Market Growth

Cost is a major factor in ground support equipment operations and maintenance. The maintenance cost of a Loader is extremely high since a modern loader consists of minor components that need to be handled and maintained by professionals, and regular checks are needed. Additionally, there are numerous regulations regarding aircraft operations that need to be taken care of. Therefore, belt loaders' production process is time and cost-consuming as well. On the other hand, procurement is difficult, pertaining to supply backlog and the high cost of the loader. The price is high since a loader has a long life of 10 to 15 years. The procurement and maintenance process is not cost-effective for the airline and aircraft operators, thus hindering market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Ownership Analysis

Pending Backlog of Deliveries Helped New Delivery Segment Dominate in 2022

Based on the ownership, the market has been segmented into new deliveries, resale, and lease/rent.

The new deliveries segment is expected to hold the dominant market share in the forecast period owing to a supply backlog created in the aftermath of the pandemic. However, the belt loaders market is expected to grow at an exponential rate owing to the emergence of new airlines and growing passenger air traffic.

The lease/rental segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the forecast period owing to growing preference of airport operators and airlines and the high cost of procurement and maintenance. Additionally, leasing or renting is a lot more cost-saving than procurement, therefore is the foremost choice of airline operators to minimize cost, hence boosting the overall market growth.

By System Analysis

Electric System Segment to Record the Highest CAGR Owing to Integration of EV-Based GSE in Airport Operations

Based on the system, the market is classified into self-propelled, electric, towable, diesel, and others.

The self-propelled system segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022, owing to a strong market presence and relevance. Since self-propelled loaders offer remote access and benefits such as automated luggage transfer and efficiency in transfer and require less manual effort, thereby being highly demanded by airline operators.

The electric segment is projected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period owing to the increased integration of electronic vehicles and machinery in regular airport operations. An electric loader enables high performance and lower cost due to low fuel requirements. Additionally, infrastructural developments for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and maintenance at the airport are going to further boost the belt loader market share in the forecast period.

By Weight Analysis

Wide Availability of 1000-5000 KG Weight segment to boost the Market

The market is classified as 0-1000 kg, 1000-5000 kg, and <5000 kg.

The 1000-5000kg segment held a dominant share of the market in 2022. The growth is attributed to growing preference and demand for 1000-5000kg loaders as a golden mean, providing moderate to high weight capacity. The loader is capable of loading minimum to maximum load, making it highly efficient and preferable for the operators. The 1000-5000 kg segment is also predicted to grow at the highest CAGR in the forecast period.

The 0-1000 kg segment is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period, owing to growing numbers of chartered and small-size aircraft. These aircraft have limited passengers, thereby limiting luggage weight. Therefore, the segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the forecast period.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market size in North America accounted for USD 0.41 billion in 2022. The dominance of North American region is due to the presence of prominent market players in the region. The presence of key market players in the region enables growth opportunities and technological advancements. North America region has a well-established infrastructure and ecosystem for efficient avionics research and development and therefore is the dominant region. The region is expected to maintain its dominance in the forecast period.

Europe is expected to register remarkable growth in the market due to the growing number of air travelers and increased expenditure on aviation from regulatory authorities from major countries in the region. Additionally, the presence of market players, such as BAE Systems, Cobhalm PLC, and SAFRAN is anticipated to drive the market in the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the expanding aviation industry in China and India. Developing economies such as India, Japan, and South Korea are big market with a wide scope of growth. Additionally, renting/ leasing loader is expected to boost overall market growth in the forecast period, thereby enabling exponential growth with highest CAGR.

The Rest of the World is to experience significant growth during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the growing airline industry throughout the Latin America region. Moreover, the growing procurement of business jets and commercial aircraft in Middle East & Africa to boosts market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Emerging partnerships, collaborations, and acquisitions by key players is Propelling the Market Growth

The upcoming trends in the market are the emergence of new players and existing players indulging in collaborations, partnerships, and acquisitions. For instance, in July 2022, TLD Group entered a partnership with BH Airport and Real Aviation to develop an all-natural turnaround that will be 100% carbon neutralized by 2050. Numerous market players have initiated green initiatives towards making the loaders electric and eco-friendly for sustainable operations which is also cost-effective for the operators. These factors are expected to perform a major role in boosting market growth.

LIST OF THE KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Aero Specialties Inc. (U.S.)


• Charlatte Manutention SA (France)


• Darmec Technologies Srl (Italy)


• ERSEL TECHNOLOGY (Turkey)


• FAST Global Solutions (WASP Inc.) (U.S.)


• JIANGSU TIANYI AVIATION INDUSTRY CORPORATION LIMITED (China)


• Sinfonia Technology Co. Ltd. (Japan)


• Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. (U.S.)


• TLD Group (France)


• Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co. Ltd. (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In October 2021, Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. launched an addition to their loaders category with a high-performance energy efficient, lithium-ion electric deviant that ensures low cost of operation- the new TUG 660Li Belt Loader.


• In January 2021, Jiangsu Tianyi Aviation Industry Corporation Limited appointed Aero Connections, which specialized in the stocking and selling of aircraft spare parts, components, consumables, and ground service equipment, as their authorized agent in the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe regions.


• In October 2021, Charlatte Manutention SA partnered with NAVYA, a France based autonomous mobility systems manufacturer to unveil CE certification of AUTONOM TRACTAT 135, towards the safety and commercialization of autonomous operation.


• In October 2021, Darmec was present at the 23rd edition of Inter Airport Europe fair which is one of the world’s leading airport trade fair and covers all areas of airport technology, equipment and services in Munich.


• In May 2022, Aero Specialties Inc. attended the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition held in Geneva, Switzerland. The company displayed its HPU and ground support equipment on display, where customers visited.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global belt loader market report covers the in-depth technical analysis of the market and majorly focuses on key aspects such as leading market players, COVID-19 effect on the market, product type, Systems, and leading technological trends, research ideology of the product. Apart from this, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights, drivers, restraints, key industry developments & trends. In addition to the factors above, the report provides numerous factors that will contribute to the overall growth of the market during the forecast period.

REPORT SCOPE AND SEGMENTATION