Aircraft Landing Gear Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Nose Landing Gear and Main Landing Gear), By Platform (Fixed-Wing, Rotary Wing), By Arrangement (Tail Wheel, Tandem, and Tri-Cycle), By Component (Retraction System, Brakes & wheels, Steering, and Others), By End-User (OEM and Aftermarket), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global aircraft landing gear market size was USD 9.88 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow from USD 10.79 billion in 2021 to USD 22.90 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 17.9% during 2021-2028. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with aircraft landing equipment witnessing a negative demand shock across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of -14.6% in 2020. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

This type of gear system in an aircraft can be defined using various definitions as it performs a number of functions and has different purposes based on position and aircraft type. To be precise a landing type of gear in an aircraft provides movement and suspension during taxi, take-off, and landing. It is designed to absorb sudden shocks of landing impact, thereby reducing the impact loads transmitted to the airframe. Over the last decade, the landing type of gear demonstrated its strongest demand in the commercial sector. The growth of this market can be attributed to the growing commercial aviation sector and the expansion of aircraft fleets by airline operators and the growing trend of low-cost and ultra-low-cost airlines in the aviation industry.

The aircraft landing gear is one of the crucial components in any aircraft, they are controlled by hydraulic or pneumatic systems and have a specific service life. For instance, the average life of a landing fitted on an Airbus A320 is five years and are required to go for a replacement after the same time period. Not only OEMs, but the leading players involved in the aviation aftermarket industry are benefitted by these replacements and overhauls. With the significant rise in new commercial aircraft deliveries and older fleets undergoing major maintenance tasks involving landing gear replacements, the market is projected to witness higher growth numbers and surplus demand during the forecast period.

Sudden Decline in Aircraft Delivery Rates amid COVID-19 to Hamper Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all industries, sectors and all aspects of human lives with devastating economic and financial losses and significant uncertainties. The aviation industry witnessed a significant decline owing to the overall reduction of air passengers traffic (both international and domestic) ranging from 60% in 2020 compared to 2019. Some airlines have shut down and several airlines from around the world have canceled orders for new aircraft due financial pressures.

• In February 2021, Norwegian and Airbus signed an agreement to cancel outstanding aircraft orders. Nearly 88 aircraft, including the long-range A321LR, are no longer to be delivered.

Moreover, the unavailability of staff due to lockdown in many countries has affected the supply chain. The key players such as Airbus and Boeing have lowered their aircraft production rate. The major players in the aviation industry have objective set of eyes on the current situation and have predicted that the impact of this pandemic will be visible till year 2023.  The implications of canceled orders and halted supply chains are expected to affect the aircraft landing gear market growth.

LATEST TRENDS

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Adoption of Lighter and Robust Landing Gear to Favor Market Growth

Aircraft landing gear is a heavily loaded structure in an aircraft. Its weight varies from 3% to 6% of total aircraft weight. The companies involved in the production business are manufacturing robust and lighter landing gear without compromising its functions, operations, performance, safety and maintenance requirements. This is made possible by using materials of higher strength, fracture toughness, and fatigue properties. These materials mainly include ultra-high strength alloy steels, corrosion resistant steel, titanium alloys, high strength aluminum alloys and composites.

Composites materials are widely used in aircraft structures including landing gears, the reason behind the use of composite in the undercarriage is that these materials offer super specific strength and stiffness properties. For instance, the carbon composite disc brake provides reduced weight, longer life, and lower maintenance. Cost of manufacturing composite components was the one factor that was not in favor of manufacturers but now it is being overcome by improved manufacturing techniques. Thus, these factors are expected to boost this market in forthcoming years.

• In August 2021, Hill Helicopters declared that they are intending to provide built HX50 and licensed HC50 turbine single helicopters, along with a skid landing gear alternative, in addition to the classic retractable wheeled gear. The hill skids will be produced from composite and aluminum, with steel wear shoes, and comprise a wide skid heel that will help with landings in snow, mud, as well as in loose gravel.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Procurement of Modern Generation Aircraft to Propel Market Growth

The procurement of modern generation aircraft has increased owing to their improved features and fuel-efficiency. Moreover, the rising demand for fleet expansion and the growth of low cost and ultra-low cost carriers the market is experiencing a sudden rise in orders for commercial aircraft, which is expected to propel this market. Furthermore, the increasing spending for military aircraft by countries to strengthen defense capabilities is also expected to aid the growth of the market. Lastly, the rise in the adoption of UAVs for military operations is expected to support market growth.    

• In July 2021, United Airlines placed an order of a 270 Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320s aircraft to replace its existing mainline and regional mainline fleet, which will be 11% more power efficient.

Rising Demand for Replacement & Advancements of Aircraft Parts to Favor Market Growth

Landing gear components such as brakes, wheels, actuation systems, undergo subsequent wear & tear and require maintenance actions on prescribed intervals. The increased passenger air traffic and rising flight hours of an aircraft have led to an increase in gear maintenance or replacements, which is expected to spur opportunities for aftermarket or maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operators. The MRO segment earns their major share of revenue from these major replacements. Moreover, the increasing national defense budgets to modernize aircraft fleets by replacing the conventional landing gear systems with technologically advanced systems are predicted to further support the growth of the market at highest rates.

• In August 2021, Alliance Airlines received USD 60 million in Jobs and Regional Growth funding to establish a new MRO facility at Rockhampton. This will create a spur of new opportunities for avionics, wheels, tyres, brakes and landing gear, engine maintenance, interiors and cabin accessories suppliers and vendors in the supply chain.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Safety Concerns Related to Landing Gear Systems to Hamper Market Growth

In the aviation industry, safety of passenger is the utmost priority for the airline operators. Landing gear systems comprises a number of system components and parts.  A slight mistake by the crew or engineering team in the functioning of this gear can lead to major aircraft disasters. In recent times, there have been a few airplane accidents, mostly at the time of aircraft landing, which has reiterated the risks surrounding these type of gear systems. For instance, in May 2021, an air ambulance had to make an emergency landing at the Mumbai airport after its wheel got separated during takeoff from the Nagpur airport. Jet Serve Aviation’s C-90 VT-JIL aircraft successfully made an emergency landing, with both the crew and patient experiencing not harm. Landing gear deployment failure incidents have led manufacturers to improve gear designs in order to prevent such mishaps. 

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Rise in Commercial Aircraft Deliveries to Fuel Demand for Main Landing Gear

Based on type, the market is divided into nose and main landing gear.

The main landing gear segment was estimated to be the largest segment in 2020, owing to the increased passenger aircraft and aircraft deliveries in Middle East and Asian countries. For instance, Indigo Airlines, a subsidiary of Inter globe aviation, is the biggest customer of Airbus-320 with an operating fleet of 280+ aircraft and is expected to take deliveries for 500 + aircraft by the end of 2030.

The nose landing gear segment, on the other hand, is anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period owing to the development of advanced steering systems to facilitate the smooth steering of an aircraft.

By Platform Analysis

Rotary-Wing Segment to Experience Significant Growth Backed by Heavy Demand for Military Helicopters

Based on platform, the market is classified into fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft types.

The fixed-wing category is further segmented into commercial aircraft, business aircraft, military aircraft, regional jet, general aviation aircraft, and fixed-wing UAVs. The rotary-wing category is further divided into military helicopters, commercial helicopters, and rotary UAVs.

The fixed-wing segment is projected to be the largest segment during the forecast period owing to the rising number of commercial aircraft deliveries underpinned by the increasing demand for low-cost carriers. For instance, in January 2021, despite the Boeing 737-max crisis, two of the biggest consumers of Boeing 737 family Southwest airlines placed and order of 34 new jets with Ryan air placed an order of new 737max-8 aircraft.

The rotary-wing segment is predicted to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period, owing to the increased demand for helicopters from the defense sector in major Asian economies.  For instance, in June 2021, Boeing won a USD 578 million Foreign Military Sales contract to deliver 14 extended-range Chinook heavy-lift rotorcraft to the UK Royal Air Force (RAF). The U.K. will be the first international operator of a Block II Chinook. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2026.

By Arrangement Analysis

Tri-Cycle Segment to Hold the Highest Market Share; Increased Commercial Aircraft Orders to Aid Segmental Growth

Based on arrangement type, the market is classified into the tail wheel, tandem, and tri-cycle. The tri-cycle segment is predicted to hold the largest market share in 2020 as it is the most commonly used landing gear arrangement in commercial aircraft. Due to the increased commercial aircraft orders and deliveries, this segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

The tandem segment is anticipated to grow at a higher rate owing to the developing military aviation fleets and rising budgets for the procurement of next-generation fighter jets. Military aircraft use the tandem landing gear arrangement as it provides additional stability to the aircraft.

By Component Analysis

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Retraction System Segment to Dominate Backed by Increased Flight Hours

Based on components, the market is divided into retraction systems, brakes & wheels, steering, and others.

The retraction system segment is anticipated to dominate the market and grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the rise in demand for replacement or repairing of retraction systems owing to increased flight hours of aircraft.

The brakes & wheels segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the increased flight hours of an aircraft as a result of the high demand for air travel. The decreasing lifespan of wheels & brakes due to increasing wear & tear is expected to support the segment’s growth. Rising research and development activities in aircraft steering systems are expected to fuel the growth of the segment.

By End-User Analysis

OEM to be the Largest Segment as Airlines Focus on Fleet Expansion Activities

Based on end-user, the market segments include OEM and aftermarket.

The OEM segment is predicted to lead the market during the forecast period due to the expansion of aircraft fleet by airlines in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Increasing passenger traffic has led airlines to expand their aircraft fleet, which will fuel the market growth.

The aftermarket segment is expected to witness substantial growth owing to the increased number of flights per aircraft, thus decreasing the lifecycle of the landing gear and rising MRO opportunities in North America and Asia Pacific.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The North American market size stood at USD 3.85 billion in 2020. North America dominated the global landing gear market in 2020. Additionally, the aviation and aerospace sector in the U.S is growing at a rapid speed, which has ultimately created a substantial demand for aircraft gearboxes. The presence of key players, such as Collins Aerospace. Moreover, the presence of leading aircraft manufacturers such as the Boeing Company and Bombardier Inc. is one of the major reasons for the growth of the market in the region.

The market in Europe is expected to grow moderately owing to the presence of prominent key players and OEMs such as Airbus, Leonardo Spa, and Safran SA. These companies are one of the top companies profiled in the region and hold some potential customers worldwide in this market.

The market in Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit considerable growth due to the increased defense spending on military aviation. In addition to this, the market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow significantly owing to the rising MRO opportunities in this region. Countries such as China and Japan are likely to remain the major players in this region. In contrast, India, due to its rapid growth in the commercial aviation sector, is set to be emerging as the fastest-growing market during the forecast period.

The Middle East & Africa region is expected to show significant growth through the forecast period. The Middle East consists of some potential buyers such as Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, and many more emerging airlines are the major players that contribute a major share in the global market.  The growing tourism industry in the region is predicted to increase air passenger traffic, which, in turn, is expected to augment aircraft landing gear market share in near future.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

GKN Aerospace to Set New Standard with Its Composite Landing Gear Development

GKN Aerospace, with its investments in the research & development of composite manufacturing processes, is expected to bolster its position in the market. Together with the National Dutch Aerospace Laboratory, GKN is focused on developing automated composite manufacturing plants, having the largest robotic fiber braiding machines in Europe, with an aim to save costs and time. With strategic acquisitions and partnerships, the company is focused on growing its capabilities.

Moreover, other major players such as AAR Corporation, Safran SA, Collins Aerospace, and others are focused on transforming their products to offer cost-effective systems to their customers.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• AAR Corporation (U.S.)


• Alaris Aerospace (U.S.)


• CIRCOR International Inc. (U.S.)


• Collins Aerospace (U.S.)


• GKN Aerospace (U.K.)


• Hawker Pacific Aerospace (U.S.)


• Heroux-Devtek Inc. (Canada)


• Liebherr Group AG (Germany)


• Magellan Aerospace Corporation (Canada)


• Safran SA (France)


• SPP Canada Aircraft Inc. (Canada)


• Triumph Group Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In August 2021, Precision Aviation Group, Inc. (PAG), a leading provider of aerospace and aviation products has announced that it has acquired the Trace Aviation (TA) of Jackson, Mississippi.  The Trace aviation is widely recognized for its MRO capabilities on King Air/1900 landing gear assemblies.


• In July 2021, the Southwest Research Institute (Texas) announced that they have recently received a contract worth up to USD 300 million to help the U.S. Air Force sustain aircraft landing gear systems. This 20-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract award supports the Air Force’s comprehensive landing gear integrity program.


• In May 2021, Safran Landing Systems has reached an agreement with Bell Textron Inc., the company will provide the landing gear system for the V-280 Valor aircraft. Bell’s V-280 Valor is a next generation tiltrotor aircraft proposed for the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) Program.


• In May 2021, Héroux-Devtek Inc. the world's third-largest landing gear manufacturer announced that they are awarded a contract by Dassault Aviation to design, develop and manufacture the landing gear system for the new Falcon 10X. The agreement also includes the delivery of spare parts and aftermarket services for the life duration of the program.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global aircraft landing gear market report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, types, and leading applications. Moreover, the report offers insights into the current market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the market report encompasses several direct and indirect factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation