Aircraft Seating Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Aircraft Type (Commercial, Business Jets, and Regional Aircraft), By Class (Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, Business Class, and First Class), By Seat Type (9g Seats, 16g Seats), By Components (Structure, Foams, Actuators, Electrical Fittings, and Others), By End-use (OEM and Aftermarket), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global aircraft seating market size was USD 6.74 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 7.69 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.39% during the forecast period.

Aircraft seats consist of components such as structure, foams, actuators, and electrical fittings. Seat elements such as seat covers and foams are made with different materials, including nylon, artificial leathers, silicon, polyethylene, and fire-blocking textile, among others. These materials play an important role in improving aircraft seat quality and lifespan. Passenger safety, comfort, and survivability are majorly determined by aircraft seat design. The aircraft seat is determined to be more secure if it absorbs the high shock and remains in place during an external impact. The advanced 16G seat type has high shock absorbance capacity and innovative structure design, hence provides more safety and comfort to the passenger.

Moreover, the number of aircraft deliveries have had a positive impact on the growth of the aircraft seating market. In 2019, the Airbus SE delivered 863 commercial aircraft compared with 800 aircraft in 2018. According to Airbus SE’s released forecast report, the air traffic will be anticipated to grow at 4.3% CAGR annually, and that will increase the demand for 39,200 new aircraft, including passenger and cargo aircraft during the year 2019-2038.

COVID-19 Pandemic Affecting the New Orders of Aircraft Seats

The coronavirus has started to spread rapidly across various nations within a short time span. The pandemic has significantly affected this market during 2020-2022. The lockdown situation has occurred due to the rising cases of COVID-19 that temporarily terminated various operations in the aviation sector such as air traveling, manufacturing, raw material supply, and aircraft deliveries, among others. These factors have affected the aircraft seat market in 2020.

According to the Airbus SE and The Boeing Company, there is a decline in aircraft deliveries. In the first half of 2020, both the companies have delivered 266 aircraft compared with 628 aircraft delivered in the first half of 2019. In addition to this, Airbus SE states that the company was unable to deliver 130 aircraft as the new aircraft procurement contracts have been canceled due to reducing air traffic. Therefore, the company has decided to reduce production by one third.

LATEST TRENDS

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Growing Focus on the Development of Low Weight Aircraft Seat Structure, coupled with Advanced Entertainment Systems, is an Increasing Trend

A rise in demand for narrow-body aircraft has led to an increase in the development of advanced aircraft cabin solutions. The rising preferences for the premium economy class by air passengers are creating a huge demand for advanced seat structure design with improved facility than the economy class seats. Increasing the number of facilities and features will add more weight to the aircraft. Therefore, the market players are focusing on the development of low weight aircraft seats as the aviation industry is stringent about the weight requirement.

Moreover, the manufacturers are using advanced foam and structure materials to reduce the overall weight of aircraft. Also, the availability of wide range, advanced seat design with in-flight entertainment and connectivity system (IFEC) solutions are expected to replace the existing outdated aircraft seats.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Acceptance of IFEC Systems Integrated Seats to Boost the Market Growth

The rising acceptance of in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) system enabled aircraft seats has had a positive impact on the growth of the aircraft seat market during the forecast period. The seat manufacturers and airline operators are focusing on providing a highly comfortable, safe, and pleasant cabin interior to the passengers. The growing adoption of seats furnished with cutting edge technology-based comforts and advanced amenities will help to improve the long-haul in-flight traveling experience of the passenger. In addition to this, premium airline operators are more stringent in terms of choosing an aircraft cabin interior as it creates a great impact on passenger safety and travel experience.

Additionally, an expanding number of premium economy seats across the world impels the growth of the market. Expanding air traffic and growing expenditure on premium class traveling owing to an increase in the number of people with high net worth is propelling the demand for premium economy class seats.

Growing Focus on Development of Advanced Seat Design to Provide More Safety to the Passenger Will Aid Market Growth

The growing concerns associated with passenger safety has increased the development of more innovative seat designs. The players engaged in the aircraft seat market are focusing on creating an airplane seat that should remain constant and withstand high shock during an accident. For example, Collins Aerospace has developed the 21G seat type design to offer more security to the passengers. Besides, some key players are focusing on designing aircraft to overcome the impact of COVID-19. For instance, in June 2020, Safran announced that it will design a new interspace seat portfolio. This product portfolio will expect to offer more improved safety and comfort to the passenger and also help to break the spread of coronavirus with interspace seat design structure. The integration of advanced seat design into the new commercial aircraft is expected to increase its demand on a global level during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost and Regulations Associated with the Installation of Aircraft Seats May Hamper the Market Growth

Owing to an economic slowdown across the world, several airline operators have failed to generate a considerable profit. Therefore, the installation or replacement of advanced, premium structure design seats with existing seats is a major challenge to the airline operators. Also, the stringent safety regulation associated with aircraft seats is another challenge that is expected to hamper the growth of this market during the forecast period.

SEGMENTATION

By Aircraft Type Analysis

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Commercial Aircraft Type Account for the Largest Share

Based on aircraft type, the market is divided into commercial, business jets, and regional aircraft. Among these, the commercial aircraft type segment has registered the largest aircraft seating market share in the base year and is expected to grow with the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the rising demand for narrow-body commercial airplanes for domestic traveling. Also, the demand for commercial aircraft is increasing owing to the continuous rise in the number of air passengers across the globe. These factors are driving commercial aircraft type segments during 2020-2027.

By Class Analysis

Growing Focus on Providing Improved Passenger Safety, Comfort, and Internet Connectivity at Lower Cost to Drive the Premium Economic Class Segment 

Based on class, the market is segmented into economy class, premium economy class, business class, and first-class. Among these, the premium economy class segment is expected to grow with the highest growth rate during the forecast period. With a rise in the number of low-cost airline operators, the demand for premium economy class seats has increased as these seat types offer more amenities at low-cost air tickets. Thus, considering the growing preferences for premium economy class seats, the airline operators demand the installation of more premium economy class seats over economy class seats.

By Seat Type Analysis

An upsurge in Utilization of 16G Aircraft Seat Type to Offer Improved Safety Is Driving the Market Growth

Based on seat type, the market is segmented into 9G seats and 16G seats. Among these, the 16G seat type would showcase the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the rising adoption of 16G seat type over 9G, as it offers enhanced protection and comfort. 16G seat type can improve the connection to the airframe, protect the occupant from spine and leg injuries, and also ensure the reduction in the number of impact injuries and fatalities. Besides, the favorable government regulations to increase the usage of 16g seat type is anticipated to drive the market growth during 2020-2027.

By Components Analysis

Rising Demand for Commercial Aircraft Across the Globe is Driving the Segment Growth

Based on the component, the market is segmented into a structure, foams, actuators, and electrical fittings, and others. Among these, the electrical fitting segment is anticipated to grow with the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. Due to the rise in orders and deliveries of narrow-body, wide-body, and business aircraft with advanced IFEC system solutions, the demand for electrical fitting has increased. The players involved in this market are focusing on the development of new fleet models, which further drives the growth of the market for the components segment.

By End-Use Analysis

Upsurge in Demand for New Aircraft Owing to Increasing Air Traffic in High Growth Region Is Driving the Market Growth

In terms of end-use, the market is segmented into OEM and aftermarket. The OEM segment has dominated the market with the highest share in the base year. This share is attributed to the rising number of air travelers in the high growth region such as Asia Pacific. This has led to an increase in the demand for more aircraft and airports to expand global connectivity. The leading aircraft manufacturers such as AirbusSE, Textron Inc., Bombardier Inc., The Boeing company, and others have witnessed a rise in aircraft orders from developing economies, that prompts the production of new aircraft.

Developing economies such as India and China are focusing on expanding the aviation industry. This is due to the rapid urbanization in the two nations, expanding the number of air passengers and thereby expanding the number of airplane orders. The aftermarket segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR owing to an increase in the aircraft modification programs in Asia Pacific.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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North America dominated the market of aircraft seating in 2019, owing to the highly developed and booming aviation industry in this region. The region will continue its dominance on the largest market throughout the projection period. Moreover, the presence of significant business airplane OEMs, for example, Bombardier Inc., Textron Inc., and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, among others, are further boosting the growth of the market. Growing air traffic and rising demand for commercial and business aircraft are driving the market growth in North America.

Europe accounted for the second-largest share in the market in 2019. This share is attributed to the presence of various OEMs in developed European countries. Such companies are GevenS.p.a., RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG, Safran, and several others. The companies also have a strong global presence, product portfolio, and largely focus on innovative product development.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the rising expenditure in the aviation industry from economies such as India and China. Nations, for example, China and India, alongside the remainder of Asia Pacific, are anticipated to boost the aircraft market in APAC, which, in turn, will create more airplane seats.

 KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Facilities and Perpetua; Focus on the Product Quality will Help Players Gain Recognition

The global aircraft seating market is dominated by some key manufacturers such as Collins Aerospace, Geven S.p.a., RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG, and Safran, among others. The wide range product portfolio, good relations with aircraft manufacturers and airline operators, significant investment in R&D activities are strategies increasingly adopted by major companies to expand their market share.

For example, in April 2019, Germany based RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG announced an extension to the contract with AirbusSE. This contract was made to deliver supplier-furnished equipment (SFE) seats for the A320 fleet family of Airbus SE.

Additionally, organizations are extending their business by embracing methodologies, for example, significant spending in mergers and acquisitions, joint agreements, ability expansion, structure and designing, and focus on increasing distribution network across the globe.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Collins Aerospace (The U.S.)


• ACRO Aircraft Seating Ltd (The U.K.)


• Aviointeriors S.p.A. (Italy)


• Embraer Aero Seating Technologies (EAST) (The U.S.)


• Expliseat SAS (France)


• Geven S.p.a. (Italy)


• HAECO (China)


• Iacobucci HF Aerospace S.p.A. (Italy)


• JAMCO Corporation (Japan)


• Encore, A Boeing Company (The U.S.)


• Mirus Aircraft Seating Ltd (The U.K.)


• RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)


• STELIA Aerospace (France)


• Thompson Aero Seating Limited (The U.K.)


• Zim Flugsitz GMBH (Germany)


• Safran (France)


• Lufthansa Technik AG (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In April 2021, HAECO Americas LLC announced that its cabin solutions, Vector Light narrow body seat had received the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) certification. The company also announced that it will begin the commercialization of Vector Light narrow body seat in the fourth quarter of this year.


• In April 2021, Causeway Aero Group announced that it has acquired Pitch Aircraft Seating Systems. This acquisition can help Causeway Aero Group to expand its extensive Aero Interiors portfolio. The aircrafts seat produced by Pitch Aircraft Seating Systems provides comfortable space for the passenger, even at 28in pitch, with sculptured cushions that suit all shapes and sizes


• In March 2021, Safran announced that it has received order from Airbus S.A.S. to provide Z110i and Z600 as supplier furnished equipment seats for the A220 Family.


• In Feb 2021, RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG had signed an extension contract with Airbus S.A.S. to deliver SWIFT economy class seats. This contract extension aims to enlarge the supplier furnished equipment (SFE) catalogue with the latest RECARO products.


• In August 2020, RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG had received a major contract from Wizz Air to provide 31,767 units of Recaro SL3710 seats for 146 Airbus narrow body aircraft

REPORT COVERAGE

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The market report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product types, and leading applications of the product. Besides this, the report offers insights into the aircraft seating market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the advanced market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation