Regional Jet Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Platform (Commercial aircraft and Military aircraft), By Engine Type (Turboprop and Turbofan), By Seating Capacity (35 to 80 and 80 to 125), and By Maximum Takeoff Weight (20,000 lbs to 80,000 lbs and 81,000 lbs to 1,60,000 lbs) and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global regional jet market size was USD 9.40 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow from USD 10.47 billion in 2021 to USD 16.58 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 6.8% in the 2021-2028 period. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

Over the last four decades, these particular aerial vehicles have evolved significantly. Regional aircraft travel at subsonic speed and are designed to fly up to 100 to 125 passengers on short-haul flights. Taking extended-range twin-engine operational performance standards (ETOPS) into consideration, the range of these aircraft lies between 830 nmi to 3450 nmi depending upon the type of engine and specific aircraft models. These aircraft are typically flown by regional airlines that are either contracted by or subsidiaries of larger airlines. The regional aircraft are used for commercial, military, and cargo applications. During the past recent years, regional aviation has exhibited the strongest air traffic growth across the commercial sector. In the next 20 years, the market is expected to triple in size owing to the growing trend of low-cost and ultra-low-cost airlines across the aviation industry.

In this report, we have considered turboprops aircraft as one of the other aircraft types in this market. The demand for turboprop airliners is growing on a daily basis and has contributed equally by carrying regional passenger loads in various parts of the world. Moreover, these props provide a better in-flight experience for passengers and airline operators. The operators derive significant economic advantages by incorporating modern aircraft technologies, which are more efficient, ecological, easier, and cost-efficient to maintain and have a low operating cost.

For instance, India withholds one of the fastest developing aviation industries due to Indigo airlines' presence. The subsidiary of the inter-globe aviation, Indigo, is one of the prominent customers of the Airbus 320 family and ATR 72. The airline mainly uses its ATR 72 fleet for regional air transport for both cargo and passenger travel. These turboprops mainly connect rural and developing cities, having hub airports with small-scale infrastructure. The concept of regional flights has eventually helped developing economies link every town of their respective countries with air transport facilities. This step is likely to contribute to the regional jet market growth during the forthcoming years. 

COVID-19 Pandemic Leads to a Reduction in Aircraft Deliveries and Slows Down Production by 45%

The COVID-19 pandemic’s overall impact on the market is negative. Key players are experiencing disruption in production, cancellations of aircraft orders, low demand, and cancellation of the partnership with other organizations.

• In September 2020, Embraer announced the cancellation of the company’s partnership with Boeing. The objective of the alliance was to ensure Embraer's sustainability and engineering capacity.


• In April 2020, Airbus SE received 16 cancellations for the A220 series as airliners were engaged in trimming down their fleet and staff cuts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Pandemic Freezes Production of New Regional Jet Programs

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected new production plans of regional jets by forcing some of the key players to shut down their new production facilities, which were functional in particular regions rather than the parent country. This shutting of new business plans inflicted hundreds of billions of losses to the airline industry in 2020.

• In May 2020, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries announced that it would be freezing a regional aircraft program named SpaceJet. As a result, the company has shut down all locations outside Japan of its Aircraft division working on the SpaceJet program.


• The flight testing of SpaceJet aircraft took longer than expected. The service entry of the aircraft was pushed back until further notice and the aircraft is expected to gain heights by the end of 2021. Developments

REGIONAL JET MARKET LATEST TRENDS

Request a Free sample to learn more about this report.

Embracing Significant Improvements to Cabin Comfort at Affordable Costs is a New Trend

In the last few decades, the OEMs previously involved in regional aircraft manufacturing are now focused on improvements in cabin comfort for a hassle-free passenger experience. As a result, OEMs have made noise reduction their prime importance by incorporating the latest noise-reducing technologies into the engine and airframe.

• Using world-renowned Japanese quality, design, and service, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation came out with its new launch, named the Mitsubishi SpaceJet. This SpaceJet will make a remarkable change in the regional aviation market that would provide unprecedented standards for cabin comfort and employ advanced aerodynamic designs and technology. In addition, the Mitsubishi SpaceJet aircraft possesses a sleek airframe, which renders the exceptional noise reduction and fuel efficiency, creating a different level of passenger comfort. SpaceJet is expected to roll out in the industry by 2021 after its maiden flight in 2015 and is expected to deliver 203 pre-orders by 2022.

DRIVING FACTORS

New and Improved Technologies to Positively Favor Market Growth

The modern generation aircraft equipped with new technologies is a crucial success factor for regional aircraft manufacturers. It increases the demand and customer benefits by providing a better in-flight experience for passengers. In addition, the adoption of new and improved technologies will reduce operating costs through lower fuel burn, reduced maintenance costs and lower navigation and airport fees. As a result, it will be economically beneficial for both passengers and airline operators.

• In December 2020, the IL-114-300 airliner performed its maiden flight at the Zhukovsky airfield in Russia. The IL-114-300 airliner is a Soviet made aircraft and an upgraded version of the IL-114 turboprop with a seating capacity of a maximum of 68 passengers. The aircraft is equipped with a digital flight-navigation aid to ensure takeoff and landing under weather conditions in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s category II standard and has a modern passenger cabin that will provide a comfortable flight for passengers and crew.

Increased Passenger Air Traffic Will Fuel Market Growth

The growing trend of air travel as the safest mode of transport has eventually increased passenger loads and helped airline operators diversify more routes and destinations. The surging loads and air traffic has raised the demand for new generation regional jets in the industry. The regional aviation is a significant growth sector within commercial aviation. Regional aircraft contributes efficiencies to the airline networks and ensures safe and seamless flexibility while abiding by environmental obligations.

• In March 2020, a report from Flightradar24 stated that the year 2019 withheld the maximum number of air traffic till date. However, by the end of 2019, the regional aviation world fleet comprised about 10,000 units of regional aircraft representing more than 37% of the worldwide commercial fleet and performing over 43% of total commercial flights across the globe. Moreover, the number is expected to gain more heights as the application and deliveries of this type of aircrafts seem to increase during the regional jet market forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Delay in Aircraft Deliveries May Hinder Market Growth

The backlog orders with OEMs are among the major factors responsible for delays in promised aircraft deliveries. Other than pending orders, the outbreak of the coronavirus in early 2020 was a major setback for the entire aviation industry leading to significant losses, cancellation of orders, and delays in aircraft deliveries. As a result, the global commercial aircraft deliveries in 2020 totaled 723 aircraft, 42% behind 2019 and 55.3% behind 2018, and marked the second consecutive year that deliveries have declined.

• In December 2020, the major key player in the market named Embraer reported that the pandemic mainly affected Embraer Commercial Aviation, which experienced a 75% reduction in aircraft deliveries during the first half of 2020 as compared to the same period last year.

REGIONAL JET MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Platform Analysis

To know how our report can help streamline your business, Speak to Analyst

Commercial Segment to Dominate Owing to Rising Procurement of Regional Aircraft for Airlines Operating Low-cost Carriers 

Based on the platform, the market is segmented into military and commercial aircraft.

The commercial segment is dominating the market for the past thirty years as the production rate for the regional military jet is comparatively less. However, commercial regional jets have experienced significant evolution in terms of advancements and development. The commercial segment is anticipated to lead the market for another decade owing to the rising procurement of latest generation aircraft. The modern regional airplanes are lightweight and provide passenger comfort on a high priority.

The military regional jet segment is expected to bring some significant modifications in the ongoing surveillance, electronic warfare activities, and VIP travel. Military jets use airframes of the regional aircraft equipped with modern warfare technologies and radars for numerous military applications. The main reason behind the usage of regional aircraft for military purposes is that these aircraft possess extensive properties such as lower maintenance cost, more efficiency, and most importantly, they can take off and land on shorter and non-concrete runways.

• 
  
  
  
  • The Indian Air Force operates an airborne early warning and control system (AEW&CS) on the Embraer ERJ 145. A total of 3 such aircraft are currently in service, with possible orders for 2 more.
  
  
  • The Italian Air Force has P-72A aircraft, which is based on the ATR72-600 twin turboprop regional airliners. The P-72A is a multirole maritime patrol, electronic surveillance, and C4I aircraft.
  
  
  
  

By Engine Type Analysis

Turbofan Engines Segment to Take Over the Market during Forecast Period

Based on the engine type, the market is segmented into turboprop and turbofan engines.

The regional jet equipped with turbofan engines is most likely to be more efficient in terms of both economic and environmental factors. The modern-day regional aircraft, including Sukhoi Superjet 100, Mitsubishi SpaceJet, and Airbus220 are equipped with high bypass turbofan engines manufactured by different OEMs, such as General Electric Corporation and Pratt & Whitney Plc. The growing demand for new generation regional aircraft will further boost the demand for turbofan engines, creating significant profits for engine OEMs and this market in the near future.

The regional jet fitted with turboprop engines is also economical but not environment- friendly. Although turboprops are quiet to outside observers, prop wash makes them noisy inside. The turboprop-equipped aircraft market is small compared to a turbofan. There are only few aircraft left in the production phase, including de Havilland Canada dash 8 Q400, ATR 72-600, and Ilyushin Il-114-300. These aircraft have active noise reduction technology to reduce the cabin noise for passenger comfort. The props have been an integral part of the aviation market for ages, but now the demand for these aircraft is not up to the mark from the past two decades.

By Seating Capacity Analysis

Aircraft with Seating Capacity Ranging from 80 to 125 Seats to Dominate Market

Based on the seating capacity, the market is segmented into aircraft with a seating capacity of 35 to 80 and 80 to 125 seats.

The seating arrangement is one of the crucial factors an airline operator looks for while purchasing a regional jet. The aircraft having a capacity of 80 to 125 seats are the ones operating in large numbers and are ruling the airspace across the globe. The market for these regional airliners is almost the same as aircraft-equipped turbofan engines. However, the seating arrangement differs from operator to operator depending upon the seating configuration proposed by OEMs. Taking space and passenger comfort into consideration, these aircraft have been set to lead to the growth of this segment during the forecast period.

The aircraft having seating capacity between 35 to 80 are mostly turboprops used for short-haul flights connecting rural and developing regions. There are only a few aircraft left in the production phase, including De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400, ATR 72-600, and Ilyushin Il-114-300. The market for these aircraft is getting down day by day as companies are majorly focusing on increasing seating capacity on short and long route destinations. These aircraft are now also involved in cargo operations more than passenger travel. For instance, FedEx is the biggest customer of the ATR72-600 F series carrying loads for every small district in America.

By Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) Analysis

Aircraft having Maximum Takeoff Weight in between 81,000 lbs to 1,60,000 lbs to Exhibit Significant Growth

Based on the maximum takeoff weight, the market is divided into aircraft having MTOW between 20,000 lbs to 80,000 lbs and 81,000 lbs to 1,60,000 lbs.

The maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of an aircraft is the maximum weight at which the pilot can take off due to structural or other limits. As per the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the jet having MTOW of more than 15,750 lbs. falls under the medium aircraft category. The market for aircraft weighing under the 81,000 lbs to 1,60,000 lbs segment is regularly growing. Aircraft manufacturers are incorporating new technological developments that will definitely ease regional air travel for passengers in terms of safety and comfort.

Aircraft weighing between 20,000 lbs to 80,000 lbs. are also considered under medium-weight aircraft. The market growth rate for these particular regional aircraft is not steady as some of them listed in this category are closed for production. The leftovers are generally used by low-cost or subsidiary airlines for flights having minor routes within the state. For instance, the MTOW of De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 is 67,200 lbs. This aircraft holds a significant fleet share in regional airliners and is used widely by major airlines in North America.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

To get more information on the regional analysis of this market, Request a Free sample

The regional jet industry is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

North America dominated in 2020 with the market size of USD 3.63 billion due to the presence of key players, such as de Havilland (Bombardier). Moreover, the growth of the regional market in the region is attributed to the rising usage of these aerial vehicles for commercial applications. Known airline operators, such as Delta and American airlines, holds one of the largest regional jet fleets. In addition, the region has vast assembly lines for all sizes of aircraft for different applications.

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 United Aircraft corporations. These companies are one of the top companies profiled in the region and hold some potential customers worldwide. There’s a clear and urgent need to invest in developing new technologies to recover the global leadership for Europe's aviation industry.

The market in Asia-Pacific is projected to register significant growth during the forecast period. 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 emerge as the fastest-growing market over the same period.

The Rest of the World includes the Middle East and South America. The market in South America is expected to grow due to the presence of one of the most prominent players named Embraer. The company has a good hold on some potential customers worldwide with an extensive range of aircraft portfolio, including E-JETS and E-JETS 2 regional aircraft series. The Middle East is expected to witness substantial growth in the market owing to the increasing fleet size in the commercial sector. The region consists of potential customers, namely, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, and many more emerging airlines looking forward to investing in the commercial and regional jet sector.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Diverse Portfolio and Core Focus on Ilyushin Il-114-300, to Propel Company to a Leading Position

The market is dominated by large and medium-sized American and European companies such as De Havilland (Bombardier), Embraer, and Airbus S.A.S. Moreover, these companies provide aftermarket services and operation assistance to the operators around the world. The competitive factors among these major players are affordability, technical and management capability, safety & comfort to passengers, and provide ecological solutions to customers. The Ilyushin Il-114-300 is a Russian twin-engine turboprop airliner, designed for local routes. The Aircraft is an upgraded version of Il-114, the modern version of aircraft is fitted with ski and wheel landing gear for the Arctic Region. The development program will produce three Il-114 aircraft by 2021 and will be produced using only Russian-produced components. This step will eventually help the company to create more jobs in the region with the increase in revenue during the forecast period.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED IN THE REGIONAL JET MARKET:

• Embraer (Brazil)


• Airbus (France)


• Leonardo Spa (Italy)


• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan)


• De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd (Canada)


• Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (China)


• United Aircraft Corporation (Russia)


• Antonov Company (Ukraine)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

In May 2021, Embraer announced that it made a long-term Pool Program Agreement with the U.S. carrier Breeze Airways to support a wide range of repairable components for the airline’s E190s and E195s fleet. The agreement includes full repair coverage for components and parts, as well as other major maintenance activities.

In February 2021, KrasAvia, a regional carrier boosted its regional connectivity in Siberia with two ATR 72-500 aircraft. These two aircraft are the first two ATRs registered in Russia. They have replaced their smaller Antonov An-24 and An-26 turboprop, which has reached over 40 years of service, with the ATR-72 aircraft.

In January 2021, China Aviation Leasing, a subsidiary of state-owned China Ever Bright Group, inked a purchase contract with Comac for the firm order of 30 ARJ21-700 regional jets with a total worth of $2.28 billion at list prices. This order will boost China's domestic sector development and pave the way for entry into Southeast Asia’s emerging markets.

In November 2020, the Russian airplane manufacturer, Irkut and PSB Leasing Company inked three agreements following which Russian airlines, including Aeroflot (SU), Azimuth Airlines (A4), and Red Wings Airlines (WZ), would receive delivery of eight Sukhoi SuperJet 100 planes. Under the contracts, five Sukhoi SuperJet 100 aircraft would be delivered to Aeroflot, the flag carrier of Russia.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Regional Jet Market

View Full Infographic

To get information on various segments, share your queries with us

The market research report provides a detailed analysis of the industry and focuses on critical aspects such as leading companies, product by seating capacity, by maximum takeoff weight, technology used and leading platform of the product. Besides this, it offers insights into the market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market's growth over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation