Aircraft Battery Market Size, Share, & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Lead Acid, Lithium-ion, Nickel-Cadmium, and Others), By Aircraft Type (Commercial Aircraft, Military Aircraft, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Aircraft batteries are devices that transform chemical energy into electrical energy. They are essential in performing critical functions of starting auxiliary power units and engines and powering up the electrical system during the pre-flight. They also serve as a backup source in case of a failure in the aircraft's primary power generation system. Aircraft battery technologies include lead-acid, lithium-ion, and nickel-cadmium. The manufacturers try to achieve low-maintenance costs, lightweight, portable, and high energy density.

• For instance, Saft is a leading company that supplies high-performance aircraft batteries to various industries, including aviation. Saft offers a range of aviation batteries explicitly designed for aircraft applications. It has introduced lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries catering to different aircraft types and requirements. These batteries are known for their high efficiency, reliability, and power output.

The growing adoption of electric propulsion in the aviation industry, the increasing electrification of aircraft, and the increase in demand for aircraft in transportation activities are predicted to drive the growth of the aircraft battery market. The aviation industry has examined the environmental and economic impact of global warming and market competitiveness, respectively. Therefore, more electric aircraft are manufactured, and the need for power has increased immensely, significantly contributing to a sustainable environment.

The battery setup, lengthy testing period, and system complexity are difficult for aircraft battery manufacturers. Further, the risk of exploding due to toxic compounds, high currents, and high voltages will likely hinder the market. Moreover, frequently replacing these batteries due to leakage or environmental variables can act as market restraints for the aircraft battery market.

IMPACT OF COVID- 19 ON THE AIRCRAFT BATTERY MARKET

The pandemic severely impacted the aviation sector. There was a drastic fall in passenger traffic in 2020 and 2021. Due to the pandemic, lockdown measures were imposed, which significantly reduced the demand for passenger air travel, endangering the industry's future. The aircraft battery manufacturers took a heavy blow as the demand reduced in 2020, and sales declined, which reduced the production of batteries to prevent oversaturation in the market. The global economic slowdown and the risks of stagflation with possible market scenarios make aircraft battery players careful with their investment decisions.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INSIGHTS

The report will cover the following key insights:

• Recent advancements in the global aircraft battery market


• Key industry trends


• Regulatory landscape for the global aircraft battery market


• Key industry developments


• Impact of COVID–19 on the market

ANALYSIS BY TYPE

Based on type, the aircraft battery market is segmented into lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and others. The lead acid battery segment dominated the market in 2022 and is projected to dominate during the forecasted period. It is used as the primary battery in aircraft due to its ability to store and supply energy and its reliability and low cost. Lead acid batteries are known for their ability to deliver the high burst current required for engine starting and their tolerance for deep discharges. They are often used in general aviation aircraft and smaller commercial aircraft. In recent years, there has been a shift toward the use of lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density and smaller and lighter package. Therefore, lithium-ion is expected to have a fast-growing economy in the forecast period. They also have longer life cycles and faster charging capabilities. For example, Saft has spent 15 years researching Li-ion and complying with the highest standards to ensure support for the rising electrical demand.

ANALYSIS BY AIRCRAFT TYPE

By aircraft type, the market is trifurcated into commercial, military, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Commercial aircraft hold the largest market share and are expected to dominate the market in the future due to the expansion of the hybrid aviation industry. Electric commercial aircraft can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions with new technologies delivering the unique power and weight required for a commercial flight. Moreover, the increase in adoption of lithium-ion batteries by commercial aviation due to their light weight is expected to contribute toward the growth of the retail segment in the aircraft battery market.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

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The global aircraft battery has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, and Africa. North America is projected to account for the highest market share attributed to the large number of aircraft manufactured for both commercial and defense purposes. Moreover, the U.S. is the largest manufacturer of aircraft batteries. Heavy investments are made in developing advanced battery technologies essential for current and future aircraft technologies. Asia Pacific is also expected to have a fast-growing economy due to the increasing activities of key market players in this region. Moreover, the increase in population and digitalization are improving the airplane's technical outlook. An increase in passenger traffic has been recorded over the past decade.

Additionally, the growth in military spending in this region due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the nations is expected to increase the investments in armed forces to strengthen the military force. Europe is also likely to have a fast-growing economy in the aircraft battery market due to the rising use of UAVs in their military missions. Further, Germany held the highest share of the aircraft battery market, followed by the U.K. in Europe.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes profiles of key players, such as Teledyne Battery Products, Concorde Battery Corporation, Kokam, EnerSys, Saft, Sichuan Changhong Battery Co., Ltd., HBL Power Systems Ltd., Meggitt,  EaglePicher Technologies, Mid-Continent Instruments, and Avionics, among others.

 KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2023 - Honda Motor and GS Yuasa International agreed to produce high-capacity and high-output lithium-ion batteries. It will also establish a supply chain for raw materials and a highly-efficient production system for the batteries.  


• March 2023 - Vertical Aerospace announced a significant investment in the U.K. with the opening of the Vertical Energy Centre (VEC), which is believed to be the most advanced aerospace battery facility. 


• September 2022 - Ampaire announced that it had selected electric power systems to supply batteries for their hybrid-electric upgrade of the Cessna Grand Caravan. It is the first hybrid electric aircraft to enter into the certification process with FAA.


• October 2021 - Saft announced its batteries would power Embraer midsize business jets. These batteries deliver 24 V and 44 Ah capacity, providing power for Auxiliary Power Unit starting, emergency, and backup.