Aircraft Switches Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Manual and Automatic), By Platform (Commercial Aircraft, Military Aircraft, General Aviation Aircraft, Business Aircraft, Electric Aircraft, UAV, Helicopter), By Application (Cabin, Cockpit, Landing Gear, Engine, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global aircraft switches market size was USD 1.87 billion in 2020. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with aircraft switches witnessing a negative demand shock across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the market exhibited a huge decline of 17.82% in 2020 as compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2019. The market is projected to grow from USD 2.01 billion in 2021 to USD 2.60 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 3.71% 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.

In an aircraft, switches are used by the pilot to control and monitor several aircraft systems. The majority of the switches in an aircraft are present on the cockpit dashboard. The dashboard consists of different types of switches, such as a toggle switch, push-button switch, rocker switch, and others. The growing number of aircraft deliveries is likely to increase the demand for aircraft switches. Moreover, the shifting trend towards digitalization has increased the demand for in-flight entertainment & connectivity (IFEC), which has led to the development of advanced switch technology.

Aircraft Component Manufacturers Faced Exceptional Challenges Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Lockdowns in countries, such as India, the U.S, France, China, and others have led to a disruption in the supply chain of aircraft and aircraft components, which has caused a setback for the market. The delay in production and supply of aircraft has impacted the overall market growth.

Even though manufacturing units were functioning after May 2020, only around 75% of the employees were available in shift rotations, increasing the order backlogs, which led to a decrease in revenues of aircraft switch manufacturers.

• For instance, TE Connectivity announced the company’s net sales were 10% down in the year 2020 as compared to 2019 owing to the COVID-19 outbreak. The net sales of the company for the fiscal year 2020 were USD 12.2 billion.

Moreover, legislative limitations on travel, trade, and the reduced demand for air travel led to a huge decline in revenue in the aviation industry. The loss in income due to low passenger demand also led to the termination of new aircraft orders, resulting in the decreased demand for aircraft switches.

LATEST TRENDS

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Replacement of Conventional Switches with LED Pushbutton Switches is a Vital Trend

The new generation military and commercial aircraft have a human-machine interface (HMI) designs that can increase automation and reduce a pilot’s workload. The digitalization of aircraft has increased the demand to upgrade conventional switch technology.

Currently, there is a high demand for LED push-button switches in the cockpit. The new generation aircraft cockpits are integrated with digital data bus interfaces, thereby increasing the demand for low-profile LED push-button switches. These switches can exchange, transfer, and control information between the aircraft’s analog push-button and digital bus interfaces.

• For instance, in 2015, a Texas-based aircraft switch manufacturer, Aerospace Optics Inc. launched lighted push-button switches with ARINC 429. It has a discrete conversion capability. These switches offer information exchange between analog and digital interfaces.

The growing demand for automation and digitalization in aircraft is expected to further increase the demand for technologically advanced electronic switches.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Adoption of Fly-by-wire System in Aircraft to Fuel Market Growth

The rising demand for lightweight aircraft has led to increasing demand for fly-by-wire systems in aircraft. The fly-by-wire system represents flight control systems that use processors to manage flight control inputs given by the autopilot or pilot. It transmits equivalent electrical signals to flight control actuators via electrical switches. The rising demand for the installation of fly-by-wire systems in new aircraft is expected to aid the aircraft switches market growth.

• For instance, in September 2020, BAE Systems PLC was awarded a contract by Aerion Supersonic to design and develop a fly-by-wire flight control system for Aerion’s new AS2 supersonic business jet. The system includes primary flight control computers, active inceptors, remote-control units, and actuator-control units.

Several benefits of a fly-by-wire system, such as reduced weight, effective control, improved reliability, and others have increased the adoption of the system, which would further increase the demand for electrical aircraft switches.

Increasing Demand for IFEC Backed by Unique Passenger Requirements to Fuel Growth

The replacement of conventional seatback screens with limited entertainment content with the personalized model has increased the demand for IFEC. Moreover, technological advances in seat design, such as real-time data and connectivity would also surge the demand for in-flight entertainment and connectivity, which would further increase the demand for advanced electronic and electrical switches.

• In July 2020, Panasonic Avionics Corporation received a contract from Air Liban, a Middle East Airline Operator, to supply in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions for 15 Airbus A321 aircraft.

Furthermore, the growing number of tech-savvy passengers is anticipated to boost the demand for digital and electronic aircraft switches.

Rising Purchase of New Aircraft Due to Growing Demand for Air Travel to Propel Growth

The next-generation aircraft are equipped with integrated digital interfaces to increase reliability and reduce the pilot’s workload. The rising number of air commuters has increased aircraft procurement broadly. The surging income of individuals has led to a surge in the demand for air travel, thereby driving the air passenger traffic.

• As stated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the number of passengers traveling by air is predicted to increase twice to 8.2 billion by 2037.

The increased demand for air travel has led airlines to expand their aircraft fleet size, which, in turn, would propel the market growth. Moreover, the rising demand for small aircraft for flight schools, personal planes, and air taxis is expected to spur the aircraft switches market growth opportunities.

• In March 2021, United Airlines Ltd. placed an order for 25 new Boeing 737 Max. These aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2023.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Introduction of Touchscreen Technology to Replace Manual Switches May Hamper Growth

The new aircraft control designs are increasingly adopting touchscreen models that are more intuitive. The growing development of technologies that are compact in size and offer diverse functions is expected to decline the demand for conventional aircraft switches.

The conventional switches on the passenger side are firmly expected to be eliminated owing to the growing demand for touchscreens to improve the consumer’s experience. The increased adoption of touchscreens for entertainment, communication, and other facilities is expected to hinder the market for conventional switches.

However, conventional switches will not be completely eliminated from the pilot’s side. The adoption of touchscreens in the cockpit does not offer safety in turbulence conditions. Hence, conventional switches in the cockpit for flight control and other important functions are very less likely to be eliminated.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Automatic Segment to Grow at Higher CAGR Due to Increasing Demand for Automation in Electric Aircraft

Based on type, the market is segmented into manual and automatic. The manual segment is expected to dominate the market through the forecast period owing to the extensive usage of manual switches, such as toggle switches, push-button switches, and others in the aircraft cockpit. The automatic switches segment includes a limit switch, pressure switch, relay, solenoid, and others. This segment is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment owing to the rising demand for more electric aircraft.

By Platform Analysis

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UAV Segment to Grow at High CAGR Backed by Their Increasing Usage in Military Applications

Based on the platform, the market is segmented into commercial aircraft, general aviation aircraft, military aircraft, business aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), helicopters, and electric aircraft.

The commercial aircraft segment ruled the aircraft switches market in 2020 due to the rising commercial aircraft deliveries.

• For instance, in October 2020, a Greek airline named SKY Express ordered 4 Airbus A320neo aircraft.

The electric aircraft segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR owing to the rising demand for zero-emission aircraft. Moreover, electric aircraft is expected to increase opportunities for electric switches.

The rising demand for UAVs for various military operations, such as monitoring, surveillance, and others is anticipated to increase the growth of the UAV segment during the projected period. Moreover, the surging investment by key manufacturers for the developing Air Taxis is anticipated to support the growth of the market.

By Application Analysis

Cockpit Segment to Dominate Market Fueled by Adoption of Fly-by-wire Systems

Based on the application, the market is divided into the cabin, cockpit, landing gear, engine, and others.

The cockpit segment is estimated to be the largest segment in 2020 and anticipated to continue its dominance during the projected period. Around 75% of the switches in an aircraft are present in the cockpit. Moreover, the rising adoption of fly-by-wire systems in aircraft is expected to boost the segment’s growth.

• For instance, the revised cockpit of Boeing Max 747-8 is mounted with approximately 380 switches and controls.

The engine segment is projected to show a significant CAGR during 2021-2028. The growth of the segment is attributed to the increasing demand for automatic switches, such as pressure switches, limit switches, and others in an engine for improving the engine’s efficiency.

The cabin segment is anticipated to show sluggish growth during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of touchscreen technology in the aircraft cabin to enhance the user experience.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The global market is segmented based on region into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the rest of the world.

North America held the largest market share in 2020 with a market value of USD 0.53 billion. The growth is accredited to the presence of key aircraft manufacturers, as well as aircraft switch manufacturers in the region. The U.S. is known to be an aerospace hub due to the existence of major aerospace manufacturers, such as GE Aviation, the Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, and others. Moreover, key aircraft switch suppliers, such as Honeywell International Inc., Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Collins Aerospace, and others are anticipated to drive the market growth in North America.

The market in Asia-Pacific is anticipated to showcase remarkable growth through the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the growing funding in the aviation sector from China, Japan, India, and others. The growing procurement of aircraft by airlines to expand the aircraft fleet is predicted to generate significant demand for aircraft switches. Moreover, the rising procurement of military aircraft is also anticipated to aid the market growth.

Europe is expected to show substantial growth due to the growing demand for electric aircraft in the region. Countries, such as France and the U.K. are investing in the research and development of anti-pollution aircraft.

• For instance, in June 2020, the government of France declared a funding package worth USD 16.85 billion in support of the aviation sector. The project involves investing in small industries and launching carbon-free planes by 2035.

The Middle Eastern market is anticipated to grow due to the surging tourism in countries located in this region. Moreover, the rising use of unmanned aerial vehicles for modern agricultural practices in Latin America would propel the market growth during 2021-2028.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Aircraft Switch Manufacturers are Focusing on Introducing Advanced Electronic Switch Technologies

Key players in the market are aiming to introduce advanced switch technologies for enhancing the user interface of various aircraft systems. For instance, Curtiss-Wright Corporation has developed Ethernet switches that would deliver real-time data at high speed. The growing demand for aircraft connectivity has also increased the demand for Ethernet switches. Moreover, other key players, such as Collins Aerospace, Honeywell International Inc., and more are focused on developing innovative and cost-effective systems for their customers.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• TE Connectivity (The U.S.)


• Eaton Corporation (The U.S.)


• Safran (France)


• Hydra-Electric Company (The U.S.)


• ITT Inc. (The U.S.)


• Curtiss-Wright Corporation (The U.S.)


• Meggitt PLC (The U.K.)


• Unison LLC (The U.S.)


• Honeywell International Inc. (The U.S.)


• Collins Aerospace (The U.S.)


• Applied Avionics Inc. (The U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In March 2021, Airbus SAS launched an Advanced Superconducting and Cryogenic Experimental powertrain Demonstrator (ASCEND) to study the impact of cryogenic temperatures and superconducting materials on the total efficiency of electrical propulsion systems and switches in aircraft.


• In March 2021, Duncan Aviation’s avionics team installed the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion in a Challenger 604 aircraft. The Pro Line Fusion has features, such as fully connected and integrated avionics system with situational awareness and decision-making systems, and it can be integrated with advance switches and components.


• In September 2020, Curtiss-Wright Corporation received a contract to provide Ethernet switch and flight computer for eVTOL air taxi. The company will supply its Parvus DuraCOR 311, a USFF embedded computer/controller; and the Parvus DuraNET 20-11, an eight-port Gigabit Ethernet switch.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global market research report provides detailed market analysis and focuses on key aspects such as key players, product type, platforms, and applications. Moreover, the research report offers insights on the aircraft switches industry trends, competitive landscape, market competition, product pricing, market status, and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, it encompasses several direct and indirect factors that have contributed to the sizing of the global market over recent years.

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