Aircraft Autopilot System Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Aircraft Type (Commercial & Civil and Military), By Point of Sale (OEM and Aftermarket), By System (Attitude and Heading Reference System, Flight Director System, Flight Control System, Avionics System, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Aircraft Autopilot System Market Growth Factors

Growing Demand for Aircrafts in Commercial & Military Sectors to Boost the Market Growth

To respond to the increase in passenger traffic, airlines began acquiring new-generation aircraft. In 2022, around 676 new commercial aircraft were delivered by Airbus, while Boeing delivered 480 worldwide. Military powers such as the U.S. and China are focusing on expanding their warplanes to gain a technological advantage over their rivals. Although many military aircraft prototypes are under development, several military acquisition programs are underway to meet the global demand for military aircraft. Military fighter aircraft manufacturers are making concerted efforts to enhance their production capabilities, ensuring timely deliveries of their products.

The F-35 JSF program stands as one of the most successful military fighter programs in history. Accounting for roughly 25% of Lockheed Martin Corporation's annual revenue, the company has strategically planned to ramp up F-35 JSF production capacity. This increase will see the production of 149 aircraft in 2020, expanding to 169 aircraft in 2021 and further to 189 aircraft by 2023. Distinguished by an electro-hydrostatic flight control system from Moog Inc. and engines supplied by Parker Hannifin Corp, the F-35 JSF is at the forefront of technological innovation. Consequently, the rising demand for new aircraft is expected to trigger a corresponding surge in the need for advanced autopilot systems.

New Policy Implementation and Safety Measures to Drive the Market of Auto Flight Control System

Owing to safety concerns, major aviation authorities have imposed several regulations to ensure safety standards within the aviation industry. Leading aviation authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have mandated the installation of autopilot systems on commercial aircraft to address various safety concerns.

Such policies have prompted significant investments by major market players, fostering technological improvements and development of advanced and efficient automation systems, thereby driving the growth of global market.

• In July 2023, the FAA approved certification plans of Reliable Robotics for autonomous flight control. Reliable Robotics also aims to get certification for remotely operated systems. Such developments catalyze the aircraft autopilot system market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Maintenance Cost of Aircraft Autopilot System to Hamper the Market Growth

Integration complexity, communication with other support systems, and software accuracy are the biggest challenges in this market. Another limiting factor is the high maintenance cost associated with these systems. The market for aircraft autopilot systems is a niche, with only a limited number of manufacturers operating, resulting in high system costs. Additionally, the high onboard cost of aircraft autopilot system hinders market growth. Autopilot systems encompass a wide range of complex functions, leading to increased maintenance costs, which negatively impact the market.

• In June 2023, a mechanical failure in an autopilot system led to an airplane crash landing Washington. Such incidents have led to the rising demand for frequent maintenance checks to avoid such accidents, contributing to the high lifecycle cost of system.

Aircraft Autopilot System Market Segmentation Analysis

By Aircraft Type Analysis

Commercial & Civil Segment Dominates the Market Owing to Rising Demand for Commercial Aircrafts

Based on aircraft type, the market is classified into commercial & civil and military.

The commercial & civil segment holds the largest share and is the fastest growing segment during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increase in the number of air travelers and the increase in demand for cargo transportation from  emerging  countries such as India and China. Additonally, the ability to provide high-speed transport and shorter transport times makes air travel an attractive option for both passenger and cargo transport over long distances.

The growth of the commercial & civil aircraft segment is further driven by increased safety standards and reduced demand for larger luggage. Air transport also offers advantages such as fast service and delivery protection, further contributing to market growth. Since the demand for air cargo continues to rise, the market for commercial & civil aircraft is expected to witness considerable growth during the forecast period.

The military segment is expected to register a moderate CAGR during the forecast period due to  increasing defense spending in major countries such as the U.S., China, and India.

For instance, in February 2023, The U.S. Air Force (USAF) unveiled test flights of two AI-based alogrithms developed by the U.S. military. The test flights were completed successfully in which the AI agents controlled a tactical U.S. Air Force (USAF) jet and engaged in combat manoeuvre.

By Point of Sale Analysis

OEM Segment Held the Highest Share Owing to Rising Demand for Aircraft Autopilot System in New Aircrafts

Based on point of sale, the market is segmented into OEM and aftermarket. The OEM segment dominated the market in 2022 and is the fastest growing segment during the forecast period. This is due to the increasing demand for new-age aircrafts that integrate autopilot systems in avionics to improve flight operations. Many OEMs across the globe have entered partnerships and joint ventures to provide the best possible avionics systems for aircrafts.

The aftermarket segment had a moderate market share in 2022. The growth is due to the upgrade programs initiated by several commercial airlines. Market expansion will be further fueled by the renewal contracts signed by various aircraft OEMs such as Boeing and Airbus with European airlines during the forecast period.

• For instance, in November 2021, Collins Aerospace signed a contract with Emirates Airline to upgrade its fleet of 107 A380 and 101 B777  with  Collins Aerospace's latest GLU-2100 Multimode Receiver.

By System Analysis

Attitude and Heading Reference System Dominated the Segment due to the increase in demand for next-generation Aircrafts

By system, the market is classified into attitude and heading reference system, flight director system, flight control system, avionics system, and others. The attitude and heading reference system segment dominated the market and is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. The demand is high as attitude and heading reference system ensures the safe and reliable flight by giving an accurate position and direction. They serve as a key component which provide information about the direction of the aircraft in three-dimensional space in next generation aircrafts. MEMS-based AHRS systems are inexpensive, lightweight, and consume low power. The attitude and title reference system combines multiple axes, accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers to estimate the orientation of objects in space, with  length, slope, and displacement being the typical data outputs.

The flight director system segment held moderate market share in 2022. The demand for this segment stems from its multi-functionality, as it plays a crucial role in predicting the flight path and controlling the plane.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Based on geography, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

Asia Pacific dominated the market share in 2023. On the trade front, China is projected to be the world's largest aviation market in terms of air traffic by 2025. Meanwhile, India is projected to become the third largest aviation market globally. In their efforts to enhance military capabilities, nations such as China and India have embarked on new aircraft acquisition endeavors aimed at efficiently addressing security challenges and conducting critical, time-sensitive, and high-risk strategic missions. These modern fighter jets are equipped with state-of-the-art autopilot systems and advanced flight computers, significantly enhancing the overall situational awareness of the pilots. This upswing in aircraft demand is anticipated to provide a favorable business landscape for key players in the region over the projected timeframe.

North America market is likely to experience significant growth during the forcast period due to increasing investment in developing advanced fighter aircraft. Growing shipping activities in the U.S. and the presence of major companies such as Collins Aerospace, Honeywell International Inc., Lockheed Martin, and others drive the market growth.

In the European region, moderate growth in the aircraft autopilot system market share is projected during the forecast period due to the growing demand for military aircraft. Some of the largest aerospace and defense companies, including BAE Systems and Airbus Defense and Space, are located in the region and are making significant investments in state-of-the-art autopilot systems. Additionally, the growth of low-cost airlines in the European aviation sector  is expected to further expand the market.

The rest of the world segment is expected to witness moderate growth between 2023 and 2030. Technological advancements are leading to the development of highly efficient autopilot systems. Due to the increased need for aviation safety, the rest of the world autopilot system industry has grown significantly. The growing need for precise flight navigation and pilot assistance in long-haul flights is driving the autopilot market in the region.

List of Key Companies in Aircraft Autopilot System Market

Key Players are Focusing on Business Expansion Strategies to Gain Competitive Edge

The increasing demand for aircraft is driven by the evolving security landscape, which has been influenced by geopolitical unrest in multiple countries, in addition to the growth in air traffic.These players are actively securing long-term contracts and expanding their global presence. In addition, ongoing R&D has improved the accuracy and efficiency of integrated autopilot technologies and related subsystems. The autopilot aircraft market is characterized by the presence of a limited number of major companies . Some of the prominent players in the market include Honeywell International Inc., Moog Inc., Meggitt PLC, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Safran SA, BAE Systems PLC, and Collins Aerospace (United Technologies Corporation.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• BAE Systems PLC (U.K.)


• Collins Aerospace (U.S.)


• Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)


• Safran SA (France)


• Meggitt PLC (U.K.)


• Genesys Aerosystems (U.S.)


• Furuno Electric Co. Ltd (Japan)


• Garmin Ltd (U.S.)


• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)


• Cloud Clap Technology (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• August 2023 - Garmin announced that it had received Supplemental Type Approval (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the GFC 600 digital autopilot on the Beechcraft King Air F90.


• April 2023 - Bell Textron Inc., Textron Inc. company, announced that the 3-axis autopilot of the Bell 407GX received approval from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).


• November 2022 - Collins Aerospace and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) announced a contract to modernize the Indonesian Air Force's C-130 military transport aircraft as part of a Phase 2 deployment plan that would see 11 C-130 aircraft upgraded. Collins worked as a contractor for PTDI and delivered its Flight2 aftermarket avionics solution, providing the most cost-effective and lowest-risk CNS/ATM upgrade solution.


• November 2021 – Thales and StandardAero successfully completed the industry's first 4-axis autopilot flight test for the Airbus AS350 and H125 helicopters. Achieving this important milestone paves the way for this important stage of the Supplemental Type Approval (STC) Process and the introduction of an unprecedented autopilot solution to the light helicopter market.


• June 2021 - Bell Textron Inc., Textron Inc. company announced that the Bell 505 Genesys HeliSAS autopilot received approval from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides detailed global market growth analysis and focuses on critical aspects such as significant companies, system types, solutions, and major applications. In addition, the report delivers insights into market trends and highlights key industry developments. Apart from the above mentioned factors, the market report covers several direct and indirect issues that have influenced the market growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation