Regional Jet Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Platform (Commercial aircraft and Military aircraft), By Engine Type (Turboprop and Turbofan), By Seating Capacity (35 to 80 Seats and 80 to 125 Seats), and By Maximum Take-off Weight (20,000 lbs to 80,000 lbs and 81,000 lbs to 1,60,000 lbs) and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global regional jet market size was valued at USD 12.62 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 13.47 billion in 2024 to USD 19.58 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. North America dominated the regional jet market with a market share of 36.13% in 2023.

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 aircrafts 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. 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 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.         

Regional Jet Market Trends

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. Apart from cabin comfort and in cabin experience, leading players in the market are actively focused on introducing smaller size and fuel efficient jets in the market to further promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. Introducing lighter and stronger materials along with introducing advanced avionics tech are some of the trends which are shaping this market.

• 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.

Regional Jet Market Growth 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. The focus from manufacturers to introduce advanced avionics systems along with greater flight control systems are some of the key factors contributing toward  market growth.

• 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 Analysis

By Platform Analysis

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 Seats 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 Seats 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 Take-off Weight (MTOW) Analysis

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

Based on the Maximum Take-off 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 Take-off 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

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

North America dominated in 2023 with the market size of USD 4.56 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.

List of Key Companies in Regional Jet Market

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:

• 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:

• March 2024: Amercian Airlines Group announced that the company placed an order for 133 aircrafts from Embraer to meet the increasing demand for domestic flights and flying operations in the U.S. The increased frequency of flights in U.S. due to growing public and passenger transport is has fueled the demand for additional regional jets.


• January 2024: Envoy Air, a subsidiary of American Airlines announced that it has placed an order for additional 19 Embraer large regional jet aircrafts to its currently operational fleet. The company will begin receiving the new jets in the later years.


• November 2023: American Airlines Group announced that the company aims on introducing high-speed Wi-Fi for their customers travelling in their regional jets. The company is focused on introducing richer in cabin and flying experience for its consumers.

REPORT COVERAGE

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 Take-off 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