Amphibious Aircraft Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Engine (Piston and Turboprop), By Application (Civil and Military), By Seating Capacity (Less than 10 and More than 10), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global amphibious aircraft market size was USD 159.2 million in 2020 and is projected to grow from USD 159.2 million in 2020 to USD 358.1 million in 2028 at a CAGR of 11.71% during the 2021-2028 period. Based on the analysis, the global market exhibited a lower growth of -41.06% in 2020 compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2019. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unmatched and staggering, with amphibious aircraft witnessing a negative impact on demand across all the globe amid the pandemic.

An amphibious aircraft or seaplane is a type of aircraft that can take off and land on solid surfaces and waterways. These aircraft are used for several civil and military applications. They are also known as seaplanes that can perform search-and-rescue operations, fire-fighting, patrolling in the maritime economic zone, environmental monitoring, military, special tasks, and cargo and passenger operations. In December 2017, China launched the world’s largest seaplane, AG600. It was named Kunlong and included a 38.8-meter wingspan with four turboprop engines having a seating capacity of around 50 people.

Delayed Deliveries of Aircraft amid COVID-19 to Result in Sluggish Growth

Owing to the lockdown imposed in major countries globally, halted production and delayed deliveries of amphibious aircraft have majorly impacted the aviation industry. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), there was a 60% decline in passenger traffic in 2020 than in 2019. In addition to that, approximately USD 371 billion loss of gross passenger operating revenues for airlines. Moreover, significant disruption in the supply chain, a slowdown in the economy, a slow production rate, and others are expected to impact the market growth.

According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) report 2020, the deliveries of ICON A5 aircraft were 41 in 2019, whereas in 2020, it stood at 26. Additionally, DAHER delivered 20 Kodiak 100 models in 2019, while in 2020, it could only deliver 8. Thus, reduced aircraft deliveries due to COVID-19 have impacted the growth of the market in 2020.

AMPHIBIOUS AIRCRAFT MARKET LATEST TRENDS

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Development of Lightweight and Advanced Design Seaplanes to Enhance Operational Efficiency

Presently, seaplane manufacturers are primarily focusing on introducing the latest technologies to reduce the weight of an aircraft. In July 2017, Lisa Airplanes, a French company, developed a lightweight seaplane named AKOYA. Unlike other aircraft, the new seaplane AKOYA has neither a hull nor a step. It has a unique design with no break lines and joints in its aerodynamic fuselage. The company used Seafoils technology that neutralizes the effect of the lapping waves and provides comfort and a high degree of stability to the aircraft. Thus, it can take off in diversified sea conditions than other seaplanes fitted with standard hulls or floats. Such developments are expected to favor the global amphibious aircraft market growth during the forecast period.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Demand for Commercial Applications to Boost Market Growth

Seaplanes are used for numerous commercial applications such as firefighting, search, rescue, tourism, etc. Moreover, the growing demand for aircraft for passenger transportation, ambulance, and patrol drive the growth of the market. It can scoop up thousands of gallons of water into its hull and drop onto a fire. It can also be used for passenger transportation and search-and-rescue operations. On 31st October 2020, India launched the country’s first seaplane service that connects Ahmedabad and Kevadia. Thus, the increasing demand for amphibious type of aircraft for commercial applications is expected to drive market growth.

Growing Defense Budget and Procurement of Next-Gen Seaplanes to Propel Market Growth

The increasing defense expenditure, military modernization programs, and procurement of advanced seaplanes for special operations are expected to drive the global amphibious aircraft market growth. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the U.S. had the highest defense budget of USD 732 billion in 2020. China, India, Russia, and Saudi Arabia's defense budget was USD 261 billion, USD 71.1 billion, USD 65.1 billion, USD 61.9 billion, respectively. Thus, the increasing procurement of seaplanes for military and special operations is propelling the market's growth.

For instance, in 2019, the Russian Navy received the Beriev Be-200 amphibious aircraft for naval operations. It is a derivative of the Be-200ChS factory standard used for search-and-rescue missions with added firefighting capabilities.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rising Number of Amphibious Aircraft Accidents Globally to Hamper Market Growth

The increasing number of seaplane accidents across the world is likely to hamper the growth of the market. The aircraft requires trained pilots, but the lack of special training simulators hampers the functioning during critical operations. Accidents are caused mainly by pilot error, maintenance, survivability, and product failure. Critical climatic conditions such as challenging waves, changing wind, water currents, water, shore obstructions, and boat traffic further involve high flight operations risks. For instance, in October 2020, the Cessna 182 seaplane crashed in Queens, New York, and the mishap led to a passenger's death and left two other people severely injured. Therefore, the increasing incidence of mishaps is expected to hinder the growth of the market during the forecast period.

AMPHIBIOUS AIRCRAFT MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Engine Analysis

Turboprop Segment to Hold High Share Due to Increasing Demand for Lightweight Aircraft

Based on the engine, the market is segmented into piston and turboprop.

The turboprop segment is expected to hold the highest market share during the forecast period. This is attributable to the increasing demand for lightweight aircraft that provides better performance during takeoff. Furthermore, it provides higher power output per weight than a jet and runs efficiently.

The piston engine segment is estimated to showcase significant growth in the forthcoming years. The growth is attributed to the increasing demand for piston-engine aircraft due to their ease of maintenance, low acquisition cost, lower fuel consumption, etc.

By Application Analysis

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The Civil Segment is growing at a Faster Pace due to Rising Demand for Commercial Applications

Based on the application, the market is bifurcated into civil and military.

The military segment is anticipated to be the largest segment backed by the increasing defense expenditure and procurement of seaplanes for naval operations.

The civil segment is expected to showcase the highest growth during the forecast period. This is due to the increasing demand for aircraft applications such as passenger transportation, tourism, fire-fighting, search and rescue, ambulance, etc.

By Seating Capacity Analysis

More than 10 Segments to Showcase High Growth Due to Growing Demand for High Seating Capacity

Based on the seating capacity, the market is divided into less than 10 and more than 10.

The less than 10 segments are anticipated to be the largest segment and continue its domination during the forecast period. The lightweight seaplanes are used for maritime monitoring, firefighting, ambulance, and others.

The more than 10 segments are projected to showcase significant CAGR in the forthcoming years. The growth is attributed to the rising demand for large passenger-carrying capacity aircraft. The increasing use of seaplanes for tourism, passenger transportation, and other military operations is expected to boost market growth.

AMPHIBIOUS AIRCRAFT MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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

North America stood at USD 58.0 million in 2020 and is expected to dominate the global market during the forecast period. This is attributed to the high defense spending and procurement of advanced amphibious aircraft for different military applications. Moreover, the presence of key players such as Textron Inc., VIKING Air Ltd., ICON Aircraft, Inc., Bombardier, and others is expected to boost the region's growth.

The market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to showcase remarkable growth during the forecast period. The growth is due to the increasing investment in the aviation sector in countries such as China, India, Japan, Australia, and others. The growing procurement of amphibious aircraft due to the rising tourism, search and rescue operations, and upgradation of military forces will drive the regional market's growth.

Europe is anticipated to showcase significant growth owing to the presence of key players such as Beriev Aircraft, Dornier Seawings GmbH, and others. In May 2018, Russia signed a contract with France to re-motorize Be-200 amphibious planes.

The growth of the market in Rest of the World is attributable to the rising demand for civil and defense applications. The growing tourism in the Middle Eastern countries and the increasing use of seaplanes for military operations in Latin American countries drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Market Players Are Focusing On Introduction of Advanced Technologies to Improve Operational Efficiency

Key companies in the market are majorly focusing on introducing advanced technologies for enhancing overall performance. For instance, in December 2020, Sydney Seaplanes entered into a collaboration with electric aviation specialists magniX and Dante Aeronautical to convert a Cessna Caravan into the first all-electric aircraft. It is certified by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Furthermore, LISA Airplanes developed a uniquely designed lightweight seaplane, AKOYA, with Seafoils technology. Furthermore, Ramphos, an ultralight amphibious aircraft, is used for sightseeing tours, adventure journeys, fishing activities, sea & river patrol, special military operations, light cargo delivery, etc.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Aviat Aircraft, Inc. (The U.S.)


• AVIC (China)


• Beriev Aircraft Company (Russia)


• Bombardier (Canada)


• Dornier Seawings GmbH (Germany)


• Glasair Aviation (The U.S.)


• ICON Aircraft, Inc. (The U.S.)


• ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. (Japan)


• Textron Inc. (The U.S.)


• VIKING Air Ltd. (Canada)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2019 - Viking Air Ltd. signed a contract with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense to supply upgraded Canadair CL-415EAF aircraft and six new Viking Canadair CL-515.


• September 2018 – Beriev Aircraft signed a contract with two companies in the U.S. and Chile to purchase up to 15 Be-200ES amphibious air tankers. Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to take place in 2020-2021.

AMPHIBIOUS AIRCRAFT MARKET REPORT COVERAGE

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The market report provides a detailed industry analysis. It focuses on key aspects such as seaplanes product type, key players, engine type, applications, and seating capacity in an aircraft. Moreover, the research report offers insights into amphibious aircraft market trends, competitive landscape, market competition, product pricing, market status, and key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the market report encompasses several direct and indirect factors that have contributed to the sizing of the global market over recent years.

AMPHIBIOUS AIRCRAFT MARKET Report Scope & Segmentation