Commercial Aircraft Windshield and Windows Market Growth, Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Aircraft Type (Narrow Body, Wide Body, Freighter Aircraft, Regional Jets), By Material (Acrylic, Polycarbonate), By End Use (OEM, Aftermarket), and Regional Forecasts, 2022-2029

The global commercial aircraft windshield and windows market size was valued at USD 104.8 million in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 115.6 million in 2022 to USD 261.7 million by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 12.38% during the forecast period. North America dominated the commercial aircraft windshield & windows market with a market share of 37.02% in 2021.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with commercial aircraft windshield and windows experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of 33.44% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Commercial aircraft windshields protect the aircraft from the outside forces and also house anti-icing and de-icing systems. Commercial aircraft windshield and windows are made up of multiple layers of plies of glass or stretched acrylic materials. The cabin windows consist of three panes. Windshields are usually 1.5 inches thick and are designed to take loads from bird strikes or hailstones. A typical aircraft window is made up of three layers. It has an outer pane, an inner pane with a bleed hole and a scratch pane.

The commercial aircraft windshield and windows market is projected to witness significant growth in the forthcoming years. There are several factors contributing to the growth, increased passenger air traffic and high procurement of modern generation aircraft. These modern generation aircraft are fitted with advanced next generation windows and windshields. These windshields provide pilots with a clear view by increasing the size of the cockpit windows and reducing the number and size of structural posts. Moreover, new materials used in these windshields also play a major role, especially with the use of high-mechanical-strength to weight glasses and organic materials, these windshields possess long service life. Thus, taking the above factors into consideration, higher growth in terms of revenue is anticipated during the forecast period.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Disruption in Supply Chain in Aviation Industry Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Hampered the Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a sudden fall in demand for commercial aircraft windshield and windows due to supply chain disruptions amidst government related restrictions. The suspension of air travel and fall in demand for air travel further affected the demand for commercial aircraft windshield & windows. For instance,

• According to Airports Council International (ACI), COVID-19 outbreak caused a drop of 4.6 billion passengers as compared to 2019, representing a loss of 50.3% of global passenger traffic compared to 2021.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) data shows that worldwide air passenger traffic as measured in revenue passenger kilometers declined by 65.9% compared to 2019. The suppliers struggled to adapt to changes in the global economy and associated disruptions. This has caused delays in aircraft deliveries, manufacturing, and disruption in supply chains for aircraft windows, and thus negatively affected the demand for commercial aircraft windshield and windows.

COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS MARKET LATEST TRENDS

Increasing Use of Dimmable Passenger Windows to Lead to Innovative Developments in the Market

Advancements in technology have led to innovative developments in the aircraft windows segment. Increasing use of composites for weight reduction, large windows, and electro-chromatic windows have been a result of advanced technology adoptions.

• Boeing’s Dreamliner aircraft has the largest windows of any passenger jet. The plane has dimmable windows that allow passengers to control the amount of light entering the cabin. Such windows have a layer of gel in between. When current passes through it, a chemical reaction alters its opacity. As the voltage increases, the window gets darker. When the current is halted, the gel returns to its natural state.


• Boeing is also looking at fitting panoramic windows with sky view on some of its business jet aircraft. Such windows will be three times wider and about 40% taller than comparable standard sizes.

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DRIVING FACTORS

Rise in Aircraft Deliveries in the Coming Decade to Aid the Market Growth

Aviation has provided a rapid worldwide transportation network that generates economic growth and jobs and facilitates international trade and tourism. According to ICAO, the demand for air transport will go up by an average of 4.3% annually over the next 20 years.

• Airbus in its report, shows a demand for 39,490 aircraft (both passenger aircraft and freighter aircraft) over the next 20 years. The demand for freighters is projected to reach 2,440 aircraft in the next 20 years.

According to Boeing, continuing their strong growth story, the Asian commercial aircraft windshield and windows market share accounted for roughly 40% of long-term global demand for new airplanes. Europe and North America each account for just over 20% of demand, with 15% of deliveries going to other regions. An increase in air travel demand and expected deliveries to increase demand for commercial aircraft windshield and windows in the forecast period.

Increasing Use of Advanced Materials to Drive the Market Expansion

Advancement in technology has enabled manufacturers to use laminated glass for windows in aircraft. Such windows are more durable, transparent, and lightweight. Airplane windows need to have strong and lightweight material to ensure that they don’t get cracked or broken.

Most airplanes use stretched acrylic glass for cockpit windows and these panes have a layer of glass over them. The windows of the cockpit have a coating of hydrophobic material. These coatings repel moisture, oil, and liquid.

To limit the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for the aviation industry, the Dutch company Aviation Glass developed specialized glass screens that can be fitted onto the existing commercial aircraft so passengers and crew can fly safely. Moreover, Airbus has unveiled an interactive smart glass, a touch screen window for windows to provide unobstructed and uninterrupted views.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rising Costs of Raw Materials Used in Windshields to Act as a Market Restraint

Cost is one of the major factors considered while manufacturing a product. Aircraft windows and windshields are directly exposed to air and other climatic conditions; hence, the windows and windshield are manufactured using complex techniques. Many aircraft manufacturers are opting for polycarbonate windshields constructed of energy absorbing polycarbonates as opposed to acrylic sheets. These polycarbonate windshields are manufactured with distinctive retention hardware. The complex manufacturing process, extensive safety standards, and the procurement costs for materials further add to its cost. This is a major restraint affecting the commercial aircraft windshield & windows market growth.

COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Aircraft Type Analysis

Narrow Body Segment to Account for the Largest Share Due to Increase in Demand from Asia Pacific

By aircraft type, the market is segmented into narrow body, wide body, freighter aircraft, and regional jets. Among these, the narrow body segment dominated the global market in 2021. It is also the fastest growing segment. The global demand for air travel is rising; hence, demand for aircraft is witnessed to rise, helping boost the global market.

The wide body segment is seen to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is due to the rising demand for long distance air travel and fuel efficiency as a major concern.

• In October 2022, Boeing announced the rising importance of wide body jet deliveries with 45 new deliveries announced.

Freighter aircraft segment is expected to grow at a moderate CAGR with Boeing predicting a rise in delivery of freighter aircraft by 80% in the next 20 years.

The regional jets segment is expected to grow with a low CAGR in the commercial windows and windshields market due to smaller size of commercial aircraft windshield and windows and lesser delivery forecasts from emerging economies of the world.

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By Material Analysis

Growing Adoption of Polycarbonate in Next Generation Aircraft to Propel Market Growt

Based on material, the market is classified into acrylic and polycarbonate.

The polycarbonate segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021. Use of polycarbonate materials has resulted in lightweight durable windows for aircraft. Many leading OEMs continue to use polycarbonate materials for windows and windshields considering the strength it provides. Thus, it has been the most popular choice. It is also the segment that is expected to grow with the highest CAGR over the forecast period.

The acrylic segment is likely to grow significantly due to its cost advantage compared to polycarbonate materials. Acrylic windows tend to be glossy and stay clear; hence, they have been preferred for their optical clarity.

By End Use Analysis

Growing Aftermarket Sale of Windows and Windshields to Propel Market Growth

Based on end use, the market is classified into OEM and aftermarket. The aftermarket segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021. It is also the segment that is expected to grow with the highest CAGR. Stringent maintenance and safety norms are expected to drive the growth of the aftermarket segment. Growing need for periodic replacement of end of service life windows and windshields and damaged or broken parts is expected to drive segment growth.

The OEM segment is expected to see moderate growth owing to rise in aircraft deliveries in the next two decades.

COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

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North America dominated the market in 2021. The North America market stood at USD 38.80 million in 2021 and will grow at a moderate CAGR during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the presence of key players in the region such as PPG Industries Inc., Lee Aerospace, and others in the region. The U.S. has the largest established aviation base in the world and held a higher share of the market in 2021.

The Asia Pacific market is slated to showcase the highest CAGR due to increasing number of projected aircraft deliveries in the region. According to Airbus India Market Forecast, there will be a demand for 2,210 new aircraft in India in the next two decades. These aircraft could comprise 1,770 small and 440 medium and large aircraft.

The Europe market is projected to expand substantially, backed by the presence of advanced aircraft manufacturing centers such as Airbus in France, Germany, and the U.K. It is also a region of high tourist inflow and thus airlines continue to grow their fleets in the region to support the rising air passenger traffic to Europe. The rise in aircraft deliveries will further aid the market growth in this region.

The market in the rest of the world will showcase significant growth due to rising aircraft deliveries and increase in manufacturing infrastructure supporting the supply chains. The Middle East nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey, and others, have been displaying growth in the aviation domain. This will surge the demand for commercial windshield and windows in the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

PPG Industries and GKN Aerospace to Continuously Work on Providing High Degree of Passenger Comfort & Safety and Lead the Market

Key players, such as PPG Industries Inc. and others, are focusing on innovation and new projects to enhance passenger comforts and safety. The market has been dominated by key manufacturers such as Lee Aerospace Inc., GKN Aerospace Ltd, Nordam Group Inc., Gentex Corporation, LP Aero Plastics, and Triumph Group Inc. These players majorly focus on improving passenger experience and are working on developing partnerships with government and airline authorities for new projects.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• PPG Group Inc. (U.S.)


• Lee Aerospace Inc.(U.S.)


• GKN Aerospace Pvt Ltd(U.K.)


• Nordam Group Inc. (Singapore)


• Gentex Corporation (U.S.)


• Triumph Group Inc.(U.S.)


• Saint Gobain Group.(France)


• Cee Baileys Aircraft Plastics(U.S.)


• Aerospace Control Logistics Inc.(U.S.)


• Mecaplex AG (Switzerland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• November 2021: Llamas Plastics Inc. signed a long-term contract with the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation for V-22 aircraft windscreens. The contract is valued at USD 14.23 million


• August 2021: PPG completed USD 15 million investment in the California manufacturing facility to expand and develop its aircraft transparencies technology for military aircraft.


• January 2020: Airbus announced that it will be using Gentex’s dimmable windows. Electronically Dimmable Windows (EDWs) will allow passengers to selectively darken their windows, as desired, while allowing them to view the scenery outside.


• April 2020: Ontic signed an exclusive license agreement with Honeywell Aerospace for Commercial aircraft windshield wiper product lines that are manufactured at Honeywell’s facility in Urbana, Ohio.


• February 2018: PPG Industries won a contract for providing heated windscreens for the Bell 525 helicopter. The composite windshields have a scratch-resistant coating and are available for customer specification on helicopters operating in mountainous environments.

COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS MARKET REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Commercial Aircraft Windshields And Windows Market

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The research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. The report focuses on key aspects such as commercial aircraft windshield and windows technologies and leading providers. The report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments related to the market. In addition to the above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

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Commercial Aircraft Windshield and Windows Market Report Scope & Segmentation