Aircraft De-icing Market - By Offering (De-icing Chemicals and Fluids, De-icing Equipment), By Method (De-icing with Fluids, De-icing by Alternative Methods), By Application (Commercial, Military) & Forecast, 2023 - 2032

Aircraft De-icing Market Size

Aircraft De-icing Market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2022 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 5.5% between 2023 and 2032. The growth in air travel, both in terms of passenger and cargo transportation, contributes to the demand for aircraft de-icing. As per IATA, in 2022, there was a significant resurgence in global air passenger traffic, marking a substantial recovery from 41.7% of the 2019 revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) in the previous year (2021). The momentum continued to build, with domestic passenger traffic increasing by 2.6% compared to December 2021, while international traffic experienced a remarkable surge, growing by 80.2%. As more aircraft take to the skies, the likelihood of encountering adverse weather conditions, such as snow and ice, also increases. Airlines and airports invest in de-icing technologies and services to maintain regular flight schedules and ensure the safety of passengers and cargo.
 

Aviation authorities around the world impose strict regulations regarding the safety of flight operations, especially in adverse weather conditions. These regulations often mandate the use of de-icing procedures to ensure that aircraft surfaces are free from ice and snow, minimizing the risk of accidents. For instance, title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) outlines various safety regulations for aviation in the United States. Part 25 specifically addresses airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes, including requirements for ice protection systems. Similarly, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issues regulations and safety standards for civil aviation in the European Union. EASA's Certification Specifications for Large Aeroplanes (CS-25) include requirements for the certification of aircraft ice protection systems.
 

The need to comply with these regulations drives the demand for effective and efficient de-icing solutions, thus creating a robust industry growth outlook. However, the de-icing process involves the use of specialized equipment, de-icing fluids, and skilled personnel. The costs associated with acquiring and maintaining de-icing equipment, purchasing de-icing fluids, and training personnel can be significant. Airlines and airports may find it challenging to manage these costs, particularly during periods of economic downturn or when facing financial constraints. The high operational expenses can restrain the widespread adoption of de-icing technologies.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the Aircraft De-icing industry, causing a decline in air travel demand and disrupting global aviation operations. With reduced flight schedules and grounded aircraft, the need for de-icing services diminished, affecting the market's revenue. Airlines faced financial constraints, leading to cost-cutting measures and deferred investments in de-icing technologies. The industry grappled with an unprecedented downturn as travel restrictions and lockdowns curtailed aviation activity. As air travel gradually recovers, the Aircraft De-icing sector faces the challenge of adapting to the changing dynamics and ensuring resilience in the post-pandemic aviation landscape.
 

Aircraft de-icing Market Trends

As environmental concerns continue to rise, there is a growing trend towards the development and adoption of environmentally friendly de-icing fluids. Research and development efforts are focusing on alternatives that are biodegradable, have lower toxicity, and are less harmful to ecosystems. The aviation industry may see increased regulatory pressure to shift towards greener de-icing practices, driving the market toward more sustainable solutions.
 

For instance, in November 2023, Helsinki Airport anticipated utilizing approximately 500 tonnes of recycled propylene glycol for de-icing this season, sourced from Clarian’s facility in Rauma, Finland. This recycled fluid adheres to the same standards as newly manufactured de-icing fluid, ensuring equivalent performance quality. With a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2025, Finavia, the airport operator, aims to reach this milestone at Helsinki Airport by 2024. The airport's sustainable de-icing practices are further supported by the implementation of electric de-icing vehicles, contributing to its environmentally conscious initiatives.
 

Aircraft De-icing Market Analysis

Based on application, the market is divided into commercial and military. The commercial segment accounted for a market share of around 65% in 2022.The demand for de-icing technologies in commercial aircraft is propelled by the critical need to ensure flight safety in adverse weather conditions. Regulatory standards mandating the removal of ice and snow from aircraft surfaces drive the adoption of effective de-icing solutions. With global air travel expanding, the frequency of encountering challenging weather conditions increases, necessitating reliable de-icing measures. Advancements in technology, such as innovative de-icing fluids and systems, further contribute to market growth as airlines and airports seek efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions to maintain operational integrity and passenger safety.
 

Based on offering, the market is categorized into de-icing chemicals and fluids and de-icing equipment. The geofencing segment accounted for a market share of around 60% in 2022. Aircraft de-icing chemicals and fluids are in high demand due to the imperative of maintaining flight safety during winter and adverse weather conditions. Stringent aviation regulations necessitate the removal of ice and snow from aircraft surfaces, compelling the use of specialized de-icing solutions. The rising global air travel trend amplifies this demand, as more flights face weather-related challenges. Additionally, the aviation industry's focus on passenger safety and operational efficiency fuels the need for effective, advanced de-icing chemicals and fluids, driving the market's growth and continual innovation in this sector.
 

North America is experiencing growth in the aircraft de-icing market. The region accounted for a market share of over 30% in 2022 and is slated to register significant growth over the forecast period. The region experiences diverse and challenging winter weather conditions, necessitating robust de-icing measures to ensure safe air travel. Stringent regulatory standards set by aviation authorities reinforce the demand for effective de-icing technologies. Moreover, the growth in air traffic across North American airports intensifies the need for reliable de-icing solutions. As airports and airlines prioritize safety and operational efficiency, the expansion of the aircraft de-icing industry in North America is propelled by the region's climatic challenges and commitment to meeting aviation safety standards.
 

Aircraft de-icing Market Share

The major players operating in the aircraft de-icing industry are-

• BASF SE 
• Dow 
• Collins Aerospace 
• Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. 
• John Bean Technologies Corp. 
• Clariant AG 
• Inland Technologies Inc. 
• Tronair Inc. 
• Vestergaard Company 
   

Companies in this space strengthen their presence through innovation, developing environmentally friendly de-icing solutions, and strategic collaborations. Investments in advanced technologies and adherence to stringent regulatory standards also play a crucial role in enhancing market competitiveness.

Aircraft de-icing Industry News

• In June 2023, Equivu Capital Holdings, Salvatore C. Calvino’s private investment firm, launched NextGen Deicing, aircraft deicing company. NextGen Deicing is focused on reducing the Airline’s winter operations costs and flight delays by using less deicing fluid.
   

The aircraft de-icing market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Method

• De-icing with Fluids
• De-icing by Alternative Methods

Market, By Application

• Commercial
• Military

Market, By Offering

• De-icing Chemicals and Fluids
• De-icing Equipment

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • ANZ 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa