Aircraft flight control system market Size, By Component, By Technology Type, By Aircraft Type, By Application, Forecast 2025 - 2034

Aircraft Flight Control System Market Size

The global aircraft flight control system market currently accounts for USD 17.3 billion with a volume of 18,568.5 million units. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2024 to 2034, driven by surge in global air travel, initiatives stringent safety regulations and emergence of electric and hybrid aircraft.
 

The retaliatory tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in April 2025 are expected to disrupt the aircraft flight control system market by increasing production costs and complicating supply chains. Tariffs on key components, especially from China, are raising input costs for OEMs. Boeing and other manufacturers face delivery challenges, particularly with halted orders from China, prompting a shift toward alternate markets like India.
 

The resurgence of global air travel post-COVID-19 has greatly increased demand for contemporary aircraft and flight control systems. For example, in 2024, the global revenue passenger-kilometer (RPK) increased 10.4% from 2023, and was 3.8% larger than RPK levels prior to the pandemic in 2019. Specifically, Asia-Pacific air travel rebounded with a 16.9% increase in revenue passenger-kilometer (RPK) growth compared to 2023, which reflects strong recovery and expanded demand to fly. This demand has necessitated the integration of complex modern flight control systems to support the safety, efficiency, and regulation needed to meet regional and international aviation standards. As a result, the AFCS market is growing because airlines recognize that modernization is necessary to develop new air travel routes, build new fleets, and support forecasted demand for more passengers to fly.
 

Modernizing flight control systems through strategic investments, regulations or mandates has been undertaken to improve safety in aviation. For example, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently began the investment of USD 1 billion from the bipartisan infrastructure law into the United States air traffic control system as there are hundreds of buildings and pieces of equipment that must be sustained, repaired or replaced, as aviation in the United States is one of the safest flying areas in the world. Transportation money is not only improving safety for passengers and aircrew, and general aircraft operations, but also improving support and awareness for the AFCS market by establishing an environment for developing new systems and changing older systems to support air traffic control complexity.
 

Aircraft Flight Control System Market Trends

• The worldwide UAV market is currently experiencing robust growth due to its expanding area of applications in agriculture, surveillance, logistics, and defense. The global drone market is expected to grow from 26.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2021 to 54.6 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. The increase in UAV applications will necessitate more sophisticated flight control systems that will facilitate autonomous operations and provide safety assurance in an increasingly busy airspace. The pace of technological advancement is such that the aircraft flight control systems market will also have to ramp up rapidly to keep pace with the ever-increasing UAV integration into commercial and civil sectors.
   
• Fly-by-wire (FBW) technology that removes mechanical flight controls in favor of electronic interfaces is emerging in modern aircraft and is gaining popularity. For instance, NASA developed digital fly-by-wire systems for the Apollo program but have evolved for use in commercial aviation. NASA not only improved aircraft performance and safety but has also reduced aircraft weights because of their FBW development. The implementation of fly-by-wire means that sophisticated flight control systems must manage a more complicated flight dynamics package, and this complexity is expected to increase growth in the aircraft flight control system market.
   
• Sustainability in the aviation sector has developed into the electric and hybrid aircraft sector, creating opportunities for new flight control systems and managing new propulsion systems. The total global electric aircraft propulsion system market is expected to grow to approximately 6.3 billion U.S. Dollars in North America by 2025. These developments bring a host of challenges in maintaining flight control systems that can manage the modified dynamics of structures with electric and hybrid propulsion technologies. Will manufacturers continue their pursuit of sustainability and have an enhanced demand for specialized automatic flight controls systems for assisting flight control in response to electric and hybrid aircraft technologies. 
   
• The digital cockpit and operational solutions were further enabled by incorporating innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions, indirectly redefining the way aircraft operate, and pilots interact with them. ECARX has demonstration projects in progress to offer total electronic cockpit solutions across multiple vehicles. This includes the integral hardware and software of the ECARX Antora 1000 computing platform, and the ECARX Cloudpeak software architecture. These industry advances will require the development and integration of even more advanced aircraft flight control systems (AFCS) to manage increasingly complex flight dynamics to firstly ensure safety and subsequently help drive market growth.
   

Aircraft Flight Control System Market Analysis

Based on technology type, the market is segmented into hydromechanical systems, fly-by-wire (FBW) systems, power-by-wire (PBW) systems, and others. The fly-by-wire (FBW) systems segment accounts for the highest market share of 55.7%, and the power-by-wire (PBW) systems segment is the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period.
 

The fly-by-wire segment accounts for USD 9.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 9.4%. Fly-by-Wire systems, which use electronic controls to replace typical mechanical flight control, is common in new aircraft designs. Fly-by-Wire Systems combined with AI will expand the potential capabilities of fly-by-wire systems, enabling them to execute higher level controls, and better respond to unexpected changes and off-nominal conditions. For instance, the inclusion of AI in fly-by-wire systems allows for real-time modification to the characteristics of the flight control system to increase safety and efficiency. Given that aviation safety and performance will continue to be emphasized in the industry, enhanced fly-by-wire systems are expected to contribute to growth in the flight control system.
 

The power-by-wire segment accounts?for USD 821.6 million in 2024 and is the fastest-growing segment in the aircraft flight control system market, compounding at an annual growth rate of 11.7%. Power-by-Wire systems require electrical input to move flight control actuators. However, power-by-wire systems can lower weight and maintenance for aircraft manufacturers. Recent developments within areas of power-by-wire system technology advance and with its weight and reliability potential, the flight control operation of the aircraft will become much more effective and reliable. With more electric aircraft on the rise, power-by-wire systems will have more industry implementation which will also grow the demand for flight control systems.
 

Based on components, the aircraft flight control system market is segmented into flight control computers, cockpit control, sensors, actuators, and others. The actuator segment accounts for the highest market share of 37.8%, and the sensor segment is the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period.
 

The actuator segment accounts?for USD 6.5 billion in 2024 and is compounding at an annual growth rate of 7.9%. Actuators are responsible for physically moving flight control surfaces from the electronic signals and recent innovations are improving performance and reliability. Honeywell also launched a new generation of flight control actuators for flight control systems, which demonstrates better performance and less weight. Aircraft systems are placing priority of reducing mass and improving performance, thus our advancement must support that. The improvement in actuator technology can support flight control systems to be more responsive and improve flight control so the aircraft flight control system market can continue to grow.
 

The sensor segment accounts for USD 3.5 billion in 2024 and is the fastest growing segment expected to grow with a CAGR of 11.7%. The implementation of more advanced sensors is increasingly important to help ensure flight safety and performance in modern aircraft. For example, Honeywell Aerospace has developed advanced air safety technologies, including the Surface Alert (SURF-A) system, which provides real-time alerts to issues and hazards occurring during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. The expansion of these advancements demonstrates the increasing importance of enhanced sensor systems to provide situational awareness. As aircraft systems continue to become more complex the demand for precise sensors is sure to increase as well, driving demand for the AFB market.
 

Based on aircraft type, the aircraft flight control system market is segmented into fixed-wing, and rotary-wing. The fixed-wing segment accounts for the highest market share of 58.8%, and the rotary-wing segment is the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period.
 

The fixed-wing segment accounts for USD 10.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 8.3%. Fixed-wing aircraft are being outfitted with advanced flight control systems to improve performance and safety. For example, Lockheed Martin has demonstrated the smart adaptive flight control environment (SAFE) system to advance the use of adaptive technologies in fixed-wing aircraft. This technology innovation is important for providing improved responsiveness and handling. The progress of flight control systems in fixed-wing aircraft is expected to push demand for advanced flight control system.
 

The rotary-wing segment accounts?for USD 7.1 billion in 2024 and is the fastest-growing segment in the aircraft flight control system market, compounding at an annual growth rate of 9.5%. Rotary-wing aircraft are increasingly incorporating advanced flight control systems into their conventionally designed vehicles to increase safety and maneuverability. Sikorsky's flight tests of a scalable rotor blown wing unmanned aerial system (UAS) for DARPA illustrate the use of advanced flight control technologies in rotary-wing platforms. These advances in rotary-wing aircraft are key for increasing operational capabilities and efficiency, increasing safety, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Given the increasing demand for rotary-wing aircraft with versatile and improving capabilities, the AFCS (Advanced Flight Control Systems) market can be anticipated to expand.
 

Based on application, the aircraft flight control system market is segmented into business & general aviation, commercial aviation, and military aviation. The commercial aviation segment accounts for the highest market share of 44%, and the business & general aviation segment is the fastest growing segment with a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period.
 

The business and general aviation segment accounts for USD 3.6 billion in 2024 and is the fastest growing segment expected to grow with a CAGR of 10.3%. The business and general aviation sector is also experiencing the adoption of advanced flight control systems to increase operational efficiency and safety. Gulfstream's certification of the G800 business jet by the FAA and the EASA demonstrates the adoption of sophisticated flight control technologies in business aviation. Moreover, these certifications validate the industry's commitment to adopting advanced or next gen technologies. As business aviation continues to emphasize safety and performance, the market demand for advanced flight control system technology is expected to increase.
 

The commercial aviation segment accounts?for USD 7.6 billion in 2024 and is compounding at an annual growth rate of 9.1%. The commercial aviation industry has been putting emphasis on modernizing flight control systems to fairly increase overall safety and efficiency. The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) implementation and launch of a modernized pilot messaging system dubbed the notice to airmen (NOTAM) database to be operated by September 2025 is also indicative of the industry's attempts to communicate pressing safety information and to reflect on then current safety protocols. These types of initiatives are vital for the essential operational safe and efficient operation of commercial aviation flights. Whether it is the remaining evolution within the commercial aviation sector or how to implement automatic advanced flight control system, they will always enhance commercial aviation innovation.
 

Based on the region, the aircraft flight control system market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and MEA. In 2024, the North America segment accounted for the largest market share with over 35.2% of the total market share, and Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, growing at a CAGR of 10.1%.
 

The aircraft flight control system market has been expanding steadily in the United States, achieving a CAGR of 8.9% and reaching a valuation of USD 5.3 billion in 2024. In the United States, organizations are rapidly developing autonomous flight capabilities, and companies like the U.S. start-up, Anduril are developing AI-based systems for military applications, such as the collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) program. This project specifically targets advanced flight control systems, thus enhancing operational capabilities and conducting missions. These new flight control systems are rapidly innovating the flight control system market in the U.S., as agencies demand increased advanced autonomous flight.
 

In Germany, aircraft flight control system market has been expanding significantly, achieving a CAGR of 9.6% and reaching a valuation of USD 979.9 million in 2024. Modernization of their aviation sector is underway with emphasis on investment in advanced flight controls. This type of investment in advanced flight control and digital technologies includes the European Commission's approval of the acquisition of Collins Aerospace's flight controls business by Safran. The acquisition of Collins Aerospace emphasizes modernization to enhance capabilities for next-generation digital air vehicles, and Safran has a strong commitment to innovation and technology advancement in aerospace. As an expansion of the market, this emphasis on modernization is expected to stimulate the market.
 

In China, the aircraft flight control system market has been expanding, achieving a CAGR of 10.8% and reaching a valuation of USD 1.9 billion in 2024. China is seeing tremendous growth in its commercial aviation market, which estimates predict that by 2043, China's aircraft fleet will grow exponentially. With such strong growth outlined in Boeing's commercial aerospace forecast, China is modernizing its aviation infrastructure, thereby necessitating advancements such as increasingly advanced flight control systems due to safety and efficiency regulations. This growth is forecasted to significantly drive growth in the flight control system market - specifically in the outlined region.
 

The aircraft flight control system market in Japan has been experiencing steady expansion, achieving a compound annual growth rate of 9.3% and attaining a valuation of USD 779.7 million in 2024. Japan is improving its aviation capacity to advanced air traffic control systems. The effort is aligned with Japan's focus on employing new technology to expand capacity and improve flight safety. Upgrading air traffic management areas is in progress and is likely to increase demand for the advanced flight control systems, thereby fueling growth in the flight control system market in Japan. 
 

In South Korea, the aircraft flight control system market is expanding rapidly, achieving a CAGR of 8.6% and reaching a value of USD 504.2 million in 2024. South Korea is investing in advanced flight control systems to cost-effective to support its aviation industry. The country's efforts align with its overall focus on reducing operating costs, creating systems with predictive maintenance, and enhancing efficiency and safety in aviation. Ultimately, these efforts are expected to support future growth in the flight control system market in South Korea.
 

Aircraft Flight Control System Market Share

• The aircraft flight control system (AFCS) industry is competitive and a fragmented market, with many players that are involved in multiple segments. The top three companies in space, Honeywell International Inc., Collins Aerospace, and BAE Systems, together account for 18.2% of the total market share, with Honeywell International Inc. being the leading player at 10.7%.
   
• These key players continue to adapt to the competitive landscape by undertaking strategic initiatives. For example, Safran's recent acquisition of Collins Aerospace's flight controls business for 1.8 billion will help to augment its next-generation digital aircraft capabilities and is indicative in the industry's on-going focus on innovation and consolidation. This trend suggests that these companies are developing multi-faceted approaches through strategic partnerships and acquisitions in order to be optimally positioned for the ever-evolving AFCS market.
   

Aircraft Flight Control System Market Companies

Major players operating in the aircraft flight control system industry are:
 

• Honeywell International Inc.
• Collins Aerospace
• BAE Systems
   

Honeywell Aerospace provides a full range of flight control systems, such as smaller fly-by-wire systems, autopilots, and flight management systems for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Honeywell has global support for the commercial, defense, and urban air mobility markets. To remain competitive, Honeywell has further developed new actuation systems that increase safety and maneuverability for modern aircraft.
 

Collins Aerospace achieves a broader range of flight controls with cockpit controls, actuators, and integrated flight control systems for both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. The company has flown many projects for customers worldwide, supporting commercial, military, and unmanned platforms. Beyond their product capabilities, Collins has created the new Perigon next-generation flight control and vehicle management computing system. The new computing system provides much greater computing capability and means of flexibility to match future aviation needs.
 

BAE Systems is focused on new and advanced flight-control technologies, including fly-by-wire systems and active inceptor controls, that serve both commercial and military platforms. The primary locations of focus are on the U.S. and U.K. BAE Systems aims to support electric flight by developing advanced flight control systems that bar from traditional architectures and provide lighter, more efficient solutions to the next generation of air vehicles.
 

Aircraft Flight Control System Industry News

• In April 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) committed to modernizing the pilot messaging system, the NOTAM database, with a projected rollout in September 2025. The goal is to increase the reliability and efficiency of messaging to pilots.
   
• In April 2025, Collins Aerospace joined Airbus’ Digital Alliance for Aviation. This collaboration seeks to develop additional capabilities in predictive maintenance and health monitoring systems, optimizing operational safety and efficiency in aerospace.
   
• In August 2024, BAE Systems was awarded a contract by Boeing to modernize the fly-by-wire flight control computers for the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F super hornet aircraft.
   

The aircraft flight control system market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD million) and volume (million units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, by component

• Flight control computers
• Cockpit control
• Sensors
• Actuators
• Others

Market, by technology type

• Hydromechanical systems
• Fly-by-wire (FBW) systems
• Power-by-wire (PBW) systems
• Others

Market, by aircraft type

• Fixed-wing
• Rotary-wing

Market by application

• Business & general aviation
• Commercial aviation
• Military aviation

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
  • Australia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa