Aircraft Gearbox Market Size

Aircraft Gearbox Market was valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. The rising global demand for air travel is one of the primary drivers of the market. Increasing passenger traffic leads to higher demand for new aircraft, which in turn drives the need for reliable and efficient aircraft gearboxes. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air traffic is expected to continue growing, necessitating the expansion of airline fleets.

Airlines are expanding their fleets to accommodate more passengers and to replace older aircraft with more fuel-efficient models. This fleet expansion and modernization directly increase the demand for new and advanced aircraft gearboxes. Increased defense spending by various countries is driving the demand for military aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters. These aircraft require robust and reliable gearboxes to ensure mission success and safety. Rising geopolitical tensions and the need for advanced defense capabilities are fueling investments in military aviation. The growing need for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services is driving demand for replacement gearboxes and spare parts. As the global fleet ages, the aftermarket for gearboxes becomes increasingly important. Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and reliability of aircraft, further supporting the market for gearbox replacements and upgrades.

Aircraft gearboxes are complex components that require precision manufacturing. The high level of precision needed, along with the use of advanced materials, results in increased production costs. Additionally, the need for specialized machinery and skilled labor adds to these costs. Aircraft gearboxes must comply with rigorous regulatory standards set by aviation authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The certification process is lengthy and costly, requiring extensive testing and validation to ensure safety and reliability.

Aircraft Gearbox Market Trends

The use of lightweight materials such as titanium alloys and composites is becoming increasingly common in the manufacturing of aircraft gearboxes. These materials help reduce the overall weight of the aircraft, leading to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Innovations in lubrication technology are enhancing the performance and longevity of aircraft gearboxes. Advanced lubricants can operate under extreme temperatures and pressures, reducing wear and tear and improving the overall efficiency of the gearboxes. There is a growing focus on developing more efficient gear systems that can reduce energy losses and improve the overall performance of aircraft engines. This trend is driven by the need to enhance fuel efficiency and meet stringent environmental regulations. The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) market for aircraft gearboxes is expanding. As the global fleet ages and more aircraft enter service, the demand for aftermarket services, including gearbox repair and replacement, is increasing. Companies are focusing on providing comprehensive MRO solutions to extend the lifespan of gearboxes and ensure their reliability. Emerging markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, are experiencing significant growth in air travel. Countries like China and India are investing heavily in their aviation infrastructure, leading to increased demand for new aircraft and associated components, including gearboxes. This regional growth is creating new opportunities for gearbox manufacturers.

Aircraft Gearbox Market Analysis

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Based on type, the market is divided into accessory gearbox, reduction gearbox, actuation gearbox, tail rotor gearbox, auxiliary power unit gearbox and others. In 2023, accessory gearbox held the dominant market of USD 1 billion and is expected to reach USD 1.9 billion by 2032. The rising production of commercial and military aircraft drives the demand for accessory gearboxes. As more aircraft are manufactured, the need for reliable gearboxes that can power auxiliary components like generators, fuel pumps, and hydraulic pumps increases. Modern aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics and systems that require robust and efficient power distribution. Accessory gearboxes play a crucial role in ensuring these systems function correctly, thus driving demand. The need for regular maintenance and upgrades of existing aircraft fleets also contributes to the demand for accessory gearboxes. Airlines and military operators require high-quality replacement parts to maintain operational efficiency.

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Based on component, the market is categorized into gears, housing, bearings and others. In 2023, rubber toys held the dominant market share of 41% and is anticipated to grow through the years. Innovations in gear design and manufacturing techniques are driving demand. Advanced materials and precision engineering result in gears that are more durable, efficient, and capable of handling higher loads and speeds. This improves the overall performance of aircraft gearboxes. The aviation industry's focus on enhancing fuel efficiency and performance is a significant driver. High-performance gears contribute to more efficient power transmission, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This is particularly important as airlines and manufacturers strive to meet stringent environmental regulations.

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North America held a market of around USD 800 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 1.6 billion by 2032. Major airlines in North America are expanding their fleets to meet the growing demand for air travel. This expansion includes both new aircraft purchases and the replacement of older models, leading to increased demand for gearboxes. North America has a robust MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) market, which supports the maintenance and repair of both commercial and military aircraft. The need for high-quality replacement parts and regular maintenance drives consistent demand for aircraft gearboxes.

The market in U.S. is set to grow through a CAGR of 6.9% through the forecast time period. The U.S. maintains one of the highest defense budgets globally, with significant allocations for the development, production, and maintenance of military aircraft. This includes fighters, bombers, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), all of which require sophisticated gearbox systems. The U.S. military continuously invests in the modernization of its aircraft fleet. Programs aimed at upgrading avionics, engines, and other critical components often involve replacing or enhancing existing gearboxes to improve performance and reliability.

The German Aircraft Gearbox market maintained a considerable position in Europe. Germany is home to major aerospace companies such as Airbus, MTU Aero Engines, and Liebherr-Aerospace. These companies drive significant demand for aircraft components, including gearboxes, as they manufacture and assemble a variety of commercial and military aircraft. Germany’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities, including the development and procurement of advanced military aircraft, drives demand for sophisticated gearbox systems. Programs aimed at upgrading existing military aircraft also contribute to this demand.

China is supposed to grow at the highest rate of 7.6% in the region. China is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. The rapid growth in air travel demand is leading to the expansion of airline fleets, which increases the demand for new aircraft and their components, including gearboxes. China is investing heavily in the development of its own commercial aircraft, such as the COMAC C919 and ARJ21. The production of these aircraft requires reliable and high-performance gearbox systems, driving demand in the market.

Aircraft Gearbox Market Share

Aircraft gearbox industry seem to be consolidated in nature due to presence of local and global players across the globe. In 2023, the market players such as Rolls-Royce plc, Safran S.A., Honeywell International Inc., General Electric Company, RTX Corporation, Aero Gearbox International, Park Ohio Holdings Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. collectively held around 30%-35% market share. These prominent players are proactively involved in strategic endeavors, such as mergers & acquisitions, facility expansions & collaborations, to expand their product portfolios, extend their reach to a broader customer base, and strengthen their market position.

Aircraft Gearbox Market Companies

Major players operating in the aircraft gearbox industry are:

• Aero Gear Inc.
• Aero Gearbox International
• Ametek, Inc.
• Avio Aero
• General Electric Company
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Liebherr Group
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
• Northstar Aerospace
• Park Ohio Holdings Corp.
• Rolls-Royce plc
• RTX Corporation
• Safran S.A.
• SKF Group
• The Timken Company
  

Aircraft Gearbox Industry News

• In September 2023, India based Skanda Aerospace Technology (SATPL), a partnership between Raghu Vamsi Machine Tools in India, and Rave Gears LLC in Texas, USA, opened its first advanced gear and gear boxes manufacturing facility.
  
• In 2023, Triumph Group secured a long-term contract with General Electric (GE) for the Inlet Gearboxes (IGB) concerning LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B, and LEAP-1C programs. The contract encompasses production at the Triumph Geared Solutions facility in Macomb, Michigan. With a partnership spanning over 35 years and over 25,000 gearboxes delivered to date, this extension underscores Triumph’s commitment to supplying thousands of IGBs annually to GE well into the next decade.
  

The aircraft gearbox market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion)(Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Accessory Gearbox
• Reduction Gearbox
• Actuation Gearbox
• Tail Rotor Gearbox
• Auxiliary Power Unit Gearbox
• Others

Market, By Component

• Gears
• Housing
• Bearings
• Others

Market, By Application

• Engine
• Airframe

Market, By Engine

• Civil Aircraft
• Military Aircraft

Market, By Distribution Channel

• OEM
• Aftermarket

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

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