Aviation Carbon Fiber Market - By Raw Material, By Type, By Application and Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Aviation Carbon Fiber Market Size

The global aviation carbon fiber market was valued at USD 2.2 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2025 to 2034.
 

The aviation industry faces ongoing pressure to reduce operating costs, primarily through improved fuel efficiency. Lightweight materials, particularly carbon fiber, are essential in achieving these goals by significantly reducing aircraft weight. Lighter aircraft consume less fuel, resulting in lower emissions and operating costs. As airlines and aircraft manufacturers focus on enhancing fuel efficiency to meet stringent environmental regulations and consumer demand for sustainable travel options, carbon fiber has become increasingly important. The increasing demand for air travel drives the need for more fuel-efficient and lightweight aircraft. Carbon fiber, with its high strength-to-weight ratio, plays a crucial role in manufacturing aircraft that meet performance and sustainability requirements.
 

For instance, In April 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 55.5% increase in global air travel demand in February 2023, compared to February 2022. Traffic reached 84.9% of pre-pandemic levels (February 2019). Furthermore, this trend is expected to continue, with carbon fiber usage expanding across commercial and military aircraft.
 

Carbon fiber composites have become integral to aerospace manufacturing, offering exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and durability. As aircraft manufacturers aim to improve performance while meeting environmental standards, carbon fiber integration has increased in key structural components such as wings, fuselage, and tail sections. For instance, In June 2024, Airbus announced its commitment to aerospace decarbonization, focusing on reducing CO2 emissions from its products. As part of this, Airbus is exploring bio-based carbon fibers as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-derived composites, aiming to maintain the same performance and safety standards for structural components like fuselages and wings. The material's versatility enables complex, lightweight designs that are both stronger and more fuel-efficient. Additionally, advancements in manufacturing techniques, including automation and cost reduction strategies, have improved carbon fiber accessibility, further promoting its widespread use in the aerospace sector.
 

Aviation Carbon Fiber Market Trends

The aviation industry's increasing focus on sustainability is driving the adoption of carbon fiber composites. These materials, known for their lightweight and durable properties, are becoming a preferred alternative to traditional aluminum and steel in aerospace applications. This shift aligns with industry efforts to reduce carbon emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and minimize waste.
 

For instance, Toray composite materials America Inc. has signed a 3-year MOU with elevated materials to repurpose scrap prepreg materials at its Tacoma, Washington facility. Elevated materials aim to eliminate carbon fiber waste in aerospace by upcycling scrap, having already diverted 200,000 pounds of carbon fiber waste since its inception. The development of bio-based carbon fibers and advancements in recycling technologies are expected to further support market growth, contributing to a more sustainable aviation sector.
 

Ongoing technological advancements in carbon fiber production are fueling its increased use in the aerospace sector. For instance, Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is revolutionizing transportation with electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, offering fast, clean, and efficient travel over cities. Carbon fiber composites are crucial in enabling this eco-friendly innovation. Innovations in manufacturing processes, such as automated fiber placement and resin transfer molding, are reducing the cost of carbon fiber materials. These improvements enable the production of complex, lightweight components more efficiently, leading to wider adoption in commercial and military aircraft. As production techniques evolve, the overall cost of carbon fiber composites is expected to decrease, potentially stimulating further demand in the aviation industry.
 

Aviation Carbon Fiber Market Analysis

The growing demand for carbon fiber in aviation is shaped by regulations aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) carbon offsetting programs. These regulations create opportunities for companies to innovate with lightweight, fuel-efficient materials like carbon fiber. Additionally, advancements in recycling technologies and bio-based composites present further growth potential. However, regulatory challenges, such as certification processes and cost constraints, may hinder rapid adoption, requiring continuous collaboration and innovation across the industry.
 

Based on raw material, the market is segmented into PAN-based carbon fiber, pitch-based carbon fiber. In 2024, the PAN-based carbon fiber segment accounted for the largest market share with 78.4% share.

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fiber is the primary raw material used in the aerospace industry. Its popularity stems from its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, high durability, and resistance to extreme temperatures. The production process involves converting PAN precursor fibers through a series of high-temperature treatments, resulting in a lightweight yet strong material. This material is ideal for aircraft components such as wings, fuselages, and tail sections. The superior mechanical properties of PAN-based carbon fiber make it essential for improving fuel efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of aircraft.
 

The aviation industry's focus on reducing carbon emissions has further emphasized the importance of PAN-based carbon fiber in meeting performance and sustainability goals. However, the high production cost remains a significant challenge to its widespread adoption. Despite this obstacle, ongoing advancements in manufacturing techniques, including automation and improved precursors, are expected to reduce production costs. This development, combined with the increasing demand for lightweight, fuel-efficient aircraft, is likely to drive continued growth for PAN-based carbon fiber in the aerospace sector.
 

Based on type, the aviation carbon fiber market is divided into continuous, long, short. The continuous segment is the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period.
 

Continuous carbon fiber is highly valued in aerospace applications for its exceptional strength and performance. Unlike chopped or short fibers, continuous fibers are woven into fabrics or used in prepreg forms, providing superior structural integrity. This characteristic makes it ideal for high-stress components such as wings, fuselages, and other load-bearing parts of aircraft, enhancing overall durability and fuel efficiency.
 

The aerospace industry is increasingly adopting continuous carbon fiber as manufacturers seek stronger, lighter materials to meet stringent performance and environmental standards. This material offers significant advantages in reducing manufacturing time and improving the consistency of structural components. However, it remains more expensive than other types of carbon fiber.
 

North America is expected to reach over USD 1.7 billion by 2034.  North America, particularly the U.S., is a key driver of the aviation carbon fiber market due to its strong aerospace industry. The U.S. hosts major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and a growing number of startups focused on urban air mobility. Increasing demand for lightweight, fuel-efficient aircraft, along with advancements in carbon fiber production, positions North America as a leader in the adoption and innovation of carbon fiber materials for aerospace applications.
 

China's aerospace sector is investing significantly in carbon fiber materials to improve aircraft performance and reduce emissions. The country's expansion of its commercial aviation fleet and manufacturing capabilities is increasing demand for lightweight materials such as carbon fiber. China is also emphasizing the development of sustainable materials, positioning carbon fiber as a key component in its future aviation infrastructure and aircraft production.
 

Germany's robust aerospace manufacturing sector focuses on innovation and sustainability. The country's aviation industry is increasingly using carbon fiber composites to meet environmental standards and improve fuel efficiency. With major companies like Airbus and suppliers such as SGL Carbon, Germany is advancing carbon fiber use in commercial and military aircraft, while promoting research into bio-based and recyclable carbon fiber materials.
 

Japan's aerospace industry is increasing its use of carbon fiber composites in commercial and military aircraft. Manufacturers like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries are incorporating carbon fiber into their designs to enhance performance and reduce weight. Japan is also investing in carbon fiber production technologies, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency, supporting its long-term goals for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective aviation solutions.
 

South Korea's aerospace industry is progressing in carbon fiber adoption, targeting both domestic and international markets. The country's advanced manufacturing technologies, combined with its focus on reducing carbon emissions, are driving carbon fiber use in new aircraft designs. South Korea's growing emphasis on developing eVTOL and commercial aviation sectors further increases the demand for carbon fiber as a lightweight and durable material.
 

Aviation Carbon Fiber Market Share

Toray Industries, Inc., Hexcel Corporation, and SGL Carbon SE are key players in the aerospace carbon fiber market, each contributing to advancements in lightweight, high-performance materials. Toray is known for its extensive portfolio of carbon fiber products, supporting both commercial and military aircraft. Hexcel focuses on innovative composite materials, enhancing aircraft performance and fuel efficiency. SGL Carbon SE emphasizes sustainable, high-quality carbon fiber production, while also investing in recycling technologies. Together, they drive innovation and meet evolving industry demands.
 

Aviation Carbon Fiber Market Companies

Major players operating in the aviation carbon fiber industry are:

• Aernnova Aerospace
• Bally Ribbon Mills
• BGF Industries Inc.
• Chomarat Group
• DowAksa
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• Hexcel Corporation
• HYOSUNG
• Mitsubishi Chemical Group
• Park Aerospace Corp
• SGL Carbon SE
• Solvay S.A.
• TEIJIN LIMITED
• Toray Industries, Inc.
• Zoltek Companies Incorporated
   

Aviation Carbon Fiber Industry News

• In October 2024, Hexcel is preparing to support the aerospace industry's development of next-generation single-aisle commercial aircraft and the expanding advanced air mobility (AAM) electric aircraft market, positioning itself to meet the increasing demand for high-rate composite manufacturing in these sectors.
   
• In April 2023, Solvay and GKN Aerospace signed an extension to their 2017 collaboration agreement. Under the agreement, both businesses are developing a joint thermoplastic composites (TPC) roadmap to explore new materials and manufacturing processes for aerospace structures, while jointly targeting future strategic high-rate programs. In addition, Solvay will remain a GKN Aerospace preferred supplier for TPC materials.
   

This aviation carbon fiber market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Raw Material

• PAN-based carbon fiber
• Pitch-based carbon fiber

Market, By Type

• Continuous
• Long
• Short

Market, By Application

• Commercial fixed-wing aircraft
• Military fixed-wing aircraft
• Rotorcraft

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