According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global aircraft fairing industry was valued at USD 1.41 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow from USD 1.46 billion in 2021 to USD 2.60 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 8.59% during the forecast period. The steady expansion of this market is primarily fueled by the rising demand for lightweight, aerodynamic components that enhance fuel efficiency, reduce drag, and improve overall aircraft performance and aesthetics.
Aircraft fairings are essential aerodynamic structures designed to smoothen an aircraft’s profile by covering gaps, joints, and structural components. Their role is critical in reducing drag, delaying boundary layer separation, and enhancing both fuel efficiency and overall performance. Additionally, fairings contribute significantly to an aircraft’s aesthetics, making them an indispensable part of modern aerospace engineering.
A widely recognized example is the flap track fairing, a pod-like structure located under an aircraft’s wings. While Boeing and Airbus aircraft use fairings of similar configurations, McDonnell Douglas designs feature distinctive vertical fairings that also house hydraulic actuators. Depending on the application, fairings are manufactured using aluminum or advanced composite materials, with composites increasingly favored due to their lightweight and high-strength properties.
The design and manufacturing of aircraft fairings form a crucial stage in aircraft production, requiring careful consideration of aerodynamic efficiency, weight reduction, and component integration. With global passenger air traffic steadily increasing, demand for new aircraft deliveries and fleet modernization is rising, further driving the need for advanced fairing systems that reduce operational costs and improve performance.
Growth Drivers
1. Rising Demand for Composite Aerostructures
Lightweight composite materials are becoming a standard in modern aircraft design. Engineers prioritize high strength-to-weight ratios to improve payload capacity and fuel efficiency. The growing adoption of composite aerostructures—such as fairings, doors, and control surfaces—is a significant factor accelerating market growth.
2. Procurement of Lightweight Aircraft
With the aviation industry focusing on fuel efficiency and sustainability, airlines and defense organizations are increasingly procuring lightweight aircraft. The rise of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and expanding military aircraft acquisitions—such as trainers and multi-role fighter jets—are expected to further boost demand for aircraft fairings.
Restraining Factors
Backlogs in Aircraft Orders
Order accumulation and delivery delays remain significant challenges for aircraft manufacturers, hindering timely adoption of new components such as fairings. The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified this issue, with commercial aircraft deliveries falling sharply to 723 units in 2020, down 42% from 2019. This marked the second consecutive year of declining deliveries, creating bottlenecks in market growth.
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/aircraft-fairings-market-105857
Embracing 3D Printing for Aircraft Components