According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global aircraft fairings market was valued at USD 1.41 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow from USD 1.46 billion in 2021 to USD 2.60 billion by 2028, registering a strong CAGR of 8.59%. This growth is powered by the aviation industry’s push for lightweight, aerodynamic components that boost fuel efficiency, reduce drag, and improve performance and aesthetics.
Aircraft fairings are more than just covers—they are critical aerodynamic structures that smooth out gaps and joints in an aircraft’s body. By reducing drag and delaying boundary layer separation, fairings improve fuel efficiency and overall performance, while also enhancing the aircraft’s visual appeal.
A classic example is the flap track fairing, a pod-like structure under an aircraft’s wing. While Airbus and Boeing use similar fairings, McDonnell Douglas aircraft stand out with vertical fairings housing hydraulic actuators. Fairings are typically built from aluminum or composites, with composites increasingly favored for their lightweight, high-strength properties.
As air travel demand rises and airlines modernize fleets, the need for advanced, efficient fairing systems will continue to grow.
Rising Demand for Composite Aerostructures
Modern aircraft prioritize strength-to-weight optimization, making composite aerostructures—fairings, doors, control surfaces—essential for efficiency. The growing adoption of composites is a key driver of this market.
Procurement of Lightweight Aircraft
Airlines and defense forces are increasingly acquiring fuel-efficient, lightweight aircraft. The expansion of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and the procurement of trainer and multi-role fighter jets are accelerating fairing demand.
Backlogs in Aircraft Orders
Aircraft manufacturers continue to face order backlogs and delivery delays. COVID-19 further amplified this challenge, with aircraft deliveries dropping 42% in 2020 compared to 2019. Such bottlenecks slow down the adoption of new components like fairings.
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