The global aircraft seating market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of nearly 7.2% during the forecast period. The major driving factor for the growth of the aircraft seating market is that passengers are now getting aware of the type of aircraft seats used by airline companies. Therefore, to enhance passenger experience companies are producing new airplane or aircraft seats with added features to provide comfort to passengers. For instance, in February 2020, Thompson Aero launched its new VantageSOLO seating for narrow-body aircraft. The seat offers a fully horizontal flatbed with direct aisle access for every seat. Jetblue is the first launch customer for Thompson Aero’s VantageSOLO Business class Seat for single-aisle aircraft. However, high costs and regulations associated with the installation of seats can affect the growth of the market. 

Apart from this, in October 2020, STELIA Aerospace offered its new business class passenger seat OPERA which is specially designed for single-aisle aircraft. The seat offers widebody comfort with ample foot space, a fully integrated door for privacy, a large, stable meal table and adjustable armrests, and ambient lights. Additionally, the rise in the number of aircraft is also contributing to the growth of the market. According to Indian Aviation Industry Report, 2021, the number of airplanes is expected to reach 1,100 planes by 2027. In 2019, according to Federal Aviation Administration, the general aviation industry recorded an increase of 1.4% in US-manufactured aircraft. The increase in the manufacturing of aircraft is anticipated to leverage the demand for aircraft seats during the forecast period. 

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Global Aircraft Seating Market

The global aircraft seating market was adversely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The government banned air transport to limit the spread of COVID-19.  In the second quarter of 2020, COVID-19 led to suspensions of the majority of air traffic worldwide, which resulted in extensive downtime and postponement of maintenance events. For instance, Lufthansa Technik AG reduces its workforce including its external staff.  The number of employees has declined by more than 3,000 due to the pandemic. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s revenue decreased by 40% which was $4493 in 2020 as compared to $7881.4 in 2019. 

In addition, due to COVID-19, the airlines are now focusing on reducing passenger seats and increase cargo capacity in their flights. JAMCO group in its new project PROJECT BLUE SKY offered a quick conversion service that converts seats into cargo cabins. In addition, the companies are now focusing on providing clear and hygienic cabins to passengers due to COVID-19. For instance, in November 2020, 3M and Safran partnered to design cleaner aircraft interiors to restore passenger’s confidence and focusing on enhancing cleaning and protection features of aircraft cabin equipment and the capability to improve the removal of bacteria and viruses as the passengers now choose their fights considering the hygiene assurance. In addition, many company’s plants were closed due to the pandemic including BOXMARK. In April 2020, BOXMARK updated that its plants in Europe were closed for a long time and production was stopped due to the pandemic. 

Segmental Outlook 

The global aircraft seating market is segmented based on aircraft type, class, and installation. Based on the aircraft type, it is further classified into narrow-body aircraft (NBA), wide-body aircraft (WBA), very large aircraft (VLA), and others. Based on the class, it is further classified into premium class, business class, economy class, and first-class. Based on the installation, it is classified into line fit and retrofit. 

Global Aircraft Seating Market Share by Class, 2020 (%)

Economy Class Segment Holds Significant Share in the Market

Among the aircraft seating market by class, the economy class segment holds the highest share in 2020 and is also anticipated to grow during the forecast period. The innovations and design for seats of economy class are expected to drive the growth of the market. Companies are constantly focusing on providing luxury seats for premium and economy classes. For instance, in December 2020, Recaro aircraft seating launched its luxury seats for the first premium economy cabin. The seat offers a wider backrest with side support, six-way adjustable headrests to provide sleeping comfort and additional storage compartments. The seat was a result of Recaro’s partnership with Emirates in 2019, to provide Emirates with luxury seats to meet its standards of premium economy class experience.  

Regional Outlook

The global aircraft seating market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Others), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, and Others, and the Rest of the World (the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America). North America is expected to have a considerable market share in the market. This is mainly due to the presence of large airline market players such as Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, Textron Aviation, and Bombardier. Asia-Pacific is considered to witness significant market growth in the global aircraft seating market during the forecast period. 

Global Aircraft Seating Market Growth, by Region 2021-2027

Asia-Pacific is Projected to Have a Considerable Share in the Global Aircraft Seating Market

The market is expected to grow considerably in the Asia-Pacific region. The increase in demand for designer and comfortable seats with added features to enhance passenger experience is contributing to the growth of the aircraft seat market in the region. In addition, in December 2019, Recaro seating expanded its production facility in Qingdao, China.  The production facility measured 7,500 square meters. The company, through its new expanding facility, propels market opportunities and contributes to the further growth in the Asia-Pacific Region as it accommodated up to five new assembly lines which increased the maximum production capacity of Recaro’s China plant to 60,000 seats per year and meet the need of consumers in both the Asia-pacific and rest of the world.  

Market Players Outlook

Major market players operating in the market include Safran Group, Collins Aerospace, Inc., Geven S.p.A., RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG, JAMCO Corp., and among others. These companies adopt several strategies such as acquisition, partnership & collaborations, finding a new market, or product innovations in their core competency to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in April 2021, the Causeway Air Group acquired Pitch Aircraft Seating Systems for an undisclosed sum.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2020 and forecast to 2027.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global aircraft seating market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where in the market.