The global glider aircraft market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of nearly 3.3% during the forecast period. The major factors contributing to the growth of the market include rising demand for extreme sports and increasing adventure tourism market.  As per the Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries, Europeans make 100 million adventure trips every year in another country. European adventure travelers have been significantly investing in adrenaline sports. People aged between 40 and 70 occupied two-thirds of the adventure tourism. Likewise, adventure tourism is significantly increasing in emerging economies, which in turn, is driving the demand for glider aircraft.

Hang gliding is an easy and famous air sport which comprises flying a hang glider, a non-motorized aircraft by the rider. Gliding is also the best adventure sport which is flying a plane without an engine. Additionally, Glider clubs are located across the US and offered great flight training schools. Most airports or glider bases have some type of pilot training available, either through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved pilot schools or individual FAA-certificated flight instructors. FAA-approved glider schools normally offer a comprehensive range of training support, greater flexibility in scheduling, and special facilities.

Several universities and colleges also offer glider pilot training as a part of their entire pilot training programs. However, most glider training is conducted by individual flight instructors through membership in a glider club. Also, there are several commercial glider companies located around the US offering flight training, sightseeing glider rides, and glider towing services. This, in turn, is contributing to the demand for glider aircraft for adventure sports and training purpose.

Market Segmentation

The global glider aircrafts market is segmented based on type, propulsion, and application. Based on type, the market is classified into hang gliders and sailplanes. Based on propulsion, the market is classified into powered and non-powered. Based on application, the market is classified into military and commercial.

Glider aircraft finds its significant applications in commercial applications

The demand for glider aircraft is anticipated to grow significantly in commercial applications coupled with the rising trend towards adrenaline sports and emerging focus on flight training. There is an increasing demand for certified pilots across the globe and therefore, flight training is provided at several training institutes. Gliders are normally used for flight training that holds the capability to fly reasonable distances when they are flung or towed into the air, however, they lack the dynamic sophistication of sailplanes. Popular gliders that are used by flying clubs in the US comprise the Blanik L-23, the Schweizer SGS 2-33, the Schleicher ASK 21, and the Grob 103 series.

Global Glider Aircraft Market Share by Application, 2019 (%)

Regional Outlook

The global glider aircraft market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). North America glider aircraft market is being significantly driven by the rising military spending and increasing demand for air sports in the region. As per the United States Parachute Association (USPA), in 2018, there were 3.3 million skydiving jumps reported in the US, which leads to the significant demand for gliders in the region. In addition, the country is significantly focusing on pilot training coupled with the increasing number of airlines in the region. This, in turn, is further contributing to the adoption of gliders in the region.

Asia-Pacific is estimated to witness growth during the forecast period owing to the rising adventure tourism and military spending in the region. Indian government launched several branding and marketing initiatives including Atithi Devo Bhava and Incredible India which has provided the impetus to the growth of tourism in the country. This results in the increasing number of adventure sports activities and thereby anticipated to drive the demand for gliders in the country. Further, rising per-capita income and increasing urbanization are creating scope for adventure sports, which will likely accelerate the adoption of gliders in the region.

Global Glider Aircraft Market Growth, by Region 2020-2026

Market Players Outlook

The major players operating in the market include DG Flugzeugbau GmbH, Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co., Lange Aviation GmbH, Schempp-Hirth Flugzeug-Vertriebs GmbH, and Stemme AG. Mergers and acquisitions, product launches, and partnerships and collaborations, are certain strategies adopted by the market players to increase their market share. For instance, in April 2019, Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co., revealed the new aircraft AS 34 Me, at the AERO exhibition in Germany. This is beneficial for visitors who were looking for fun and easy to fly aircraft with self-introducing capability with low maintenance costs and at a reasonable purchase price. It features efficient handling characteristics and better flying performance. In addition, the electrical propulsion system delivers adequate power to allow every day powered sailplane operations.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2019 and forecast to 2026.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global glider aircraft market. Based on the availability of data, information related to pipeline products, 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.