Global Aerospace Composites Market Demand & Forecast Analysis, 2018-2034

Composites are materials formed by combining two or more distinct substances such as polymers and fibers, resulting in a material significantly stronger and more efficient than the individual components alone. These materials, often called Fiber-Reinforced Polymers, deliver superior traits including enhanced strength, durability, and efficiency while maintaining their unique individual properties. Due to these advantages, composites have become indispensable in the aerospace sector, where weight reduction and high-performance materials are critical.

Leading aerospace manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, and Bombardier pioneered the extensive use of composites in exterior aircraft structures. This shift from traditional metals to composites is accelerating, driven by the aerospace industry's need to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and optimize performance. As a result, aerospace composites are estimated to see significant technological advancements and expanded product design integration throughout 2024 and beyond.

Aerospace Composites Demand Analysis

Carbon fiber composites lead the aerospace composites market, accounting for over 70% of total demand, driven by their superior mechanical properties and estimated reductions in carbon fiber material costs. Glass fiber composites make up around 20% of the market, mainly used for interior applications, while aramid fiber composites constitute the remaining share.

The aerospace composites market is segmented primarily by fiber type into glass fiber, carbon fiber, and aramid fiber. Glass fiber composites are valued for their versatility and cost-effectiveness and are typically employed in non-structural and secondary aerospace components, such as interior cabin parts. Their ease of fabrication and reliable mechanical properties make them suitable for a wide range of uses. Carbon fiber composites dominate the market due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and corrosion resistance. These composites are widely used in structural exterior components like fuselage panels and wing structures, where weight reduction directly contributes to improved fuel efficiency and enhanced aircraft performance. Although aramid fibers represent a smaller portion of the market, they are prized for their excellent impact resistance and toughness, making them ideal for applications requiring durability and thermal resistance, including protective interior panels and ballistic shielding.

In 2024, exterior aerospace applications accounted for over 45% of the total composite demand, with interior applications closely following at around 40%. Both sectors are estimated to experience steady growth, with exterior applications projected to grow at an annual average rate of 4.0%, and interior applications at around 3.6% through 2034.

Regional Market Insights

In 2024, North America emerged as the largest aerospace composites market, consuming over 20 kilo tons and accounting for more than 40% of global demand. The presence of major manufacturers of aerospace and military aircraft in the USA, Mexico and Canada fuels this dominance. The USA alone represents more than 75% of North America's aerospace composites consumption and contributes around 50% to the global aerospace production.

North America is estimated to grow at a CAGR of about 4% through 2034, supported by ongoing investments in aerospace manufacturing and recovery in sectors like oil & gas polymer production. Pre-booked aircraft orders from emerging markets such as India and China, for manufacturers including Boeing, Airbus, and GE, will further push demand growth. Additionally, new carbon fiber production facilities are being established to meet increasing requirements.

Key Manufacturers

Owens Corning, Solvay, Hexcel Corporation, Teijin Limited, Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber and Composites, Toray Industries, and SGL Carbon are the global aerospace composites manufactures. These companies focus on continuous innovation, expanding production capacities, and developing advanced composite materials to meet the evolving needs of the aerospace industry.

Market Drivers

Aerospace composites are replacing metals and conventional plastics in numerous applications, primarily because they enable weight reduction leading directly to fuel savings and lower emissions. The industry's push for more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft fuels the demand for lightweight composite materials. Additionally, composites accelerate manufacturing processes; plastics and fiber reinforcements are easier to mold compared to metals, reducing production time and energy consumption. These materials also offer superior impact resistance and toughness, allowing manufacturers to design components with fewer parts and improved functionality.

Energy costs and stringent environmental regulations worldwide continue to motivate aerospace manufacturers to adopt advanced composites. The replacement of traditional metals with composites is key to achieving industry goals such as increased fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and material sustainability. Moreover, growing global air travel and increasing demand for new, technologically advanced aircraft are driving the expansion of composite applications across interior, exterior, and structural aerospace components