Aerospace & Defense C-Class Parts Market Size, Share, Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2025-2032

Market Insights

The aerospace & defense C-class parts market size was US$ 13.6 billion in 2024 and is likely to grow at a decent CAGR of 2.8 % in the long run to reach US$ 17.3 billion in 2032.

Market Dynamics

Introduction

C-class parts in the aerospace & defense industry are low-cost and high-volume commodity parts such as fasteners and bearings. The global aerospace & defense C-class parts market is segmented into four major heads, which are hardware parts, bearing parts, electronic components, and machined parts. Hardware components include nut, bolts, screw, clamps, hi-lock pins, collars, hose assemblies, hydraulic fittings, inserts, rivets, springs, valves and washers. Electronic components include connectors, relays, switches, circuit breakers, and lighted products, and the machined parts include Brackets, milled parts, shims, stampings, turned parts, welded assemblies, and installation tooling.

Recent Market JVs and Acquisitions:

A considerable number of strategic alliances, including M&As, JVs, etc., have been performed over the past few years:

• In 2024, Amphenol Corporation acquired Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CIT) from Carlisle Companies for US$ 2.0 billion. CIT is a leading provider of harsh environment interconnect solutions for the commercial aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with a product portfolio that complements Amphenol's existing interconnect solutions.
• In 2023, RBC Bearings Incorporated acquired the business assets of Specline, Inc. (Specline) for US$ 18.7 million. Specline is a manufacturer of precision bearings that produces both standard and custom-configuration precision spherical bearings, rod ends, and journal bearings for the commercial and defense aerospace markets.
• In 2021, Amphenol Corporation acquired Positronic for an undisclosed amount. Positronic is a leading manufacturer of high-reliability power and signal connectors for different industries.
• In 2020, Stanley, Black & Decker, Inc. acquired Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing for US$ 1.4 Billion. The acquisition further diversified Stanley Black & Decker's presence in the industrial markets and expanded its portfolio of specialty fasteners in the aerospace & defense market.

Segment Analysis

By Aircraft Type

"Commercial aircraft is likely to remain the biggest aircraft category in terms of demand for C-class parts during the forecast period."

The market is segmented into commercial aircraft, regional aircraft, general aviation, helicopter, and military aircraft. Increasing production rates of key programs, such as the B737 and A320 family; market entry and production expansion of new players, such as COMAC; commercial launch of new aircraft programs such as A321 XLR and COMAC C919; and rising commercial aircraft fleet are the major factors that are driving the demand for c-class parts in the segment. The global commercial aircraft fleet is growing as airlines invest in new planes and expand their fleets. This growth is driven by more people flying due to rising disposable incomes and the increasing demand for air cargo. As the number of commercial aircraft increases, the need for C-class parts to maintain and repair them also rises. Military aircraft is the second-largest segment of the market, driven by a significant rise in demand for advanced fighter jets in recent years, due to rising geopolitical tensions and security concerns.

By Part Type

"Hardware parts are projected to remain the dominant segment, while electronic components are anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period."

Based on the part type, the market is segmented into hardware parts, bearings, electronic components, and machined parts. Hardware parts are expected to remain the dominant part type in the market during the forecast period due to their extensive usage and wide range of applications across an aircraft, including fuselage assembly, engine integration, interiors, control systems, and many more. Hardware components majorly include fasteners. Out of the total number of components used in an aircraft, more than 50% are fasteners. Around 1 to 3 million fasteners are used to manufacture a single modern aircraft, This highlights the critical role of hardware components in aerospace assembly."

Electronic components are expected to grow at the highest pace, owing to increasing usage in avionics, electrical interconnect harnesses, cabin lighting, IFE, airframe, landing gear, engines, flight control, and hydraulic systems. Connectors and switches constitute the most crucial share of the pie under electronic components. This growth is further supported by the growing trend toward more electric aircraft (MEA) and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, as these technologies require a larger number and variety of electronic components to guarantee the best performance and efficiency.

By Sales Channel Type

"Distributor sales are expected to remain the most preferred sales channel, maintaining their dominance while also registering the fastest growth during the forecast period."

The market is segmented into direct sales, distributors, and part brokers. Distributors offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency, scalability, and reliability, which are crucial in the high-stakes aerospace industry. Distributors also establish long-term agreements and contracts with OEMs and airlines to provide timely delivery and ensure consistent supply. Distributors often maintain substantial inventories, which significantly reduce lead times for urgent repairs and replacements, a critical factor in the aerospace industry where downtime can be costly.

For critical or specialized parts, where performance assurance, IP protection, or traceability are essential, companies often prefer the direct sales channels. This channel allows greater control over compliance and quality, especially for parts with rigorous regulatory specifications. Parts brokers play a vital role in aftermarket and MRO operations, where operators may need urgent replacements, hard-to-find parts, or surplus inventory.

By End-User Type

"OE is expected to remain the dominant as well as the fastest-growing end-user category for C-class parts during the forecast period."

The market is segmented into OE and aftermarket. OE is estimated to maintain its momentum and remain as the dominant category, driven by upcoming aircraft programs, rising air passenger traffic, and huge order backlogs at the leading aircraft giants. This demand is due to the ongoing production runs of aircraft, often large and planned long-term, securing a stable revenue stream for C-class parts manufacturers.

A significant portion of the global aircraft fleet is aging, which increases the frequency of maintenance and the need for replacement parts, driving demand in the aftermarket. The increasing adoption of MRO services, especially in developing markets, is playing a significant role in driving this demand. Moreover, airlines are focusing their efforts on extending the lifespan of their aircraft by making periodic upgrades and refurbishing systems, instead of going for immediate replacements. This shift is turning the aftermarket into a crucial and expanding part of the aerospace C-class parts industry.

Regional Analysis

"North America is expected to remain the largest market, whereas Asia-Pacific is likely to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period."

North America is expected to remain the largest market for aerospace C-class parts throughout the forecast period. The United States, as the region's primary growth driver, continues to have the world's largest fleet of military aircraft and one of the largest commercial fleets. Major aircraft OEMs such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, and Cessna Aircraft Company continue to be key contributors to the demand for C-class parts, including fasteners, bearings, and electronic components. Additionally, the growing defense spending and continued aircraft production ramp-up in North America further fuel the market for C-class parts.

"On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to experience the highest growth in the C-class parts market during the same period. China and India are leading this growth, driven by the rising demand for commercial aircraft to support increasing passenger traffic. The establishment of aircraft assembly plants by Boeing and Airbus in China, along with the launch of COMAC's indigenous C919 commercial aircraft, is expected to significantly boost the demand for C-class parts. Furthermore, India's expanding aerospace sector and its growing fleet of commercial aircraft add to the momentum in the region.

Key Players

The market is highly populated with the presence of several local, regional, and global players. Most of the major players compete in some of the governing factors including price, product offerings, regional presence, etc. The following are the key players in the aerospace & defense c-class parts market.

• Here is the list of the Top Players (Based on Dominance)
• Howmet Aerospace
• Precision Cartparts Corp. (PCC)
• Lisi Aerospace
• AB SKF
• RBC Bearings Incorporated
• Stanley, Black & Decker, Inc.
• Amphenol Corporation
• TriMas Corporation
• Eaton Corporation plc
• LMI Aerospace (Sonaca Group)

Research Methodology

• This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today's aerospace & defense C-class parts market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period.
• The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner in order to provide a panoramic view of the market.
• The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants and investors in identifying the low-hanging fruit available in the market and formulating growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
• This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research's internal database and statistical tools.
• More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.
• We conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence most comprehensively. The report structure has been kept so that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:

• Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.
• Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.
• Market trend and forecast analysis.
• Market segment trend and forecast.
• Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Service portfolio, New Product Launches, etc.
• COVID-19 impact and its recovery curve
• Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.
• Emerging trends.
• Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.
• Key success factors.

The global aerospace & defense C-class parts market is segmented into the following categories.

Aerospace & Defense C-Class Parts Market, by Aircraft Type

• Commercial Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Regional Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• General Aviation (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Helicopter (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Military Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

Aerospace & Defense C-Class Parts Market, by Part Type

• Hardware Parts (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Bearings (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Electronic Components (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Machined Parts (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

Aerospace & Defense C-Class Parts Market, by Sales Channel Type

• Direct Sales (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Distributors (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Part Brokers (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

Aerospace & Defense C-Class Parts Market, by End-User Type

• OE Sales (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Aftermarket Sales (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

Aerospace & Defense C-Class Parts Market, by Region

• North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico)
• Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, The UK, Russia, Spain, and Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: Japan, China, India, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific)
• Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Others)