PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1773616
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1773616
An aircraft computer constitutes an electronic apparatus utilized either on or in connection with any airborne vehicle or structure to execute calculations. These devices play a vital role in navigation, monitoring systems, and ensuring the overall safety and efficiency of the aircraft.
The primary categories of aircraft computers include flight controls, flight management computers, engine controls, utility controls, and mission controls. Flight controls are responsible for managing airborne vehicles from the ground, relaying critical information to pilots via radio and electronic devices. They find application across various aircraft platforms, encompassing fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These systems comprise both hardware and software components, serving Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket industry.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The sharp increase in U.S. tariffs and resulting trade disputes in spring 2025 are significantly affecting the aerospace and defense sector. Prices for key materials such as titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics primarily sourced from international suppliers have surged. Defense contractors, constrained by fixed-price government contracts, are forced to absorb these rising costs. Meanwhile, commercial aerospace companies are encountering resistance from airlines over increased aircraft prices. In addition, customs delays are disrupting already tight production timelines for jets and satellites. In response, the industry is stockpiling essential materials, pursuing import waivers for defense-related goods, and working with allied nations to diversify supply chains.
The aircraft computers market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides aircraft computers market statistics, including aircraft computers industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an aircraft computers market share, detailed aircraft computers market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the aircraft computers industry. This aircraft computers market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The aircraft computers market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.09 billion in 2024 to $6.43 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to avionics evolution, safety regulations, the rise of digital cockpits, increased automation, and military applications.
The aircraft computers market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.13 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to advanced avionics requirements, ai and machine learning integration, increased connectivity needs, autonomous flight development, cybersecurity measures. Major trends in the forecast period include compliance with green initiatives, adaptive and autonomous systems, efficiency and performance improvements, edge computing adoption, rise of artificial intelligence.
The forecast of 6.1% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.2% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US through supply chain disruptions for flight control processors, sourced from key regions such as Taiwan and South Korea, which could lead to production bottlenecks for next-generation aircraft.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.
The anticipated surge in air traffic is poised to drive the growth trajectory of the aircraft computers market. This increase in air traffic pertains to the movement and operational activities of aircraft both in flight and on airport surfaces, excluding loading ramps and parking areas. Aircraft computers play a pivotal role in managing and controlling aircraft traffic by processing substantial data. To accommodate this rise in air traffic, there is a growing demand for advanced flight control and communication systems within the air traffic control domain. These systems heavily rely on aircraft computers for their efficient operation. Furthermore, the upsurge in tourism activities has contributed significantly to the escalation of air traffic. For instance, as reported by the International Air Transport Association in April 2023, global air traffic surged by 55.5%, domestic traffic rose by 25.2%, and international traffic soared by 89.7% compared to the previous year. Consequently, this increase in air traffic is a driving force behind the growth of the aircraft computer market.
The burgeoning government expenditure in the defense sector is poised to propel the expansion of the aircraft computers market. Defense expenditure encompasses the financial resources allocated towards weaponry, operational activities, maintenance, personnel, and specialized military equipment. Increased government spending in this sector serves as the financial bedrock for fostering innovation, bolstering security measures, and enhancing overall aircraft computer systems. This continuous investment enables these systems to operate at optimal levels and cater to the evolving demands of modern defense requirements. Notably, as indicated by the United States Air Force in March 2023, the proposed budget request for the Air Force's fiscal year 2024 stands at approximately $215.1 billion, marking a $9.3 billion or 4.5% increase over the previous fiscal year's approved figure. Therefore, the upward trend in government spending within the defense sector significantly contributes to the growth trajectory of the aircraft computers market.
Major companies in the aircraft computer market are making significant technological advancements, such as digital predictive maintenance, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, lowering maintenance costs, improving safety, and facilitating proactive management of aircraft systems. This approach ultimately leads to more reliable and efficient aviation operations. Digital predictive maintenance involves using data analytics and real-time monitoring to foresee equipment failures and proactively schedule maintenance activities, thereby enhancing reliability and reducing downtime. For instance, in June 2023, Embraer S.A., a Brazil-based aerospace company, introduced the next generation of its AHEAD tool for commercial aviation. This advanced tool improves digital predictive maintenance for E-Jet fleets by analyzing data from various aircraft systems to identify potential issues early on. The system features 12 new reliability trends and utilizes machine learning to enhance monitoring capabilities. Currently, more than 1,250 Embraer commercial aircraft are using AHEAD, optimizing maintenance schedules and minimizing downtime.
Major companies in the aircraft computer market are forming strategic partnerships to foster innovation and enhance advanced aviation systems. Strategic partnerships involve companies leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve shared goals and success. For example, in June 2023, Safran Electronics & Defense S.A.S., a France-based aerospace and defense firm, collaborated with Archer Aviation Inc., a US-based electric aircraft manufacturer, to integrate advanced avionics solutions for their customers. Through this partnership, they aim to create innovative avionics solutions that improve the efficiency, safety, and performance of Archer's eVTOL aircraft, thereby contributing to advancements in electric aviation technology.
In May 2022, AeroVironment Inc., a prominent US-based manufacturer specializing in unmanned aircraft systems and tactical missile systems, acquired Planck AeroSystems. This undisclosed acquisition aimed to expand AeroVironment's portfolio in advanced UAV navigation and obstacle avoidance technologies. Planck AeroSystems, renowned for its unmanned aircraft navigation solutions, computer vision tools, software, and control algorithms, complements AeroVironment's quest for enhanced technological capabilities in the unmanned aerial systems domain.
Major companies operating in the aircraft computers market include BAE Systems plc, Cobham plc, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Rockwell Collins- RTX Corporation, Saab AB, Safran S.A., Thales Group, TransDigm Group, Garmin Ltd., General Electric Co., General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Thommen Aircraft Equipment Ltd., Air Data Inc., Airbus SE, Sagetech Avionics Inc., Advanced Aircraft Company, Xwing Inc., Scientific Systems Company Inc., Formic Technologies Inc., Anduril Industries Inc., Seoul Robotics, Starship Technologies, Voliro Airborne Robotics Company, Attabotics, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, Elbit Systems Ltd., General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., AeroVironment Inc., Northrop Grumman Corporation, Boeing Company
North America was the largest region in the aircraft computers market in 2024. The regions covered in the aircraft computers market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the aircraft computers market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain
The aircraft computer market consists of sales of air data computers, avionics control computers, on-board maintenance computers, and communication control computers. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Aircraft Computers Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on aircraft computers market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for aircraft computers? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The aircraft computers market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.