Market Overview
The United States aerospace fasteners market size was valued at USD 4,769.56 million in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 6,793.2 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period (2024-2032).
The US aerospace fasteners market is integral to the country's aerospace sector, meeting the requirement for high-quality fastening solutions in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Furthermore, the aerospace and defense industry earned USD 418 billion in economic value, accounting for 1.65% of the total nominal GDP in the United States, a roughly 7% increase over 2021. Furthermore, advanced manufacturing processes like 3D printing increase the demand for fasteners, leading to improved fuel efficiency and cost reductions in aircraft manufacturing.
Market Dynamics
United States Aerospace Fasteners Market Drivers
Increased Air Travel Demand
The increase in worldwide air traffic necessitates the development of new aircraft, which raises demand for aerospace fasteners. According to ACI, the Atlanta airport will handle over 104.7 million passengers in 2023, almost 18 million more than Dubai International Airport, which ranks second. In April and May, daily passenger counts exceeded 2.5 million, indicating a strong rebound and expansion in the sector. This trend continued into early 2024. Furthermore, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it screened 2.95 million airline passengers in May 2024, the most significant amount ever on a single day. The record travel coincides with Memorial Day weekend, which signals the start of the US summer travel season. This spike in air travel is principally driven by high consumer optimism, the return of overseas visits, and a generally positive economic outlook.
In addition, Airlines for America (A4A), a trade organization representing key US airlines, predicts that air travel demand in the US will peak in 2024. A4A predicts that US airlines will carry 167.1 million passengers during the spring travel season of March 1-April 30, 2024, a 6% increase over 2023. Airlines offer more flights and larger planes to accommodate this growth, increasing the demand for fasteners. Hence, the growing need for air travel necessitates manufacturing more planes, increasing the demand for aerospace fasteners. These components are crucial for airplane assembly and maintenance, providing structural integrity and safety. As airlines expand their fleets to handle rising passenger volumes, the aerospace fasteners industry in the United States continues to grow rapidly.
United States Aerospace Fasteners Market Restraints
High Raw Material Cost
Aerospace fastener makers in the United States suffer higher production costs as aluminum prices rise, which is critical for making lightweight, high-strength fasteners used in airplane assembly. This has resulted in higher product pricing, reducing the overall competitiveness of US firms in the worldwide market. For example, according to the US Geological Survey, the United States' domestic production of primary aluminum in December 2023 was 64,000 tonnes, up 3,000 or 4.9 percent yearly from 61,000 tons. According to the data, the output stayed the same year after year. Furthermore, the average US spot market price for primary aluminum ingot in December 2023 was USD 1.18 per pound, largely stable from November 2023 and 9% lower than in December 2022.
Furthermore, the transition to composite materials in aircraft manufacturing involves the creation of new types of fasteners. Companies in the United States must invest in cutting-edge technologies to manufacture fasteners that match the demanding standards of these new materials, which may be a costly and challenging procedure. Furthermore, the market for aerospace fasteners is very competitive, with multiple manufacturers contending for market dominance. This increased rivalry can reduce prices and profit margins, making it difficult for businesses to remain profitable.
United States Aerospace Fasteners Market Opportunity
Technological Advancement
Aerospace fasteners are increasingly being manufactured from advanced materials to meet the demands of modern aircraft design. Titanium, aluminum alloys, and high-strength steels are popular due to their lightweight properties and high tensile strength. Composite materials are also gaining popularity due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and fatigue properties. Lockheed Martin's aircraft modernization programs align with their production capabilities, and they are organized as a "single factory" using a standard operating system.
Additionally, the National Airspace System (NAS) is being modernized to make flying safer, more efficient, and predictable—and NASA is contributing to this effort. The National Airspace System encompasses over 29 million square miles and includes airspace, aviation navigation facilities, airports, and landing sites, among other features. NASA is creating a cloud-based Digital Information Platform (DIP) to support sophisticated data-driven digital services and collaborative decision-making in current and future NAS operations.
Regional Analysis
The United States is the world leader in aircraft production, producing approximately 768 aircraft in 2020. Furthermore, the aerospace manufacturing industry in California is a dynamic, forward-thinking sector that significantly contributes to technological advancements and innovations. Companies in this industry, such as SpaceX and The Aerospace Corporation, build spacecraft and advanced rockets, offer various space mission support services, and even sell high-quality aeroplane parts. Furthermore, in 2023, Marine Corps leadership launched the comprehensive Project Eagle study, developing a detailed 15-year modernization strategy for the aviation branch. The Marines have acquired MV-22Bs, AH-1Zs, and UH-1Ys.
Segmental Analysis
The United States aerospace fasteners market is segmented based on material, product, and application.
The market is further segmented based on materials such as aluminum, titanium, and alloy steel. Aluminum dominates the aerospace fasteners market and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.9% during the forecast period. The dominance of aluminum can be attributed to its exceptional characteristics, such as its low weight, high strength-to-weight ratio, and corrosion resistance, making it an optimal choice for aircraft applications. These characteristics contribute to the aircraft's total reduction in weight, enhanced fuel efficiency, and decreased operating expenses.
Based on products, the market is fragmented into Nuts and Bolts, Rivets, and Screws. Rivets are the market leader in aircraft fasteners and are predicted to increase at a CAGR of 3.3% over the forecast period. Rivets are used extensively in the aircraft industry for their durability, strength, and ability to make long-lasting and robust connections. They play a vital role in aircraft construction, ensuring safety and performance by retaining structural integrity.
The market can be bifurcated by application into Military Aviation, Commercial Aviation, and Civil Aviation. Commercial aviation comprises the aerospace fastener market, with a predicted CAGR of 3.3% throughout the forecast period. This dominance stems primarily from a high demand for new aircraft as global air traffic grows, fleets expand, and older aircraft require replacement. The continual increase in passenger and freight traffic necessitates the development of new commercial aircraft, raising demand for aerospace fasteners.
