Aircraft Engine Test Cells Market

Market Overview

The global aircraft engine test cells market size was valued at USD 3.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 4.45 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 4.10% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The increase in aircraft engine test cells market share during the forecast period is related to growing investments in establishing new test facilities and standards of excellence in the testing industry.

Aircraft engine test cells are purpose-built facilities for the safe and regulated evaluation and testing of aircraft engines. Engineers can use this software to simulate various flying scenarios, test engine performance characteristics, and make sure the engines are safe, reliable, and efficient before installation. The test cells' high-tech instruments collect the engine performance data, including thrust, fuel consumption, temperature, and vibration. For example, post-maintenance performance evaluations of aircraft jet engines are carried out using Engine Test Cells supplied by MHI. These test chambers can accommodate large jet engines with up to 140,000 pounds of thrust force.

Key Highlights

• Component Test Cells hold a significant share of the type segment.
• OEMs dominate the end-user segment.
• Military is a significant end-use industry.
• New installations are an essential point of sale segment.
• Asia-Pacific dominates the global market.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Growing Investments in Establishing New Test Facilities

Increasing investments in the construction of new testing facilities are a significant factor propelling the aircraft engine test cell market, according to the results of the inquiry. Manufacturers place greater emphasis on efficiency and throughput enhancements as air travel grows. This leads to constructing new, remodeled, or supplementary facilities to address current and future throughput requirements adequately. To ensure the safety and efficacy of aircraft and spacecraft, these new facilities are designed to accommodate the most recent propulsion technologies, renewable fuels, and electrification for sustainability.

Furthermore, GE Aerospace will invest USD 650 million in 2024, with USD 450 million going toward new machines, inspection equipment, facility modifications, and new test and safety advancements. GE will invest USD 31 million in Lynn, Massachusetts, to renovate test cells, revamp tooling, and make other facility enhancements to support engine manufacturing and research.

Standards of Excellence in the Testing Industry

The industry is primarily propelled by the rising need for commercial aircraft and associated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services as well as the maintenance and modernization of jet engine test chambers. Using engine test chambers is vital for guaranteeing aircraft engines' effectiveness, dependability, and security. Situated within these specialized facilities, engineers can simulate an extensive range of flight conditions, quantify engine performance parameters, and verify that engines adhere to rigorous safety standards before integrating into aircraft.

For instance, 2023 was a record year for aircraft orders, up 91% from 2022. Single-aisle aircraft orders grew 78%, while widebody orders surged 169%. 2023 Airbus delivered 735 commercial aircraft, an 11% increase over 2022. Boeing and Airbus both reported good order and delivery numbers in December 2023. Further, IATA's annual study shows that all regions' flight demand will exceed pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024. Morningstar DBRS, a worldwide credit ratings firm, predicts that global travel will continue strong in 2024, with the Asia-Pacific area improving and most other regions exceeding 2019 passenger numbers. Hence, these factors are expected to trigger the market during the forecast period.

Market Restraints

Aging Facilities

The deterioration of current testing facilities is significantly impeding the growth of the aircraft engine test cell market. Although the operational lifetime of these facilities can reach fifty years, the level of testing that frequently exceeds their capacities occurs. While maintenance may prolong the lifespan of components, it may not adequately mitigate capacity constraints. This circumstance requires establishing additional, remodeled, or newly constructed testing facilities to address present and future requirements efficiently. Continuous improvement, adjustment, and upkeep are necessary to ensure these aging facilities continue functioning and effectively satisfy the industry's requirements.

Market Opportunity

Demand for Advanced Solutions

A substantial opportunity exists for the market of aircraft engine test cells due to the demand for innovative solutions. As aviation technology advances, the validation and testing of engines must become more stringent. This demand propels the expansion of this market. It includes a variety of solutions for aircraft engine test cells, including test benches, data acquisition systems, control systems, software, and auxiliary systems.

As new aircraft programs emerge, such as implementing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and air travel expands globally, the demand for advanced test cell solutions increases. Aviation engine manufacturers are pursuing state-of-the-art technologies to augment their testing capacities and guarantee the engines' safety, effectiveness, and dependability. This rising demand for innovative solutions is anticipated to expand the aircraft engine test cell market substantially.

Regional Analysis

The global aircraft engine test cells market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific's aircraft engine test cells market share is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast period. The aviation industry in Asia-Pacific is rapidly expanding, creating a dynamic market for aircraft engine test cell solutions. The expansion of aviation in the region is driven by factors such as increased air travel, low-cost carriers, and government infrastructure improvements. The goal of producing aircraft engines independently led to significant investments in testing and R&D facilities.

Furthermore, Asia-Pacific is growing with countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea investing heavily in aerospace production, R&D. For instance, the establishment of the China Commercial Aircraft Co., Ltd (COMAC) engine testing center in Shanghai, China, marks a significant investment in aircraft engine test cells in the Asia-Pacific area. This cutting-edge laboratory is outfitted with advanced test cells capable of conducting performance, endurance, and environmental testing on COMAC-developed aircraft engines such as the ARJ21 regional jet and the C919 narrowbody airliner. In 2022, the C919, a twin-engine narrowbody aircraft built by China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd (COMAC), completed its maiden pre-delivery flight test at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. On May 28, 2023, the first C919 took off from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport on a commercial flight to Beijing. The C919 is designed to compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX 8. 

North America is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period. North America, which includes the United States and Canada, is home to some of the world's top aerospace corporations, engine makers, and testing facilities. Key players in the region include General Electric Aviation, Pratt and Whitney, Rolls-Royce North America, and Honeywell Aerospace, all of which run advanced engine test cells for various aviation engines. Regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) monitor aircraft engine testing and certification activities in North America. These organizations provide airworthiness standards, certification requirements, and regulations for engine testing facilities and methods. Compliance with regulatory criteria is required for engine certification approval and to ensure aviation engine safety and reliability.

In addition, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) estimates that North America's aerospace and defense (A&D) business will generate USD 418 billion in economic value in 2023. This represents 1.65% of the United States' total nominal GDP. The AIA aims to assist its members in improving air transportation safety, securing the United States, and encouraging exploration and innovation. In 2021, the aerospace and defense industry in the United States employed more than 2.1 million people. In November 2023, the sector had 756,679 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees and 115,023 part-time workers. Hence, Engine testing and certification are critical components of the aerospace supply chain, helping to drive the industry's overall growth and competitiveness.

Europe is a central hub for aerospace manufacture, research, and development, with France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain leading the way. For instance, Rolls-Royce stated in May 2023 that it had completed the initial testing of its UltraFan technology demonstrator at its Testbed 80 facility in Derby, United Kingdom. The UltraFan jet engine is part of Rolls-Royce's next generation of engines, which will be available within the next decade. This world-class facility is outfitted with various test cells capable of performing multiple aircraft engine tests, including performance, endurance, altitude, and ice testing. The facility is critical to supporting the development, certification, and manufacture of Rolls-Royce's engine portfolio, which includes commercial, military, and business aircraft engines. 

Segmental Analysis

The global aircraft engine test cells market is segmented based on type, end-users, end-user industry, and point of sale.

The market is further segmented by type into Component Test Cells and Whole Machine Test Units.

To ensure the efficacy and dependability of specific aircraft engine components, such as parts or systems, these test cells are designed to evaluate and test them. The functionality and quality of engine components are rigorously assessed by component test cells before integrating them into the overall engine system. The Whole Machine Test Unit segment comprises test units that evaluate the aircraft engine's safety, performance, and efficacy. Whole machine test units validate the operational parameters of fully assembled engines and ensure adherence to safety standards by executing exhaustive tests.

The market is further segmented by End-users into OEMs, MROs, Airlines, and Operators.

Organizations producing aircraft engines are OEMs. Test chambers are employed to validate engines' functionality, dependability, and security prior to their integration into aircraft. MROs are service providers that specialize in aircraft engine maintenance and repair. They conduct repairs, diagnose problems, and validate the performance of engines using test cells. Operators and airlines are entities engaged in aircraft operation and use engine testing services. They engage in partnerships with MRO service providers to oversee the maintenance and repair of aircraft engines.

The end-use industry further segments the market into commercial and military sectors.

The market is anticipated to be dominated by the commercial end-use sector throughout the forecast period. This sector comprises commercial airlines and operators that employ engine testing services to improve operational efficiency, maintenance, and repair. A collaboration exists between airlines and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) service providers in the commercial sector to repair and maintain aircraft engines. Defense organizations and military operators in need of engine testing services for military aircraft and associated applications comprise the military end-use industry. Safran Test Cells, a specialized organization boasting more than six decades of experience in providing aero-engine test facilities for commercial and military purposes, caters to the requirements of both commercial and military markets through turnkey test facility projects, upgrades, data acquisition and control systems, engine test equipment, and services.

The market is further segmented by Point of Sale into New Installations, Retrofit and Upgrades, Maintenance, and Services.

To satisfy the ever-increasing demand for the testing and validation of engines, this section includes the installation of brand-new aviation engine test cells in several locations. New installations have been recently constructed to meet the demand for contemporary and cutting-edge test cell facilities that can accept the most recent propulsion technology and guarantee stringent testing processes. Over the retrofit and upgrades segment, existing test cell facilities are improved by implementing upgrades and modifications to enhance their capabilities, capacity, and efficiency. Ongoing maintenance, repairs, and operational support are all included in the maintenance and services provided for aviation engine test cells that are already in operation. This section discusses the importance of performing routine maintenance, calibration, and service on test cell equipment to guarantee the highest possible level of performance and dependability.

Recent Developments

• July 2023- Pratt and Whitney Canada (P&WC) approved the engine test facility operated by H+S Aviation in Abu Dhabi, Specialising in the PW200 and PT6C-67 series engines. The designation of H+S Aviation as an OEM-designated provider for these engine series in the Middle East represents a momentous achievement for rotorcraft customers in the region. In addition to GCAA and EASA certifications, the facility's on-site test cell enables comprehensive engine repair and overhaul capabilities, guaranteeing clients access to superior services that maintain the functionality of their engines.

• June 2023- The MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Jinwan Branch was designated as the site for establishing China's second engine test cell. The 60,000-pound thrust test cell has been specifically engineered to accommodate narrowbody engines, primarily emphasizing the PW1100G-JM and V2500 models manufactured by Pratt and Whitney. The facility, which can accommodate approximately 260 tests annually, is anticipated to become operational in 2025.