Aircraft Seating Market

Market Overview

The global aircraft seating market size was valued at USD 7.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 10.8 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The desire of passengers to travel more comfortably and safely increases the aircraft seating market share.

The design, manufacture, and installation of chairs within aircraft cabins is called aircraft seating. The field includes a variety of seat styles and classes that cater to the various demands and preferences of passengers. Aircraft seating is critical in providing passengers with comfort, safety, and functionality during flights. Growing demand for seats equipped with IFEC systems, maintenance and retrofitting of current aircraft, and increased aircraft production will likely boost the aircraft seating market growth.

However, the expensive cost and regulations connected with installing airplane seats and increased operational costs followed by seasonal serviceability impede market expansion. Expansion in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) platform and a demand for improved passenger comfort are two aspects that are projected to give profitable potential for market growth.

Market Dynamics

Global Aircraft Seating Market Drivers:

Air Travel Growth

The overall expansion in air travel, driven by increased global tourism, corporate travel, and a rising middle class in emerging nations, contributes to the demand for new aircraft and, as a result, aircraft seating. Airlines invest in new aircraft and seating designs to accommodate more passengers, fueling demand for creative seating solutions. According to the IATA, air travel demand increased significantly in March 2023, with passenger-kilometers (RPKs) rising 52.4% over March 2022. RPKs had increased 40.1% year by September 2023, reaching 92.9% of pre-pandemic levels. Except for Asia Pacific, the IATA anticipates all regions to match or exceed their 2019 traffic levels in 2023. Global passenger traffic is predicted to triple by 2040. 

Additionally, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) also underlines the growing importance of air travel in fostering economic development and connectivity, bolstering the demand for larger fleets and, by extension, aircraft seating. The ICAO predicts that demand for air travel will rise at a 4.3% annual rate over the next 20 years. If this growth rate is maintained until 2036, the air transport industry will provide the global economy with 15.5 million direct jobs and USD 1.5 trillion GDP. Thus, the ongoing expansion of air travel opens up new markets and routes, necessitating various aircraft seating arrangements to cater to multiple airline preferences and passenger demographics. The continued expansion of global air travel has significantly impacted the aircraft seating market, boosting demand for new, innovative, and comfortable seating solutions. Air travel remains an essential component of global connectivity and economic development. Therefore, the aircraft seating market trend is anticipated to continue.

Global Aircraft Seating Market Restraints:

High Development and Certification Cost

Creating and testing new airplane seating designs can be expensive and time-consuming. Testing and certification processes must adhere to strict safety guidelines. The expenses of developing and certifying new aircraft seating can vary depending on the intricacy of the design, materials utilized, and level of technical innovation. According to an Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) study, the approval of new aircraft interiors, including seating, can add significantly to the overall expenditures of aircraft construction. A primary category aircraft (three seats or less) costs roughly USD 1 million to certify. A general aviation aircraft costs approximately USD 25 million, while a commercial aircraft costs hundreds of millions. The cost of developing a new airliner can range from USD 5 billion to USD 15 billion, depending on the aircraft's size and the project's complexity.

Additionally, an aircraft seat is projected to cost roughly USD 4,000, according to Simple Flying. More premium seats, such as first-class suites, can cost up to USD 250,000 per seat. High development costs may be a barrier to entry for smaller firms. The lengthy certification process may cause delays in introducing innovative seating options to the market. Furthermore, the FAA and other regulatory agencies worldwide have strict certification criteria to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft components, including seating. Compliance with these criteria is non-negotiable, yet it requires a demanding and time-consuming certification process.

Hence, Smaller manufacturers or startups entering the airplane seats sector face obstacles due to the high development and certification expenses. Financial constraints may limit their ability to spend on R&D, reducing their competitiveness.

Global Aircraft Seating Market Opportunity:

Premium and Business Class Configuration

Catering to the increased demand for luxury and premium seating options, particularly in business and first-class configurations, represents a significant potential. As air travel evolves, passengers increasingly seek better comfort, tailored services, and unique experiences. With increased global wealth, more tourists will pay a premium for a more luxurious travel experience. Business and first-class cabins are regarded as critical differentiators for airlines seeking to attract high-end customers. According to McKinsey, between 2000 and 2020, the world's net value and global balance sheet more than tripled. The world's net private wealth was USD 454.4 trillion in 2022, with the wealthiest 1.1% of the adult population possessing 45.8%. Seating business and first-class layouts are significant for long-haul flights, where passengers are ready to invest in a more pleasant and exclusive travel experience.

Furthermore, business-class travel is frequently linked with corporate travelers who value comfort, productivity, and a smooth travel experience. Airlines are eager to attract and maintain corporate clients by providing improved business-class options. Premium and business-class travel demand is increasing, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Premium RPKs (including first and business class) were 50.72% of January 2020 values in April 2022, increasing 299.7% yearly. The recovery rate for premium passengers was 63.6% in February 2023, up from 53.0% in February 2022. Seating manufacturers may leverage this opportunity by creating and delivering novel, excellent cabin seating solutions. Premium seating options can be made more appealing by features such as lie-flat beds, improved privacy, modern entertainment systems, and personalized services.

Regional Analysis

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

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global aircraft seating market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period. The North American market has dominated the Aircraft Seating Market Share. Its expansion will continue in the following years. The presence of a significant number of players and aircraft manufacturers is credited to the rise. The United States and Canada lead the North American market, which is expected to grow fastest. This is due to increased marketing methods for products and services and breakthrough technology, particularly in the United States. Unum, for instance, announced cooperation with Sabeti Wain Aerospace, SCHROTH Safety Products, and Bühler Motor Aviation for the business class seat revolution on March 2, 2022. In Dubai, Sabeti Wain Aerospace has a large seating facility.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period. According to aircraft seating market insights, the market in Europe will develop at a moderate rate due to increased passenger air traffic and the presence of critical vital players and OEMs such as Lufthansa Technik, Safran SA, STELIA Aerospace, and others responsible for regional market growth. The companies also have a significant global market presence, extensive product portfolios, and a strong focus on new product development. For example, on April 27, 2023, Wizz Air, Europe's fastest-growing airline and the world's greenest airline, announced a USD 5.39 million investment in Firefly, a biofuel startup. This collaboration with Firefly and the investment in new SAF technology are the most recent accomplishments in Wizz Air's broader sustainability strategy, including an ambitious fleet renewal plan and already effective low-cost operations with cutting-edge aircraft, high seat densities, and load factors.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to increase significantly during the predicted period. China and India are projected to occupy a sizable Asia-Pacific aircraft seating market share market share. Over the next 20 years, China's commercial airliner fleet will treble to approximately 9,600 jets. Business Insider said China will invest over USD 80 billion in aviation projects this year. Furthermore, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, carried 17.4 million passengers in the first half of 2023, a 52.3% increase over the previous year. Passenger traffic increased 38%, exceeding capacity growth of 29%. The company anticipates returning to pre-Covid passenger capacity levels in fiscal 2024-2025. For example, Singapore Airlines announced its partnership with Bynd Artisan on August 13, 2022, as part of its Upcycling Project, which aims to give decommissioned commercial aircraft and in-flight service equipment new life. Furthermore, all items are made from repurposed leather from Singapore Airlines' business class seats.

The Middle East and Africa is expected to develop steadily due to increased expenditure by airlines on aircraft seat modification. The Middle East is home to some significant airlines in the aviation industry, which creates demand for MRO services for aircraft seats, such as seat refurbishment and overhaul. As a result, higher growth rates are expected during the predicted period.

Segmental Analysis

The global aircraft seating market is segmented based on aircraft type, component and material, seating type, end-user, and region.

The Aircraft Seating Market is further segmented by aircraft type into Civil Aircraft, Helicopters, and UAM.

Civil Aircraft generates the most revenue in the market, Civil aircraft are non-military aircraft utilized for commercial, private, and governmental reasons. Commercial airliners, regional jets, business jets, and general aviation planes are all included in this segment. Some examples include the Airbus A320, Boeing 737, Bombardier Challenger 350 (business jet), and Cessna 172 (general aviation aircraft). Civil aircraft constitute the commercial aviation sector's backbone, providing passenger and cargo transit and various civilian operations.

Using aircraft, often electric or hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, for short-distance air transportation within urban and suburban regions is called urban air mobility. To reduce traffic congestion, UAM proposes flying taxis and similar services. Several firms have ambitions to develop passenger UAM services based on VTOL and other new aircraft designs. For example, Volocopter in Singapore in 2021, EHang in Linz, Austria in 2021, Vertical Aerospace in London in 2022, and Joby Aviation (also acquired by Uber Elevate) in 2024 are all scheduled services.

Based on components and materials, the market is sub-segmented into cushion and filling material, structure material, Upholstery and seat covers, and seat actuators.

Structure Material influenced the aircraft seating market growth, The seat frame and structure construction materials are covered under the structure material sub-segment. This includes the framework supporting the seat's weight while providing structural integrity. Aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, composite materials (carbon fiber reinforced polymers), and other lightweight yet strong materials are examples of lightweight yet strong materials. Lightweight construction materials are critical for increasing fuel efficiency while staying under airplane weight limitations. The materials utilized should also meet safety and durability requirements.

The materials used for seat cushions and fillings are the subject of this sub-segment. It entails the selection of materials that give passengers comfort and support during flight. High-density foam, memory foam, gel-infused materials, and other innovative cushioning materials are examples. The selection of cushion and filling materials is critical for passenger comfort, especially on long flights. Airlines and manufacturers may prioritize materials that provide durability, support, and resistance to wear.

Based on seating type, the market is fragmented into Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, First Class, and Business Class.

Economy Class occupies a significant share of the aircraft seating market, Economy Class is the most popular and regular seating class on commercial flights. It has limited amenities and is distinguished by more compact seat arrangements with less legroom. Economy Class is crucial for airlines since it serves many passengers. This class frequently prioritizes cost-effectiveness and seating capacity. Tourists often book them ahead of time to ensure the best price because economy-class tickets are in high demand.

Premium Economy Class sits between Economy and Business Class, providing travelers more luxury and amenities than standard Economy. Premium Economy attempts to attract passengers who want greater comfort than Economy but want to avoid paying the entire Business Class fare. It is popular among both leisure and business travelers.

By end-user, the segment can be further bifurcated into OEM and MRO.

OEM led the market growth, OEMs develop, manufacture, and produce new aircraft and their components. OEMs are responsible for introducing seating systems into newly manufactured aircraft in the context of aviation seats. OEMs collaborate closely with aircraft builders to integrate seating options that meet safety standards, design parameters, and the aircraft's overall vision. OEMs significantly impact the initial cabin layout and seating combinations of newly manufactured aircraft. Their choices affect the overall aesthetics, functionality, and passenger experience.

MRO suppliers specialize in the upkeep, repair, and overhaul of current aircraft and their components. MRO, in the context of airplane seats, refers to the refurbishment, repair, or replacement of seating systems to maintain continuing airworthiness. MRO suppliers are responsible for maintaining and upgrading aircraft interiors, including seating components, to meet safety rules and handle wear and tear over time. MRO activities are critical for extending aircraft lifecycles, optimizing cabin functioning, and ensuring that seating systems comply with developing safety and regulatory standards.

Recent Developments

• June 2023- Unum Aircraft Seating has expanded its seating range by introducing Unum Two, a forward-facing, lie-flat, direct aisle access business-class seat. This staggered business-class seat for widebodies joins the herringbone configuration Unum One model, which is appropriate for both widebody and narrowbody applications.
• October 2023- Acro Aircraft Seating has been granted a refit contract to offer its elegantly adaptable Series 9 Fixed Back seats to Electra Airways, the Vector Group's European charter and AMCI airline.
• June 2023- HAECO Cabin Solutions and Diehl Aviation present a new premium cabin concept for single-aisle aircraft to improve passenger comfort and increase airline yields. This revolutionary cabin concept adds a seat per row in the same space as a standard recliner premium cabin, improving passenger comfort and privacy.