Narrow Body Aircraft Market Size & Outlook, 2026-2034

Narrow Body Aircraft Market Overview

The global narrow body aircraft market size is valued at USD 115.9 billion in 2025 and is estimated to reach USD 193.4 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. Growth of the market is supported by rising air passenger traffic, expansion of low-cost carrier networks, fleet modernization initiatives, and increasing adoption of fuel-efficient and sustainable propulsion technologies, which improve operational efficiency and encourage airlines and defense operators to invest in next-generation narrow body aircraft.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• North America dominated the market with a revenue share of 33.56% in 2025.
• Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.18% during the forecast period.
• Based on range, the Medium Range (1,000 – 2,500 km) segment held the highest market share of 46.72% in 2025.
• By engine type, the Turbofan segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR growth of 6.12%.
• Based on fuel type, Jet Fuel segment held the largest market share of 41.45% in 2025.
• Based on application, the Commercial Passenger Aviation segment dominated the market in 2025.
• The U.S. dominates the narrow body aircraft market, valued at USD 38.71 billion in 2024 and reaching USD 40.95 billion in 2025.

Table: U.S Narrow Body Aircraft Market Size (USD Million)

Source: Straits Research

Market Size & Forecast

• 2025 Market Size: USD 115.9 billion
• 2034 Projected Market Size: USD 193.4 billion
• CAGR (2026-2034): 5.8%
• Dominating Region: North America
• Fastest Growing Region: Asia Pacific

The market comprises a broad spectrum of aircraft built to operate short to long range, including short-range, medium-range, and long-range aircraft. They are driven by various types of engines like turbofan and turboprop and run on various fuel types like jet fuel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and hybrid fuel. In addition, narrow body aircraft are applied in various applications, ranging from commercial passenger aviation to military transport and business aviation, and serve various end users such as airlines, government and defense organizations, charter operators, and MRO service providers, meeting the operational, efficiency, and sustainability requirements of air transport networks with cutting-edge technology-enabled solutions in worldwide market.

Latest Market Trends

Shift away from conventional fleet operations to fuel-saving and environmentally friendly aircraft

Narrow body fleet operations are shifting away from traditional, gas-guzzling fleet models towards less wasteful and greener alternatives. Operators and airlines previously relied heavily on cheaper, older aircraft with higher operating costs and poorer range flexibility, which restricted route growth and profitability. Next-generation narrow body planes with advanced turbofan engines, hybrid propulsion, and integrated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) allow the airlines to optimize fuel economy, reduce emissions, and increase operating range. The operators of such solutions benefit from lower per-seat costs, better route efficiency, and optimized fleet utilization, an absolute sign of the transition towards cost-effective and sustainable air transport.

Surprise ramp-up in narrow body aircraft delivery and fleet growth

Over the past two decades, deliveries of narrow body aircraft have expanded exponentially as a testimony to strong acceptance by commercial, defense, and business aviation operators all over the world. From small single-aisle fleets in the early 2000s, global players have fast expanded their inventories of narrow body aircraft to respond to increasing passenger demand, low-cost carrier growth, and regional connectivity needs. Fleet growth and replacement initiatives are also expected to continue being driving forces, as carriers target fuel efficiency, passenger amenities, and sophisticated avionics capabilities. This is an indication of how narrow body jets have evolved from a contingency measure for short-distance flying to a cornerstone of global airline networks, driving substantial demand growth and forcing manufacturers to innovate relentlessly.

To get more insights about this report Download Free Sample Report

Market Driver

Growth in short and medium-haul air networks

Increasing demand for local and regional air travel is emerging as a primary source of narrow body aircraft market expansion. Governments and air regulatory authorities around the world are actively encouraging route network expansion and region airports to boost connectivity, spur tourism, and fuel economic growth. The U.S Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spent billions of dollars in the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to upgrade the smaller regional airports so that they are highly capable of handling more aircraft traffic. Similarly, India's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional connectivity scheme has opened up new short-haul air routes, creating more demand for single-aisle airplane efficiency.

Market Restraint

Stringent environmental and sound limitations constrict operations

The biggest constraints in the narrow body airline market is the rising regulatory squeeze on emissions and noise levels being put by governments as well as aviation regulators. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been enforcing tight controls on aircraft engine emissions and noise pollution, particularly in densely populated city-center airports. For example, some airports in Europe have night time curfews and noise restrictions that restrict aircraft quantity and type of flight and directly affect deployment of narrow body aircraft. Compliance means rescheduling of flights, engine retrofitting, or flying with more stringent conditions, which reduce fleet utilization and route flexibility. Regulatory constraints on emissions and noise are a central constraint which is slowing market development in environmentally regulated countries.

Market Opportunity

Expansion of regional connectivity programs

Increased government attention toward enhancing regional and secondary airport connectivity is generating substantial opportunities in the narrow body aircraft space. U.S. Department of Transportation has been investing in EAS program subsidy of air services to remote and rural communities, thereby boosting the demand for efficient single aisle jets ideal for short- and medium-haul flying. Likewise, Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has begun policy to upgrade regional airport facilities, allowing more local airlines to fly narrow body planes on unserved routes. Expansion is driven by policy not only raises route capacity but also has airlines replacing fleets with fuel saving narrow body planes, offering a strategic growth opportunity with short and medium-haul air travel demand rising sharply.

Regional Analysis

North America led the market in 2025 and had a market share of 33.56%. The dominance of the region is because of the presence of developed airline networks as well as heavy passenger traffic on domestic as well as regional routes, resulting in airlines replacing their fleets with fuel-efficient narrow body aircraft. Second, sound airport growth and expansion plans in the region are paving the way for higher aircraft throughput and operational efficiency, making it possible to introduce next-generation single-aisle aircraft. Synergies among regional airports and airlines to streamline turnaround and connections between flight routes are also stimulating market growth.

Expansion of the narrow body aircraft market within the U.S. is fueled by programmatic fleet renewal and growth plans of airlines. Major U.S. airlines, such as Delta and American Airlines, placed massive orders for narrow body aircraft between 2024–2025 to boost domestic connectivity and retire old fleets. These modernization of the fleets are made possible through favorable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airport expansion and regional air service enhancement grants, allowing airlines to have higher frequency flights with better fuel efficiency. The union of fleet upgrades, operating incentives, and strong domestic air travel demand is reaffirming the U.S. as North America's largest market.

Asia Pacific Market Insights

Asia Pacific is becoming the highest-growing market with a CAGR of 7.18% from 2026–2034 led by intensive growth of low-cost carriers and increasing regional travel demand. India, China, and Indonesia are all expanding narrow body plane procurement to meet the increasing domestic and intra-Asia passenger volumes. Japan and South Korea are instead using strategic public-private partnerships to facilitate regional connectivity and address aging fleets. Government promotion of low fares, airport modernization, and opening up of regional routes are driving the induction of narrow body planes in the region.

India's narrow body aircraft market is developing robustly with growth on domestic routes and fleet upgrading of low-cost carriers. Operators like IndiGo and SpiceJet have ordered huge numbers of narrow body aircraft to ramp up frequency of flights and connect tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Additionally, scheme initiatives like the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) are compelling the airlines to introduce services to the lower penetrated markets, fueling regional air mobility further. The synergy between fleet growth, state-funded connectivity initiatives, and rising local demand for aviation is cementing India's role as a key growth center in the Asia Pacific narrow body airplane market.

Regional Market share (%) in 2025

Source: Straits Research

Europe Market Insights

Europe is experiencing consistent growth in narrow body aircraft operations, fueled by growing intra-European air travel needs and development of low-cost carrier networks in major hubs. Government programs aimed at upgrading regional airports and enhancing air traffic management, for example, capacity upgrades at Spain's secondary airports and France's secondary airports and Italian secondary airports, are improving operational efficiency and persuading airlines to make investments in fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft. Additionally, environmental policies encouraging lower-emission jets are encouraging carriers to upgrade fleets, serving to further bolster market growth.

Narrow body aircraft market growth in Germany is fuelled by airline companies fleet renewal programs and increase in domestic routes. The leading airlines like Lufthansa and Eurowings are replacing old aircraft with new narrow body models aggressively to enhance fuel efficiency along with reducing operational emissions. With the assistance of government-funded infrastructural investments and strategic air traffic management initiatives, these programs are making more frequent regional and medium-haul flights possible, further establishing Germany as one of Europe's top markets.

Latin America Market Insights

The Latin America market for narrow body aircraft is led by nations such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia that are increasing regional coverage and introducing new domestic services in order to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. Local airport investment and government incentives that encourage low-cost flying are allowing carriers to operate on previously under-served routes with narrow body aircraft, boosting market coverage.

Brazil's domestic narrow body aircraft market is increasing with low-cost carriers spreading their wings to connect secondary cities and fuel domestic tourism. Large airlines such as GOL and Azul are increasing fleet capacity with more fuel-efficient narrow body aircraft, with the government investing in upgrading regional airports and reducing the cost of air travel. This combination of fleet growth and airport infrastructure expansion is propelling local connectivity and initiating market stimulation in Brazil at a fast rate.

Middle East and Africa Market Insights

Middle East and Africa narrow body aircraft market is growing with governments and airlines focusing on developing regional hubs for aviation. UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are upgrading airports and air navigation infrastructure to handle more traffic more efficiently, favoring the usage of narrow body aircraft.

Egypt's narrow body aircraft market is expanding with government backing of local carriers to upgrade fleets and increase routes under programs. Airport infrastructure investment, regional route incentives, and strategic alliances with private carriers are making higher aircraft utilization as well as improved domestic and regional connectivity possible, driving overall market growth

Range Insights

The medium range (1,000 – 2,500 km) segment leads the market with a 46.72% revenue share in 2025. The demand is being led by requirements for low-cost single-aisle aircraft on domestic and regional routes where the carrier has to maximize operating costs and capacity and operate high-traffic routes.

The long range (more than 2,500 km) segment is expected to experience the highest growth with an estimated CAGR of close to 6.15% through the forecast period. Sustained growth is driven by increased cross-border and international short- to mid-haul air traffic and government initiatives for enhanced regional connectivity and development of new routes.

By Range Market Share (%), 2025

Source: Straits Research

Engine Type Insights

The turboprop segment leading with a revenue share of 58.34% in 2025. Expansion is driven by increasing demand for regional and short range connectivity, especially in emerging economies where smaller airports and shorter runways suit turboprop operations, with support from government initiatives to build domestic and regional air travel infrastructure.

The turbofan market is experiencing the fastest expansion, posting a projected CAGR of nearly 6.12% through the forecast period. Growth is driven by its better fuel efficiency, longer flight range, and compatibility for short range as well as medium range flights, and thus commercial airlines and defense operators prefer fuel-saving and efficient single-aisle aircraft.

Fuel Type Insights

The jet fuel segment held the largest market share in 2025 at 41.45%, as most narrow body aircraft are designed for conventional jet fuel, which provides reliability, universal availability, and compatibility with installed airline infrastructure. This established infrastructure and operational familiarity enable enduring segmental growth.

The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) segment is anticipated to grow at the highest rate in the forecast period. Increasing government regulation and promotion of less carbon emissions, along with airline ambitions for lower environmental footprints, are fueling segment growth. Increasing production facilities, adoption of blending programs, and advantageous regulation policies are accelerating SAF use among fleets, driving high segmental growth.

Application Insights

Commercial Passenger Aviation is expected to grow at the highest rate of 6.21% with increased demand for air travel in regions and domestically. As routes are expanded and frequencies increased by the airlines to cater to increasing volumes of passengers, they are also making significant investments in narrow body aircraft designed for capacity and efficiency, fueling demand for aircraft suited for commercial airline operations.

Competitive Landscape

The global market is concentrated with few dominant OEMs controlling the production and supply of single-aisle jets. The large OEMs dominate market share by broad product lines, strategic partnerships, and continuous fleet development to meet growing demand from commercial, defense, and business aviation operators.

The key market participants are Boeing, Airbus, ATR, and others. These market participants are vying to enhance their market presence with new aircraft introductions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, upgrading of existing narrow body aircraft models, as well as fuel efficiency, sustainability, and regional market growth strategies.

COMAC: An Emerging Market Player

COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China), a Chinese aircraft manufacturer, is rapidly gaining prominence in the narrow body aircraft market. The company differentiates itself by focusing on cost-competitive aircraft designed for both domestic and international markets.

• In 2025, COMAC announced a production increase plan aiming to deliver over 150 narrow body aircraft, including its flagship C919 model, targeting to expand its global footprint and compete with established players like Airbus and Boeing.

Thus, COMAC emerges as a notable contender in the global narrow body aircraft market, leveraging competitive production scale and strategic expansion in emerging regions.

List of key players in Narrow Body Aircraft Market

1. Boeing
2. Airbus
3. ATR
4. Embraer
5. Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation
6. Sukhoi Civil Aircraft
7. COMAC
8. Bombardier Aerospace
9. Textron Aviation
10. Lockheed Martin
11. Northrop Grumman
12. United Aircraft Corporation
13. General Electric Aviation
14. Rolls-Royce Holdings
15. Safran Group
16. Honeywell Aerospace
17. Spirit AeroSystems
18. MTU Aero Engines
19. GE Aviation
20. Pratt & Whitney
21. Others

To get more findings about this report Download Market Share

Strategic Initiatives

• March 2025: Airbus announced advancements in key technologies for its next-generation single-aisle narrow body aircraft aiming at a 20-30% increase in fuel efficiency and capability to operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by the mid-2030s. This includes innovations such as disruptive open fan engines and next-gen batteries.
• September 2025: Boeing initiated early-stage concept studies for a 737 MAX successor, focusing on advanced avionics, new aerodynamic designs, and evaluating Rolls-Royce as a potential new engine partner, marking a pivotal future market strategy.
• June 2025: IndiGo, India’s largest airline, expanded its narrow body fleet with plans to add over 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft by 2030 to strengthen connectivity across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, targeting efficient service on ‘long-thin’ routes.
• October 2024: Embraer launched a new enhanced E2 narrow body aircraft variant with a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency and extended range, designed to cater to regional airlines seeking cost-efficient sustainable options.