Aircraft Fairing Industry Dynamics, Growth and Forecast, 2021–2028

According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global aircraft fairing industry was valued at USD 1.41 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow from USD 1.46 billion in 2021 to USD 2.60 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 8.59% during the forecast period. The steady expansion of this market is primarily fueled by the rising demand for lightweight, aerodynamic components that enhance fuel efficiency, reduce drag, and improve overall aircraft performance and aesthetics.

Market Overview

Aircraft fairings are essential aerodynamic structures designed to smoothen an aircraft’s profile by covering gaps, joints, and structural components. Their role is critical in reducing drag, delaying boundary layer separation, and enhancing both fuel efficiency and overall performance. Additionally, fairings contribute significantly to an aircraft’s aesthetics, making them an indispensable part of modern aerospace engineering.

A widely recognized example is the flap track fairing, a pod-like structure located under an aircraft’s wings. While Boeing and Airbus aircraft use fairings of similar configurations, McDonnell Douglas designs feature distinctive vertical fairings that also house hydraulic actuators. Depending on the application, fairings are manufactured using aluminum or advanced composite materials, with composites increasingly favored due to their lightweight and high-strength properties.

The design and manufacturing of aircraft fairings form a crucial stage in aircraft production, requiring careful consideration of aerodynamic efficiency, weight reduction, and component integration. With global passenger air traffic steadily increasing, demand for new aircraft deliveries and fleet modernization is rising, further driving the need for advanced fairing systems that reduce operational costs and improve performance.

Market Dynamics

Growth Drivers

1. Rising Demand for Composite Aerostructures
Lightweight composite materials are becoming a standard in modern aircraft design. Engineers prioritize high strength-to-weight ratios to improve payload capacity and fuel efficiency. The growing adoption of composite aerostructures—such as fairings, doors, and control surfaces—is a significant factor accelerating market growth.

2. Procurement of Lightweight Aircraft
With the aviation industry focusing on fuel efficiency and sustainability, airlines and defense organizations are increasingly procuring lightweight aircraft. The rise of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and expanding military aircraft acquisitions—such as trainers and multi-role fighter jets—are expected to further boost demand for aircraft fairings.

Restraining Factors

Backlogs in Aircraft Orders
Order accumulation and delivery delays remain significant challenges for aircraft manufacturers, hindering timely adoption of new components such as fairings. The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified this issue, with commercial aircraft deliveries falling sharply to 723 units in 2020, down 42% from 2019. This marked the second consecutive year of declining deliveries, creating bottlenecks in market growth.

Information Source:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/aircraft-fairings-market-105857

Key Market Trends

Embracing 3D Printing for Aircraft Components
Additive manufacturing is rapidly transforming the aerospace supply chain by enabling on-demand production of complex composite and metal parts. From maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to Urban Air Mobility innovations, 3D printing is driving efficiency across the industry.

For example, in November 2021, Materialise and Proponent announced a partnership to expand 3D printing applications in aerospace aftermarket supply chains. Proponent already delivers 54 million parts annually to nearly 6,000 clients worldwide, and the integration of 3D printing is set to further strengthen aftermarket support for engines, airframes, and interiors.

Segmentation Analysis

By Platform

• Commercial Aircraft: Dominated the market in 2020 and is projected to retain leadership due to rising global air traffic and fleet modernization programs.

• Military Aircraft: Expected to record the fastest growth, driven by increasing defense budgets and demand for multi-role combat and transport aircraft.

• Regional & General Aviation: Will contribute steadily, supported by increasing private and business jet adoption.

By Application

• Fuselage: Held the largest share in 2020 due to advancements in structural design aimed at reducing weight and improving durability.

• Landing Gear: Emerging as a high-growth segment as manufacturers develop lighter yet more robust systems.

• Engine, Control Surfaces, Radars & Antennas: Continue to see steady adoption with performance-focused design innovations.

By Material

• Composites: Dominated the market in 2020 and will continue leading due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio and fuel-saving properties.

• Aluminum: Expected to decline gradually owing to high operating and maintenance costs compared to composites.

• Alloys: Will maintain a niche share across specific applications.

Regional Insights

• North America: Valued at USD 540 million in 2020, the region remains the largest market due to strong presence of major OEMs like Boeing and a high volume of commercial and cargo operations led by airlines such as Delta, FedEx, and UPS.

• Europe: Expected to witness moderate growth, supported by aerospace giants such as Airbus, Leonardo Spa, and Saab AB.

• Asia Pacific: Forecast to record the fastest growth, driven by increasing air passenger traffic in China, India, and Japan. The Indian aviation sector, in particular, is witnessing rapid expansion in commercial aircraft deliveries.

• Middle East & Africa: Growth will be propelled by rising tourism and general aviation demand, with Strata Manufacturing (UAE) playing a central role in boosting regional production capabilities.

Competitive Landscape

The aircraft fairing market is moderately consolidated, with major players focusing on lightweight, fuel-efficient designs. Key companies are expanding production capacity, entering partnerships, and adopting new materials to strengthen their global footprint.

Top Market Players:

• Airbus (France)

• Boeing (U.S.)

• Strata Manufacturing (UAE)

• SAAB AB (Sweden)

• Lockheed Martin (U.S.)

• FACC AG (Austria)

• Daher (France)

• Malibu Aerospace (U.S.)

• Avcorp (Canada)

• Barnes Group (U.S.)

• Royal Engineered Composites (U.S.)

• ShinMaywa (Japan)

Recent Developments:

• December 2021: Airbus completed the final structural assembly of its first A321XLR test aircraft, integrating engines, landing gear, and door fairings. This milestone represents a significant step toward delivering long-range, fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft.

• February 2021: Boeing announced a new production line at Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (India) to manufacture advanced vertical fins for the 737 MAX family.