Thermoplastic composite materials are considered excellent materials for current and future aircraft components. Years of R&D and continuous efforts assisted the industry stakeholders in replacing not only various metallic parts but also thermoset composite parts. From being used in nominal and non-crucial areas of application to being a part of the most high-performance applications such as fuselages, composites have had a striking and prodigious journey in the aerospace industry. Increasing demand for weight reduction to improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions in the aerospace industry, increasing penetration of composites in modern aircraft programs, and low processing cost coupled with the advantage of recyclability of thermoplastic composites over thermoset composites are some of the key factors driving the demand.
The market is highly impacted by new technological advancements, production rates of aircraft, FAA regulations, and other factors. Major players have been working hard for advancements in the existing thermoplastic materials. There has also been a development of a unidirectional carbon prepreg, which further allows weight savings through high fiber content and can be fabricated with an automated production process for high-volume production.
The A&D industry is on the road to recovery from the grave aftermath of the pandemic, the impact of which can also be seen in the A&D thermoplastic composites market. The A&D thermoplastic composites market is likely to grow at a promising CAGR of 18.6% during 2023-2028 to reach US$ 840 million in 2028.
Based on the resin type, the A&D thermoplastic composites market is segmented into PPS-based composites, PEEK-based composites, PEI-based composites, and other composites. PEEK is estimated to maintain its huge dominance in the market. Key advantages that drive its usage in the A&D industry are weight reduction, excellent strength and chemical resistance at elevated temperatures, and lower brittleness than PPS resin. PEEK is often used with carbon fiber to fabricate clips, cleats, brackets, clamps, and connectors.
Based on the application type, the market is segmented into interior, airframe, and others. Airframe holds a giant share of the market with a good level of thermoplastic composite penetration in the application segment. Key application areas in the airframe segment are clips, cleats, leading edges, panels for the fuselage, shear webs, stringers, ribs, rudders, and elevators. There is also growing interest in thermoplastic composites in interiors with floor panels, brackets, profiles, and seat backs being key applications.
Based on the fiber type, the market is segmented into carbon fiber composites and glass fiber composites. Carbon fiber composite is estimated to maintain its huge dominance in the market in the foreseen future. Excellent weight reduction, high strength-to-weight ratio, a high tensile and compressive strength, a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and high fatigue resistance are some key advantages that drive the segments’ market. On the other hand, glass fiber composite holds a niche market with good prevalence in interior applications where it meets desired performance.
Based on the process type, the market is segmented as compression molding, bagging, and injection molding. Compression molding is expected to remain the dominant process type in the market during the forecast period. Compression molding offers faster part cycle time, reduced part waste, and reduced defects, which overall lead to lower cost. By monitoring the temperature during the molding process, quality and process consistency also improve.
In terms of regions, Europe is expected to remain the largest market over the next five years. Germany, France, and the UK are the leading markets in the region. Airbus is the major consumer of thermoplastic composites. Major tier players have set up manufacturing plants in high proximity to Airbus’ assembly plants to fulfill their emerging requirements for its next-generation aircraft programs. North America also holds a reasonable share in the A&D thermoplastic composites market. Boeing and Gulfstream Aerospace are the key OEMs, which are creating a healthy demand for thermoplastic composite parts in the region
The market is highly impacted by new technological advancements, production rates of aircraft, FAA regulations, and other factors. Major players have been working hard for advancements in the existing thermoplastic materials. There has also been a development of a unidirectional carbon prepreg, which further allows weight savings through high fiber content and can be fabricated with an automated production process for high-volume production.
The A&D industry is on the road to recovery from the grave aftermath of the pandemic, the impact of which can also be seen in the A&D thermoplastic composites market. The A&D thermoplastic composites market is likely to grow at a promising CAGR of 18.6% during 2023-2028 to reach US$ 840 million in 2028.
Segment Analysis
The analyst has first segmented the A&D thermoplastic composites market based on the aircraft type into commercial aircraft, general aviation, military aircraft, and others. Commercial aircraft is expected to remain the largest segment of the market over the next five years and is also expected to experience the highest growth during the same period. Within the A380 airframe, thermoplastic composites account for more than 1,000 individual part numbers, representing a mass of more than 5,000 lb/2.27 metric tons or about 7.5% of the aircraft’s total composite¬ airframe flyaway weight. Thermoplastic composites are also used to provide localized reinforcement between some of the fuselage frames, in the form of shear webs, on the 787 (about 150 per aircraft). On average, about 8,000 clips are used in an A350XWB aircraft, whereas there are 10,000 to 15,000 such clips and cleats in a B787 aircraft.Based on the resin type, the A&D thermoplastic composites market is segmented into PPS-based composites, PEEK-based composites, PEI-based composites, and other composites. PEEK is estimated to maintain its huge dominance in the market. Key advantages that drive its usage in the A&D industry are weight reduction, excellent strength and chemical resistance at elevated temperatures, and lower brittleness than PPS resin. PEEK is often used with carbon fiber to fabricate clips, cleats, brackets, clamps, and connectors.
Based on the application type, the market is segmented into interior, airframe, and others. Airframe holds a giant share of the market with a good level of thermoplastic composite penetration in the application segment. Key application areas in the airframe segment are clips, cleats, leading edges, panels for the fuselage, shear webs, stringers, ribs, rudders, and elevators. There is also growing interest in thermoplastic composites in interiors with floor panels, brackets, profiles, and seat backs being key applications.
Based on the fiber type, the market is segmented into carbon fiber composites and glass fiber composites. Carbon fiber composite is estimated to maintain its huge dominance in the market in the foreseen future. Excellent weight reduction, high strength-to-weight ratio, a high tensile and compressive strength, a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and high fatigue resistance are some key advantages that drive the segments’ market. On the other hand, glass fiber composite holds a niche market with good prevalence in interior applications where it meets desired performance.
Based on the process type, the market is segmented as compression molding, bagging, and injection molding. Compression molding is expected to remain the dominant process type in the market during the forecast period. Compression molding offers faster part cycle time, reduced part waste, and reduced defects, which overall lead to lower cost. By monitoring the temperature during the molding process, quality and process consistency also improve.
In terms of regions, Europe is expected to remain the largest market over the next five years. Germany, France, and the UK are the leading markets in the region. Airbus is the major consumer of thermoplastic composites. Major tier players have set up manufacturing plants in high proximity to Airbus’ assembly plants to fulfill their emerging requirements for its next-generation aircraft programs. North America also holds a reasonable share in the A&D thermoplastic composites market. Boeing and Gulfstream Aerospace are the key OEMs, which are creating a healthy demand for thermoplastic composite parts in the region
The following are the key players in the A&D thermoplastic composites market:
- GKN Aerospace
- Premium AEROTEC GmbH
- Daher
- Dutch Thermoplastic Composites B.V.
- Avanco Group
- Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis
- Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis
- Market trend and forecast analysis
- Market segment trend and forecast
- Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Product portfolio, New Product Launches, etc.
- COVID-19 impact and its recovery curve
- Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities
- Emerging trends
- Strategic growth opportunities for existing and new players
- Key success factors
A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market, by Aircraft Type
- Commercial Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
- General Aviation (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
- Military Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
- Others (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market, by Resin Type
- PPS-based Composites (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
- PEEK-based Composites (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
- PEI-based Composites (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
- Other Composites (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market, by Application Type
- Airframe (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
- Interiors (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
- Others (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market, by Fiber Type
- Glass Fiber Composites (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
- Carbon Fiber Composites (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market, by Consolidation Type
- Compression Molding (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
- Bagging (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
- Injection Molding (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW)
A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market, by Region
- North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico)
- Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, The UK, and Rest of Europe)
- Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: Japan, China, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific)
- Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Latin America, The Middle East, and Others)
Table of Contents
Report ObjectivesResearch Methodology
Market Segmentation
Secondary Research
Key Information Gathered from Secondary Research
Primary Research
Key Information Gathered from Primary Research
Breakdown of Primary Interviews by Region, Designation, and Value Chain Node
Data Analysis and Triangulation
Executive Summary: A Bird’s Eye View of the Market
Market Environment Analysis: Study of Factors Affecting the Market Dynamics
Supply Chain Analysis (Identification of Key Players/Materials across the Value Chain)
PEST Analysis (List of All Factors Directly or Indirectly Affecting the Market Demand)
Industry Life Cycle Analysis (Current and Future Lifecycle Stage of the Market)
Key Trends (Key Industry as well as Market Trends Shaping the Market Dynamics)
Market Drivers (Study of Drivers and their Short- and Long-Term Impacts)
Market Challenges (Study of Factors Hindrance the Adoption/Growth)
A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market Assessment (2017-2028) (US$ Million)
Contribution of Thermoplastic Composites in the A&D Composites Market (Million Lbs.)
A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Key Companies’ Products and their Properties
Market Scenario Analysis: Growth Trajectories in Different Market Conditions
COVID-19 Impact Assessment and Expected Recovery Curve
A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market Segments’ Analysis (2017-2028) (US$ Million)
Aircraft-Type Analysis
Commercial Aircraft: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
General Aviation: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Military Aircraft: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Others: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Resin-Type Analysis
PPS-based Composites: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
PEEK-based Composites: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
PEI-based Composites: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Other Composites: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Application-Type Analysis
Interiors: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Airframe: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Others: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Fiber-Type Analysis
Carbon Fiber Composites: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Glass Fiber Composites: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Consolidation-Type Analysis
Press Molding: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Injection Molding: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Bagging: Regional Trend and Forecast (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Regional Analysis
North American A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market: Country Analysis
The USA’s A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Canadian A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Mexican A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
European A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market: Country Analysis
German A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
French A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
The UK’s A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Rest of the European A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Asia-Pacific’s A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market: Country Analysis
Indian A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Chinese A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Japanese A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Rest of Asia-Pacific’s A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Rest of the World’s (RoW) A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market: Country Analysis
The Middle Eastern A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Latin American A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Others A&D Thermoplastic Composites Market T&F (US$ Million and Million Lbs.)
Competitive Analysis
Degree of Competition (Current Stage of Competition based on Market Consolidation)
Competitive Landscape (Benchmarking of Key Players in Crucial Parameters)
Market Share Analysis (Key Players and their Respective Shares)
Product Portfolio Mapping (Map their Presence in Different Market Categories)
Geographical Presence (Map their Geographical Presence)
Key Target Areas for Product Developments (Understand the Industry Focus while Developments)
M&As, JVs, Collaborations, Strategic Alliances, etc. (Map All the Major M&As and JVs)
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis (A Bird’s Eye View of the Overall Competitive Landscape)
Strategic Growth Opportunities
Market Attractiveness Analysis
Market Attractiveness by Aircraft Type
Market Attractiveness by Resin Type
Market Attractiveness by Application Type
Market Attractiveness by Fiber Type
Market Attractiveness by Consolidation Type
Market Attractiveness by Region
Market Attractiveness by Country
Emerging Trends (Key Trends that May Shape the Market Dynamics in the Future)
Key Strategic Implications (Changing Market Dynamics and their Key Implications)
Key Success Factors (KSFs) (Identifying Some Factors that May Help Companies to Gain Business)
Company Profile of Key Players (Alphabetically Arranged)
ATC Manufacturing
AVANCO Group (Experion Performance Polymer Composite)
Cutting Dynamics, Inc.
Daher
Dutch Thermoplastic Components B.V. (a part of Collins Aerospace)
Melrose Industries, PLC (GKN Industries)
Premium AEROTEC GmbH (a subsidiary of Airbus)
SEKISUI Aerospace
Appendix
Disclaimer
Copyright
Abbreviation
Currency Exchange
Market Numbers
Companies Mentioned
- ATC Manufacturing
- AVANCO Group (Experion Performance Polymer Composite)
- Cutting Dynamics, Inc.
- Daher
- Dutch Thermoplastic Components B.V. (a part of Collins Aerospace)
- Melrose Industries, PLC (GKN Industries)
- Premium AEROTEC GmbH (a subsidiary of Airbus)
- SEKISUI Aerospace
Methodology
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