Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The global aerospace and military auxiliary power unit (APU) market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.00% between 2025 and 2034.

An auxiliary power unit (APU) is a machine that supplies aircraft systems with electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic power when the primary engines are not operating. APUs are used for various purposes, such as starting the main engines, providing power for ground operations, heating or cooling the cabin, and emergency backup. APUs are essential for enhancing the performance, safety, and efficiency of aircraft. Furthermore, an APU allows to reduce the jet fuel expenditure and save on the maintenance cost for a more expensive power plant by negating the need to start one of the main engines of an aircraft while waiting for the passengers’ arrival, further reducing emissions.

The aerospace and military auxiliary power unit (APU) market outlook looks promising due to the increased demand for fuel-efficient aircraft, particularly in the commercial aviation sector, and the adoption of advanced technological innovations in APU systems, such as digital control systems and reduced carbon emissions. The market is also being driven by the necessity for reliable and efficient power sources aboard aircraft, as well as the rising importance of reduced operational costs. Moreover, steady increases in military expenditure, coupled with the modernisation of fleets with advanced systems, are contributing to the military aircraft auxiliary power unit market growth.

Key Trends and Developments

Increasing adoption of electric APUs, growing demand for eco-friendlier APUs, and rising fuel prices are propelling the aerospace and military auxiliary power unit (APU) market growth

Global Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Trends

The rise in air passenger traffic and the demand for modern aircraft, both in commercial aviation and military applications, are further fuelling the growth of the aerospace and military auxiliary power units (APU) industry. While the cost of installing APUs may present a challenge to market growth, there are opportunities for aerospace and military auxiliary power unit (APU) market expansion, especially in developing nations. Continued innovations aimed at reducing costs and enhancing efficiency are expected to remain key strategies for growth within this market.

The aircraft auxiliary power unit market is being driven by the growing demand from the aviation sector. The rapidly increasing domestic air travel due to growing disposable income is expected to propel the demand for auxiliary power units in the forecast period. Moreover, the significant development of the aviation infrastructure, especially in the developing economies, and the availability of cheaper flight options are likely to aid the market growth.

Additionally, the inflating fuel prices are compelling aviation companies to utilise APU to reduce operating cost. The factors such as the increasing popularity of low sound APUs, rising environmental awareness, and growing investment in research and development (R&D) of aviation technologies are anticipated to provide ample growth opportunities to the key players. Moreover, the increasing utilisation of APUs in military aircrafts, vessels, and heavy vehicles is projected to further bolster the aerospace and military auxiliary power unit (APU) market development.

Market Segmentation

Global Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Application

• Commercial Aircraft
• Military Aircraft
• Military Land Vehicle
• Rotarycopter

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Commercial aircrafts are expected to hold significant market share due to their wide adoption of APUs

Commercial aircraft segment is anticipated to lead the aerospace and military auxiliary power unit (APU) market share in the forecast period as most of the commercial aircraft use APU for providing electrical power and air conditioning on board. The demand for commercial aircraft APU is driven by the increasing air passenger traffic, the expansion of low-cost carriers, and the replacement of ageing fleets with newer and more fuel-efficient models. Some of the key players in the commercial aircraft APU market are Honeywell International and Safran.

The military aircraft segment is also expected to witness a significant growth as the APU provides essential power and cooling for various military applications, such as avionics, weapons systems, and electronic warfare. The demand for military aircraft APU is further driven by the rising defence spending, the modernisation of military fleets, and the development of advanced combat and stealth aircraft. Some of the key players in the military aircraft APU market are GE Aviation, Honeywell, and Marvin Group.

Meanwhile, rotary copter segment is predicted to grow as per the aerospace and military auxiliary power unit (APU) market report, as the APU provides reliable and efficient power for rotorcraft operations, such as hovering, vertical take-off and landing, and emergency situations. The demand for rotary copter APU is driven by the increasing use of rotary copters for civil and military purposes, such as transportation, tourism, rescue, surveillance, and warfare.

Global Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Market Analysis by Region

North America to lead the APU market due to rising demand for APUs from the commercial aviation sector

Regionally, North America is expected to be the largest shareholder in the aerospace and military auxiliary power unit (APU) market. The presence of a vast commercial aviation sector and the increased military expenditure by the United States are expected to significantly propel the growth of the market. Moreover, the increasing technological advancements in the aviation industry, along with the presence of key global players in the region, will aid the regional aircraft APU market growth.

However, the Asia-Pacific is also projected to witness a robust growth over the forecast period. The rapidly developing aviation and industrial sector in emerging economies such as India and China can foster the aerospace and military auxiliary power unit (APU) market size in Asia-Pacific. Additionally, the increasing disposable income and vast population along with the increasing investment in research and development (R&D) activities for modern aircrafts are expected to provide enhanced growth opportunities to the market.

Competitive Landscape

The market players are forming joint ventures and are introducing new APUs to gain a competitive edge in the aerospace and military auxiliary power units (APU) market

Other key players in the aerospace and military auxiliary power unit (APU) market analysis include Rostec State Corporation, MOTOR SICH JSC, JENOPTIK AG, RTX Corporation, PBS Group, a. s., and Elbit Systems Ltd., among others.