Aircraft Interface Device Market: Information by Connectivity (Wired and Wireless), by Aircraft Type (Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing), by End-User (Civil and Military), by Fit (Line-fit and Retrofit), and by Region — Global Forecast till 2023
Market Scenario
Aircraft interface device (AID) is a hardware that provides interface between an electronic flight bag (EFB) and an aircraft. This technology is a key enabler of the smart cockpit concept. Modern aircraft interface devices not only act as a real-time data-crunching tool but also enables effective communication with ground support staff such as dispatchers and maintenance personnel and aids in better decision making. Connecting AID hardware platform ultimately assists in improving fuel efficiency, enhancing flight safety and performance, and enabling predictive maintenance. Key applications of the aircraft interface include flight tracking, quick access recording, aircraft condition monitoring system, among others.
The global aircraft interface device market is estimated to register a CAGR of more than 10% during the forecast period of 2018 to 2023.
The growth in global air travel and subsequent demand for new aircraft are key factors projected to drive the growth of the commercial aircraft interface device market. Similarly, rise in defense expenditure and subsequent demand for new combat aircraft especially in the developing countries drives the growth of the military aircraft interface device market. In addition, need for enhancing situational awareness, enabling advanced communication and effective operating mechanism by airliners and other aircraft operators further imparts market growth. Meanwhile, backlogs in aircraft deliveries and vulnerability of flight systems and EFBs to cyber-attacks hinders the market growth. However, the growing focus on glass cockpit concept, enhancing fuel efficiency, aircraft modernization programs offers promising growth opportunities to aircraft interface device market players.
Based on connectivity, the wireless segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR as it eliminates issues associated with interconnections. Based on aircraft type, the fixed wing segment accounted for the largest market share owing to the increase in production and procurement of narrow and wide body aircraft in order to cater to the rise in number of air travelers globally. Based on end-user, the civil segment accounted for the largest market share as these devices are widely being procured by airlines and other aircraft operators in ensuring safety and enhancing flight operations. Based on fit, the retrofit segment is estimated to dominate the market, owing to the modernization of various aircraft by airliners.
North America is the leading region for the global aircraft interface device market. Several major aircraft manufacturers (such as Boeing, Bombardier) and interface device providers (Esterline, UTC) are present in the region, gaining the region a high market share. Moreover, it is expected that approximately 10,000 aircraft would be in service in the region by 2035, which would create an opportunity for the major and prominent companies of the region. Meanwhile, in terms of military aircraft aspect, the US military is likely to receive USD 674 billion in support in 2019 for new fighter jets, Black Hawk helicopters, among others, which indirectly influences the aircraft interface device market in this country. Similarly, Canada is set to acquire used F-18 fighter jets from Australia, which generates a further scope of the retrofit market in this country.
Key Players
The key players in the global aircraft interface device market are Astronics Corporation (US), Avionica, Inc. (US), AvioVision (a part of Thales SA (France)), Collins Aerospace (a part of United Technology Corporation (US)), Esterline Technologies Corporation (US), Honeywell International Inc. (US), navAero (a part of Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (US)), SCI Technology, Inc. (a part of Sanmina Corporation (US)), Shadin Avionics (US) and Teledyne Technologies, Inc. (US).
Research Methodology
The market numbers and forecast derived were the outcome of our disciplined research methodology which includes secondary research, primary interviews, followed by data triangulation and validation from our in-house data repository and statistical modeling tools.
Secondary Research
In this process, the data collection was done through various secondary sources, which included annual reports, SEC filings, journals, government association, Aerospace & Defense magazines, white papers, corporate presentations, company websites, some paid databases and many others.
Primary Research
In this process, both demand side and supply side parties were involved to extract genuine facts and insights about market forecast, production, trend, and projected market growth. Industry stakeholders such as CEOs, VPs, directors, and marketing executives across the value chain have been approached to obtain key information.
