Commercial Aircraft In-Seat Power System Market Size (2023 - 2030)

The global commercial aircraft in-seat power system market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 6.45% from 2023 - 2030. The industry is driven by airlines' preference for upgrading existing cabins to improve passenger comfort, the rise in demand for luxury air travel, and the creation and integration of new-generation subsystems to enable In-flight entertainment (IFE) architecture. One of the main factors propelling the commercial aircraft in-seat power supply system market is the introduction of more electric aircraft. Additionally, the introduction of government measures that support aviation as well as the diversification of OEMs into the aftermarket likely result in a significant increase in demand.

Industry Overview:

Devices used by passengers have a greater need than ever for in-seat power. Larger screens, more complicated apps, and faster processing place a great burden on mobile devices and their batteries, which are a valuable resource for many travelers. One of the latest services and comforts that the airlines are providing to their customers is onboard power outlets or high in-seat power USB charging. Previously, passengers could charge their laptops in business and first-class cabins. Airlines are being obliged to add these services to the economy cabins as the majority of customers now fly with several gadgets, including smartphones, even in economy class. Airlines focus on providing passengers with the greatest in-flight in-seat power charging options available since value-added passenger services like bag monitoring and in-flight wifi entertainment grow more and more reliant on mobile devices. Devices of all sizes and types can remain fully charged for the duration of customers' trips owing to a variety of options in in-seat power charging technology. In-seat power systems are required to enable passengers in charging their electronic gadgets due to rising personal gadget usage and demand for the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) concept. The demand for next-generation aircraft acquisitions has significantly increased as a result of the large growth in passenger traffic and the implementation of new emission restrictions. As most airlines are including this feature on their new fleet to improve the passenger experience during flight, this is anticipated to have a favorable impact on the market for commercial aircraft in-seat power systems.

MARKET DRIVERS

The expansion of the commercial aircraft in-seat power supply system market is particularly being driven by the airlines' preference for cabin refurbishment to increase passenger comfort

To incorporate comfortable seats, spacious overhead bins, and other important features like in-seat power supply systems, various cabin renovation plans have been launched by airline operators that are aiming to strike a balance between cost and aesthetics. For instance, American Airlines is working to modernize its whole A321 and B737 fleet to maximize its services. The economy seats will be upgraded to premium economy seats, which will be wider, provide greater legroom, and be equipped with an in-seat power supply. Such innovations are anticipated to enhance the market's aftermarket prospects.

One of the main commercial aircraft in-seat power supply system market trends that have a favorable impact on the sector is the development of more electric aircraft

The B737's electrical systems, including avionics and cabin electronics, were first installed in that aircraft in 1967. As mechanical links were eliminated and the cockpit controlled the flight control surfaces by electrical transmission, the Fly-by-Wire (FBW) system was introduced in the A320 in the 1980s, significantly reducing the overall weight of the aircraft. The more electric aircraft (MEA) is a concept that was designed to replace cumbersome, out-of-date components of an aircraft control system with electrical technology. Additionally, the Wireless Avionics Intra-Communications (WAIC) initiative has been formed, and many avionics system suppliers and aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have teamed together to offer their experience in conducting lab and flight tests. Such elements are contributing to the market's expansion even further.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

The existence of various customs regulations is one of the major obstacles to the expansion of the in-seat power supply system market for commercial aircraft worldwide

The Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft of the World Trade Organization (WTO) states that numerous items and parts used in civil aviation are free from import taxes. Maintenance providers have spent money on customs regulations, negotiating with exporters, importers, and government representatives, in addition to paying duties. The main issue at hand is whether the imported component is airworthy enough to be eligible for duty-free treatment. The regulation applies to aircraft, aircraft engines, and ground flight simulators, as well as any associated parts, components, and sub-assemblies that meet the requirements of General Note 6(b) of the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS). Each entry summary must be backed by documentation that attests to the claim of duty-free admittance, according to the regulation governing paperwork. Therefore, these laws might restrict the market

Physical limitations of the energy storage system and charging infrastructure may limit market expansion

Industry initiatives to standardize charging standards, including ports, are being led by the General Aviation Manufacturers' Association and SAE International committees. The consensus among business leaders, trade groups, NASA, and others suggest that energy transmission to the charger may require further investigation. To enable the quick recharging now required, for example, a full recharge in less than 30 minutes, which exceeds the existing capabilities of the most powerful light-duty automotive-sector chargers, battery capacity at that size will likely need megawatt-level charging. Solutions for charging stations of this capacity must take into account the physical constraints of the infrastructure for charging and the energy storage system. Parallel charging, which involves charging from two different battery banks, wireless charging (which presents a problem due to electromagnetic interference with delicate aviation and lightning arrest systems), and the use of nanoelectrofuel flow batteries, in which charging is accomplished by swapping out battery fluids, are some of these potential solutions. Influit Energy is creating a demonstrator nanoelectrofuel technology with NASA support. Challenges arise in the requirement to keep charging infrastructure and/or battery packs on a mobile platform for parking and taxi flexibility, electromagnetic shielding for aircraft electronics, cable cooling, logistical difficulties with connecting charging cables, and so on.

COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT IN-SEAT POWER SYSTEM MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Segmentation Analysis

Commercial Aircraft In-seat Power System Market – By End User:

• Economy Class
• Business Class
• Premium Economy Class
• First Class

The Economy Class segment is anticipated to expand with the highest CAGR in the global commercial aircraft in-seat power system market during the forecast period. For every airline fleet, the majority of the seats are in economy class. The demand for the economy class has grown significantly over the past few years due to the expansion of the middle class throughout the world. Consumer demand for low-cost carriers (LCCs) and ultra-low-cost airlines has increased as a result of the increase in air traffic (ULCCs). These factors are likely to cause the market's economy class sector to expand during the next years. All airlines operating globally are updating the interiors of their economy cabins to better serve the segment's growing demand. The airlines have started several new retrofit programs for the economy class, and they are also adding new, specialized seats on brand-new aircraft. For instance, in May 2019, Lufthansa received the first Airbus A321neo in its fleet, the first with an upgraded economy class interior. Geven provides economy-class seats, which have more padding, more space, and a higher degree of recline. They also have USB power outlets. Economy class passengers on long-haul flights are provided with USB power plugs (either USB-A or USB-C), which are typically located underneath the in-flight entertainment system monitors. However, compared to other classes, the economic class has a lower adoption of AC power outlets. The rising demand for economy class seats and cabin refurbishment to improve the passenger experience are likely to propel the market growth.

Commercial Aircraft In-seat Power System Market - By Regional Outlook:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Rest of the World

Geographically, the North American Commercial Aircraft In-seat Power System Market held the largest revenue share as a result of the expansion of maintenance capabilities, strategic alliances between aircraft seat suppliers and aircraft OEMs, and the presence of developed markets and technologically advanced nations like the US and Canada.

The European Commercial Aircraft In-seat Power System Market is anticipated to experience rapid growth during the projected period. The UK is home to some of the busiest airports in the world, including Gatwick, Manchester, and London Heathrow. The government is also making significant investments in the commercial and modernization of its military fighter jet, which raises the market's need for commercial in-seat power systems.

The Asia Pacific Commercial Aircraft In-seat Power System Market is predicted to develop at the fastest CAGR and generate the highest demand for commercial aircraft in-seat power systems during the forecast period. This rising demand is mostly attributable to the rise in new aircraft orders and deliveries, which has been fueled by the expansion of regional passenger travel. To complement the services offered to passengers on board, regional airlines continue to invest in updating and upgrading current seats and associated equipment in addition to placing new orders. Currently, the largest market in the region is China. In China, low-cost carriers have begun implementing in-seat power systems in their cabins in addition to full-service carriers, which offer the power supply in nearly all of the cabins. Numerous Asia-Pacific airlines, including two low-cost carriers from China, picked Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astronics Corporation, to install the EmPower in-seat power and flight deck power systems by 2025. The airline Vistara has been concentrating on improving the customer experience by integrating in-seat power systems in their new aircraft in India, although the LCCs are abstaining from providing such systems in their cabins. New cabin seats from Geven were installed in a new batch of A320 family aircraft that Vistara received in late 2019. In addition to a three-pin universal power port in the business class seats, the new seats have seatback USB power ports for the first time in the economy and premium economy cabins.

Major Key Players in the Market

The key players operating in the commercial aircraft in-seat power system market are:

• Astronics Corporation
• Mid-Continent Instrument Co. Inc.
• KID-Systeme GmbH
• Astrodyne TDI
• IFPL Group Ltd.
• Burrana Pty Ltd.
• InFlight Peripherals Ltd
• Inflight Canada Inc.

As a result of their reliance on the sales of aircraft seating to commercial aircraft manufacturers, market participants' revenues are also cyclical. Manufacturers of in-seat power supplies for commercial aircraft make investments in the creation of cutting-edge systems that will be incorporated into contemporary aircraft to complement or improve their features, such as safety and aesthetics. The enterprises are subject to various risks as a result of these expenditures, including those related to design responsibility, the creation of new manufacturing tools, delivery deadlines, increased capital and financial commitments, and particular contractual obligations. Additionally, depending on market conditions, new aircraft programs may be vulnerable to cost overruns, delays, or cancellations. These factors may affect the players' prospects in the market throughout the projected period.

COVID-19 pandemic impact on Commercial Aircraft In-seat Power System Market

Many airlines around the world experienced losses and a liquidity crisis as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic's effects on the aviation sector, which forced them to cancel or delay aircraft deliveries and cabin refurbishment programs. The production facilities along the aerospace supply chain have also been impacted by the pandemic.   Some commercial aircraft in-seat power supply system production facilities faced the scarcity of raw materials and cost variations, which negatively affected the market growth in 2020. Major aircraft manufacturers have slowed down manufacturing to meet the demand for new planes. Most tier-1 and tier-2 players, including the producers of in-seat power systems, were hampered by a decrease in production rate, which affected their growth. The manufacturing units have gradually resumed operations. As a result, it is anticipated that business operations for the aircraft in-seat power supply system sectors would normalize.

Notable happenings in the Global Commercial Aircraft In-seat Power System Market in the recent past:

• Product Launch-  In June 2022, Astronics Corporation, a major producer of cutting-edge solutions for the aerospace, defense, and other mission-critical industries around the world (PED), introduced EmPower® UltraLite G2, which is the most potent and intelligent cabin power system available for charging passenger electronic devices. Airlines can implement the best PED power system for their budget and passengers' needs using the revolutionary UltraLite G2's great flexibility and scalability.
• Agreement- In August 2021, Astronics Corporation, a top supplier of cutting-edge technologies for the worldwide aerospace, defence, and other mission-critical industries, signed a collaboration deal with Aerotec Concept of Toulouse, France. The agreement will give both businesses the chance to market a wider range of new technology, applications, and/or modifications that call for certification by the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and FAA (U.S. Federal Aviation Administration). The joint agreement gives Astronics the tools it needs to increase the scope of its comprehensive design, development, substantiation, analysis,  certification, kitting, and production capabilities for the European aerospace market.