Aircraft Fairing Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast, 2021–2028

According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global aircraft fairing market 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, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.59% during the forecast period. The market growth is largely driven by the increasing demand for lightweight, aerodynamic components that enhance fuel efficiency, reduce drag, and improve overall aircraft aesthetics.

Market Overview

Aircraft fairings are essential aerodynamic structures designed to streamline the aircraft’s profile by covering gaps, joints, and structural components. Their primary function is to reduce drag, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance the overall performance and aesthetics of an aircraft. By delaying boundary layer separation and minimizing both form drag and interference drag, fairings play a vital role in modern aircraft design.

One of the most common examples is the flap track fairing, a pod-like structure located under an aircraft’s wings. While Boeing and Airbus use flap fairings of similar configurations, McDonnell Douglas aircraft feature unique vertical fairings that house hydraulic actuators. Depending on the design requirements, fairings are typically manufactured using aluminum or advanced composite materials, with composites increasingly preferred due to their lightweight and high-strength properties.

The design and manufacturing of aircraft fairings form a critical phase of aircraft production. Engineers must carefully consider aerodynamic efficiency, weight reduction, and component integration during development. The choice of fairing structure often depends on the aerodynamic advantage sought and the type of components to be enclosed within the fairing.

As global air passenger traffic continues to rise, demand for new aircraft deliveries and fleet modernization programs is expanding. This directly fuels the need for advanced fairing systems that contribute to improved efficiency and reduced operational costs. Consequently, the aircraft fairing market is projected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period, supported by sustained aircraft orders from commercial, regional, and general aviation sectors.

Information Source:

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

Segmentation Analysis

By Platform

• Commercial Aviation (Dominant Segment)
  The commercial segment held the largest share in 2020 and is expected to dominate throughout the forecast period. Growth is supported by rising procurement of modern-generation aircraft that prioritize lightweight structures, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. Increasing airline orders from both established carriers and low-cost operators further reinforce this segment’s leadership.
• Military Aviation (Fastest-Growing Segment)
  The military aviation segment accounted for around 12.3% share in 2020 and is projected to record the highest CAGR. Expansion is driven by increased demand for multi-role combat, transport, and surveillance aircraft, coupled with rising defense budgets in both developed and emerging nations.
• Regional & General Aviation
  These segments contribute steadily to the market, supported by fleet modernization initiatives and increasing regional connectivity needs.

By Application

• Fuselage (Largest Segment)
  The fuselage segment dominated the market in 2020 and is expected to maintain its lead with the highest CAGR. Advancements in structural components that reduce weight while improving efficiency are key growth factors. Fuselage fairings also play a vital role in protecting essential systems and enhancing aerodynamic stability.
• Engine Fairings
  Engine fairings are integral to improving airflow and shielding critical powerplant components. Demand is increasing with the rise in new-generation aircraft programs.
• Landing Gear (Emerging Segment)
  The landing gear fairing segment is witnessing strong growth due to the shift toward lightweight yet durable designs. Manufacturers are focusing on materials and configurations that ensure safety, performance, and cost efficiency without compromising on maintenance standards.
• Control Surfaces, Radars & Antennas
  These segments hold smaller shares but are gaining traction as aircraft designs increasingly integrate advanced systems requiring aerodynamic coverings.

By Material

• Composite (Dominant Segment)
  The composite segment led the market in 2020 and is expected to expand rapidly during the forecast period. Composites offer superior strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and aerodynamic efficiency, making them the preferred choice for modern aircraft fairings. OEMs and suppliers derive a significant portion of revenue from composite components.
• Aluminum (Declining Segment)
  Aluminum fairings are witnessing slower demand due to their higher operational and maintenance costs compared to composites. Their relevance is largely limited to older aircraft models and cost-sensitive operators.
• Alloys
  Alloy-based fairings continue to play a role in specific aircraft designs but are gradually being replaced by advanced composites in new-generation platforms.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rising Adoption of Composite Aerostructures – Lightweight composites reduce overall aircraft weight, improve fuel efficiency, and enable advanced designs.
• Increasing Air Passenger Traffic – Steady growth in global travel boosts demand for modern aircraft with aerodynamic enhancements.
• Fleet Modernization & Regional Aircraft Demand – Rising demand for short-haul and regional jets is fueling the adoption of fairings that optimize lift-to-drag ratios.

Restraints

• Aircraft Production Backlogs – Delays in aircraft deliveries due to production bottlenecks may temporarily affect fairing demand.

Regional Insights

• North America (Largest Market)
  North America accounted for USD 540.0 million in 2020, representing the largest market share. Growth in this region is driven by the presence of major OEMs and suppliers such as Boeing and Malibu Aerospace, along with strong demand from leading airlines and cargo operators including Delta, American Airlines, FedEx, and UPS. Additionally, the region benefits from extensive assembly lines for aircraft of all sizes and applications, reinforcing its dominance in the global market.
• Europe (Steady Growth)
  Europe is projected to grow at a moderate pace during the forecast period. The region’s strength comes from leading OEMs and aerospace players such as Airbus, Leonardo S.p.A., and Saab AB, who hold a significant share in the aerostructure market. Ongoing innovation and investment in lightweight materials are expected to sustain growth in the European market.
• Asia Pacific (Fastest-Growing Region)
  Asia Pacific is anticipated to register the fastest growth, supported by rapidly expanding aviation markets in China, Japan, and India. The Indian aviation industry, in particular, is experiencing accelerated commercial aircraft procurement, fueling demand for fairings and related aerostructures. Rising passenger traffic and government-backed aerospace programs make Asia Pacific a critical growth hub.
• Middle East & Africa (Emerging Opportunities)
  The Middle East and Africa region is set to grow substantially due to the increasing demand for general aviation and commercial aircraft, particularly supported by rising tourism. The presence of Strata Manufacturing in the UAE adds to the region’s competitiveness, enabling stronger production capabilities for advanced aerostructures.

Competitive Landscape

The aircraft fairing market is moderately consolidated, with leading companies focusing on R&D, automation, and material innovation. Key strategies include long-term contracts, regional expansion, and partnerships to strengthen supply chains and customer reach.

Key Players Include:

• Malibu Aerospace (U.S.)
• FACC AG (Austria)
• Daher (France)
• NORDAM (U.S.)
• Airbus (France)
• Boeing (U.S.)
• Avcorp (Canada)
• Barnes Group (U.S.)
• Royal Engineered Composites (U.S.)
• Fiber Dynamics Inc. (U.S.)
• FDC Composites (Canada)
• Kaman Aero systems (U.S.)
• SAAB AB (Sweden)
• Lockheed Martin (U.S.)
• Shin Maywa (Japan)
• Strata Manufacturing (UAE)

Report Coverage

The Aircraft Fairing Market report provides:

• Detailed segmentation by platform, application, material, and region
• Insights into key drivers, restraints, and opportunities
• Profiles of leading players in the global market
• Historical data and reliable market forecasts up to 2028
• Analysis of strategic developments including expansions, product launches, and innovations

Key Industry Developments

In December 2021, Airbus announced the successful completion of the final structural assembly of its first A321XLR test aircraft. The milestone included the integration of critical components such as the engines, landing gear retraction mechanism, and door fairings. Following this stage, the aircraft underwent comprehensive quality inspections as part of Airbus’ rigorous testing program. This development marked a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to deliver long-range, fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft to the market.