Aircraft Exterior Lighting Market By Product Type (Anti-collision Lights, Navigation Lights, Landing & Taxi Lights, Strobe Lights, Logo & Branding Lights, Egress & Service Lights, Wings & Engine Inspection Lights), By Aircraft Type (Commercial Aviation, Military Aviation, Business Aviation) - Growth, Future Prospects & Competitive Analysis, 2018 – 2026

The global aircraft exterior lighting market was valued at US$ 2,387.2 Mn in 2017, expanding at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period from 2018 to 2026. Aircrafts are furnished with a range of interior and exterior lights that are used for safety, direction-finding and to improve discernibility during takeoff or while taxiing on the ground. Aircraft lighting systems are one of the key components of an aircraft. All the aircraft types are tailored with external lights of some description. The type and purpose of the exterior lighting systems of an aircraft differ in accordance with its size, role and normal flight environment.

Exterior lights of an aircraft generally makes an aircraft more visible to other aircraft, improves pilot visibility during critical phases of flight, and provides illumination for some other specific purpose. In low-visibility conditions, bright aircraft external lighting means seeing and being seen. On the outside, aircrafts are equipped with an array of different lights. These lights are primarily safety lights and most of them are required in a condition when an aircraft is flying in the dark.

Rising demand for energy efficient lighting systems for safe navigation is driving the growth prospects of aircraft exterior lighting market. Exterior lights of an aircraft can be used to increase situational vigilance and alert other aircraft and ground personnel on the intended movement. The pilots should consider the benefits of operating lights at all times to improve visibility of their aircraft. Technological advancements, in regards to miniaturization of components, implementing advanced technologies, including LED lighting systems, implementation of smart lighting, addition of lightweight products, and use of energy efficient lighting products have encouraged airline operators to invest in advanced aircraft lighting systems for long-term benefits. As a result, implementation of LED lights for its use in exterior lighting of an aircraft expected to provide lucrative opportunities in the near future. Significant savings on energy and maintenance costs coupled with improved visibility and greater safety will extensively augment their demand. 

"Navigation Lights accounted for the Largest Market Share in 2017"

In 2017, based on product type, navigation lights exhibited largest market share in the global aircraft exterior lighting market. The segment expected to grow at a significant rate in the years to come. All aircrafts are equipped with a steady light near the leading edge of each wingtip. Navigation lights consists of a green light on the right wing tip, red light on the left wing tip, and white light on the tail of an aircraft. Dual systems are installed often to provide a backup in the event of a bulb failure. Rising need for safe navigation is driving the demand for navigation lights in the aerospace industry.

"Commercial Aviation to Continue its Supremacy throughout the Forecast Period from 2018 to 2026"

Based on aircraft type, commercial aviation dominated the aircraft exterior lighting market in 2017. The segment projected to continue its supremacy throughout the forecast period from 2018 to 2026. Upsurge in aircraft orders is one of the important factors driving the growth of this segment. The growing frequency of air travel is enhancing the demand for wide body and large commercial aircrafts, which in turn is augmenting the growth of commercial aviation. Rising passenger traffic and need for improved lighting systems expected to go hand in hand with the growth of commercial aviation.

"North America Garnered Largest Market Share in 2017"

The aircraft exterior lighting market, based on geography was led by North America in 2017 and projected to grow at a significant rate throughout the forecast period from 2018 to 2026. Being a leading manufacturing hub and a pioneer in aerospace & defense industry, North America is the most worthwhile region in the aircraft exterior lighting market. The region enjoys the presence of some market giants including Honeywell International Inc., UTC Aerospace Systems, Rockwell Collins, Inc., Heads Up Technologies Inc. and Devore Aviation Corporation of America among others. With the soaring international investments, more aircraft deliveries and government support, the number of distributors and suppliers of aircraft components are growing on a continuous basis at a strong rate in the region.

Competitive Insights

Major players in the aircraft exterior lighting market include Astronics Corporation, Aveo Engineering Group, s.r.o., Cobham plc, Devore Aviation Corporation of America, Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG, Heads Up Technologies Inc., Honeywell International Inc., Oxley Group, Rockwell Collins, Inc., Soderberg Manufacturing Company, Inc., UTC Aerospace Systems, Whelen Engineering Company, Inc., and Zodiac Aerospace among others.  

Aircraft exterior lighting manufacturers are upgrading aircraft lighting systems to provide more efficient and safe products. The players are adopting strategies like partnerships and new product development to obtain an upper hand and to stay ahead in the market. The players are mainly focusing on implementing these strategies to cater the needs of their customers and gain competitive edge over other players.

For instance, in December 2017, UTC Aerospace Systems, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a set of advanced LED wing navigation lights for the Airbus A320 aircraft family. The navigation lights are mainly designed to provide customers a convenient retrofit option that offers enhanced reliability and longevity for reducing operating and maintenance costs.

Historical & Forecast Period

The research report presents the analysis of each segment from 2016 to 2026 considering 2017 as the base year for the research. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each respective segments calculated for the forecast period from 2018 to 2026.

Report Scope by Segments

Aircraft exterior lighting market report provides market size and estimates based on market dynamics and key trends observed in the industry. The report provides a holistic view of global aircraft exterior lightings market based on product type, aircraft type and geography. Key segments covered in the report are as follows: