Market Trends of Air Cargo Screening Systems Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Air Cargo Screening Systems Market according to our research experts:
Explosive Trace Detection Systems are Expected to Lead the Market During the Forecast Period
Explosive trace detectors (ETD) detect small-magnitude explosives. Devices similar to ETDs are used to detect narcotics. Modern screening methods are proficient and powerful in screening high volumes of cargo. Explosive Trace Detection systems dominated the market in 2022 due to their capability to detect minute traces of illegal/prohibited items and narcotics. ETDs are used in many airports as this technology is used to detain people handling drugs and explosives and to identify traffickers of prohibited material. For instance, in February 2021, Rapiscan systems received TSA air cargo approval for its Itemiser 5X trace detector. It is designed to process trace sample swabs from various sources, such as clothing, packages, cargo, and others, in under eight seconds. It is ideal for explosive and narcotics detection in cargo screening at airports, border patrol, prisons, and other security events.
Investments in newer technologies of explosive and narcotics trace detection equipment will likely help the government prevent or reduce terrorism. Technological advancements and a shift towards cost-effective and reliable explosive and drug trace detection devices will create lucrative opportunities in the upcoming years. Hence, investment in such technologies is projected to drive the segment's growth during the forecast period.
The Asia-Pacific is Estimated to Show Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
Asia-Pacific is anticipated to show remarkable growth during the forecast period. The change is attributed to rising cargo traffic, a growing number of airports, and increasing expenditure on the aviation sector from emerging economies such as China and India. In Asia-Pacific, major countries like China, India, Japan, and Singapore are planning to construct new airports and expand the existing airports. In February 2020, the Indian government announced 100 new airports are to be built by 2024. The new airports will have dedicated terminals for cargo which will further propel the demand for screening systems from this region during the forecast period. In June 2022, the Union Civil Aviation Minister of India announced the country will have 33 additional cargo terminals by 2024-2025.
According to the IATA report, the overall air cargo volumes increased by 6.9% in 2021 compared to 2019. Furthermore, the IATA report stated China would surpass the United States and become the largest aviation market. In contrast, India will reach the United Kingdom to become the third-largest aviation market in 2024. Thus, the increasing number of airports leads to the growing demand for air cargo screening systems during the forecast period.