Light-sport Aircraft Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 1.17 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 1.49 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 5.21 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Market | Europe |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Light-sport Aircraft Market Analysis
The Light-Sport Aircraft Market size is estimated at USD 1.17 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.49 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.21% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the civilian demand for sporting activities related to LSA in 2020. The lockdowns imposed to curb the virus' spread reduced the tourist inflow. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several LSA operating facilities around the world have been forced to close temporarily, and many new development projects have been hammered by tanking economies and cautious investors. Nevertheless, the demand slump is expected to remain short-lived, as the global travel and tourism industry is slowly rebounding, which is anticipated to increase the demand for LSA activities.
The usage of LSA for sporting and recreational activities has witnessed growth due to the growth in the travel and tourism sector and the increase in the number of enthusiasts. LSA training is also gaining significance, with the growing need for training pilots globally. On the other hand, major aviation regulatory bodies are working on introducing new regulatory requirements and modifying the existing ones to support the industry's growth and encourage new LSA procurements. This is also expected to drive market growth.
Light-sport Aircraft Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Light-Sport Aircraft Market according to our research experts:
The Airplane Segment Accounted for the Largest Market Share in 2020
Currently, the airplane segment of the market studied has the highest share. The airplane category of LSAs is the most common in the market and is comparatively cheap, thus making them more preferable for recreational activities, enthusiastic flyers, and training new pilots. The growth of adventure sports in regions like North America, Europe, and some parts of the Middle East, is the primary reason for the growth of the airplane segment. On the other hand, the airlines, training institutes, and aviation authorities have been trying to bring the pilot training and certification costs down. In this regard, the adoption of LSAs is increasing, as they offer a lower cost of procurement and maintenance and lower fuel burn than conventionally used piston or turboprop engine-powered general aviation aircraft.
It was observed that the demand for factory-built aircraft was greater than the kit-built ones. However, with the growing ease of building aircraft from kits and the information availability, this trend is fast-changing. In 2020, kit-built experienced higher registrations compared to factory-built ones. With the growing demand for light airplanes, several manufacturers are introducing newer generation aircraft. For instance, at the start of 2021, Terrafugia announced that FAA granted a special airworthiness certificate to certify its transition roadable airplane in the light-sport category (S-LSA), making the vehicle legal for flight. Terrafugia plans to produce and sell initial flight-only versions and will further develop the design to commercialize the aircraft by 2022. Such developments are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
Europe is Expected to be the Largest Market During the Forecast Period
Currently, Europe has the highest market share revenue, and it is expected to continue its domination during the forecast period. The region features several tourist spots and favorable geographies for light-sport aircraft activities. With the growing adoption of these aircraft, aviation regulatory bodies in the region are introducing new regulations to support the industry's growth and encourage new LSA procurements and operations. In 2020, EASA (the European Safety Agency) started allowing 600 kg ultralights, equivalent to US LSAs in Europe.
Ultralights flying at lower MTOW restrictions will only be able to upgrade their weight class if they are recertified. However, as of mid-2021, some national regulators in Europe were not allowing this recertification, while others welcomed the change. On the other hand, EASA has also made a concession to allow ultralight (and sailplane) to be used toward PPL SEP (and LAPL license) renewals. This is expected to help the pilots who predominantly fly ultralight aircraft. Several new aircraft manufacturers have initiated operations during the last decade in the region. Hence, many new LSA models have been released recently to cater to the increasing demand. On this note, Flight Design General Aviation GmbH launched the CTLS 2020 Sport Edition in April 2020. The CTLS 2020 features technical and aerodynamic upgrades while offering improved exteriors and interiors. Such developments are expected to drive market growth in the region during the forecast period.
Light-sport Aircraft Industry Overview
The light-sport aircraft market is fragmented, with the presence of many local and regional aircraft manufacturers that provide light-sport aircraft models for leisure and flight training markets. Some prominent players in the light sport aircraft market are Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam SpA (Tecnam), Cub Crafters Inc., Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd, Zenith Aircraft Company, and Van's Aircraft Inc. The players in the market are introducing new aircraft models. They are being certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to expand their geographic presence and sales. For instance, Tecnam received certification under the new German 600kg rules for its P2002 Sierra MkII and P92 Echo MkII light aircraft in February 2020 and November 2020, respectively. The German Type approval is also recognized in other European countries. On the other hand, companies are also investing in developing new aircraft with the latest propulsion technologies, like hybrid-electric propulsion systems, to enhance their presence in the market further. Such developments are expected to make the market more competitive in the years to come.
Light-sport Aircraft Market Leaders
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Zenith Aircraft Company
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Cub Crafters Inc.
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Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam SpA (Tecnam)
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Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd
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Van's Aircraft Inc.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Light-sport Aircraft Market News
- In July 2021, Flight Design announced that the F2-LSA was awarded a certificate of airworthiness as a special light-sport aircraft from the Federal Aviation Administration. According to the manufacturer, the F2-LSA is a new high-end addition to the existing line of Flight Design aircraft, complementing the CTLS and CT-Super Sport models.
- In June 2021, ICON Aircraft completed the first production, ICON A5 featuring the Garmin G3X Touch flight display. According to the manufacturer, about 2/3rd of the new orders have been for G3X Touch-equipped aircraft. The company planned to deliver 31 aircraft in 2021 and deliver more than 50 A5s in 2022. It delivered 22 aircraft in 2020.
Light-sport Aircraft Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
- 1.2 Scope of Study
- 1.3 Currency Conversion Rates for USD
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- 3.1 Market Size and Forecast, Global, 2018-2027
- 3.2 Market Share by Type, 2021
- 3.3 Market Share by Geography, 2021
- 3.4 Structure of the Market and Key Participants
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
- 4.1 Market Overview
- 4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.3 Market Restraints
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4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size and Forecast by Value - USD million, 2018-2027)
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5.1 Type
- 5.1.1 Airplane
- 5.1.2 Seaplane
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5.2 Geography
- 5.2.1 North America
- 5.2.2 Europe
- 5.2.3 Asia-Pacific
- 5.2.4 Rest of the World
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Vendor Market Share
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6.2 Company Profiles
- 6.2.1 Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM SpA
- 6.2.2 Pipistrel d.o.o
- 6.2.3 ICON Aircraft
- 6.2.4 Cub Crafters Inc.
- 6.2.5 Czech Aircraft Group SRO
- 6.2.6 Paradise Aero Industry
- 6.2.7 Van's Aircraft Inc.
- 6.2.8 Flight Design General Aviation GmbH
- 6.2.9 JMB Aircraft s.r.o.
- 6.2.10 Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd
- 6.2.11 TL-ULTRALIGHT s.r.o.
- 6.2.12 American Legend Aircraft Company
- 6.2.13 Stemme Production GmbH
- 6.2.14 Aeropro s.r.o.
- 6.2.15 Zenith Aircraft Company
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Light-sport Aircraft Industry Segmentation
Light-sport aircraft (LSA) is defined as an aircraft (other than a helicopter or powered-lift aircraft) that has a maximum takeoff weight of under 1,320 pounds (~599 kgs). LSA usually has single or two seats. The market study does not include gliders, gyroplanes, lighter-than-air aircraft, powered parachutes, and weight-shift control aircraft.
The report is segmented by type into airplane and seaplane. The report also covers the developments in major regions across the world. For each region, the market size and forecasts are represented by value (USD million).
| Type | Airplane |
| Seaplane | |
| Geography | North America |
| Europe | |
| Asia-Pacific | |
| Rest of the World |
Light-sport Aircraft Market Research FAQs
How big is the Light-Sport Aircraft Market?
The Light-Sport Aircraft Market size is expected to reach USD 1.17 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.21% to reach USD 1.49 billion by 2029.
What is the current Light-Sport Aircraft Market size?
In 2024, the Light-Sport Aircraft Market size is expected to reach USD 1.17 billion.
Who are the key players in Light-Sport Aircraft Market?
Zenith Aircraft Company, Cub Crafters Inc., Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam SpA (Tecnam), Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd and Van's Aircraft Inc. are the major companies operating in the Light-Sport Aircraft Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Light-Sport Aircraft Market?
Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Light-Sport Aircraft Market?
In 2024, the Europe accounts for the largest market share in Light-Sport Aircraft Market.
What years does this Light-Sport Aircraft Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Light-Sport Aircraft Market size was estimated at USD 1.11 billion. The report covers the Light-Sport Aircraft Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Light-Sport Aircraft Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Light-sport Aircraft Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Light-sport Aircraft market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Light-sport Aircraft analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
