UK Aviation Market Size

The UK aviation market is experiencing a shift in its market size, with projections indicating a slight decline over the forecast period. The aviation sector, encompassing airlines and their supply chains, plays a significant role in the country's economy, contributing a substantial portion to the GDP. The general aviation segment is notable for its extensive use of civilian aircraft, with a significant number of pilots and flight hours logged annually. Additionally, the military's investment in new-generation aircraft to enhance aviation capabilities is contributing to the overall dynamics of the market. Airlines in the UK are also actively procuring new, fuel-efficient aircraft to meet the growing demand for air travel, further influencing the market landscape.

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Market Size of uk aviation Industry

UK Aviation Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 7.81 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 7.60 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Aircraft Type Commercial Aviation
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) -0.44 %
svg icon Fastest Growing by Aircraft Type General Aviation

Major Players

UK Aviation Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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UK Aviation Market Analysis

The UK Aviation Market size is estimated at 7.81 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 7.60 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of -0.44% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

7.8 B

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

7.6 B

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

816

Total Deliveries in the Historic Period (2017-2023)

873

Total Deliveries during the Forecast Period (2024-2030)

Largest Market by Aircraft Type

73.47 %

value share, Commercial Aviation, 2023

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Increasing air passenger traffic and its recovery to pre-pandemic levels, coupled with the replacement of existing aircraft with advanced sustainable aircraft, are driving the commercial aviation market.

Largest Market by Sub-Aircraft Type

56.10 %

value share, Passenger Aircraft, 2023

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Strong recovery in domestic air travel and gaining momentum in international traffic act as a catalyst for the growth of the passenger aircraft market in the country.

Leading Market Player

41.99 %

market share, Airbus SE, 2022

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The company provides an extensive range of products across commercial, military, and general aviation sectors through Airbus, Airbus Helicopters, and Airbus Defence and Space.

Second Leading Market Player

34.36 %

market share, The Boeing Company, 2022

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The company's wide range of commercial and military aircraft is responsible for its market penetration in the country, making it the second-largest market player.

Third Leading Market Player

5.03 %

market share, Embraer, 2022

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The company is the third leading player in the market with a wide range of technologically innovative and advanced products, along with a strong customer support network.

The commercial aviation industry is expected to experience substantial growth in the future

  • In the United Kingdom, the GDP of the aviation industry, including airlines and their supply chains, is projected to be USD 86 billion. An additional USD 34 billion, totaling USD 120 billion of the country's GDP, is supported by international visitor spending. The inputs to the air transport industry and foreign visitors who arrive by air contribute 4.5% to the country’s GDP.
  • General aviation employs around 12,000 people in the United Kingdom. About 96% of the 21,000 civilian aircraft registered in the United Kingdom are used for general aviation, and the GA fleet logs between 1.25 million and 1.35 million hours of flight time yearly. There are 10,000 certified glider pilots and 28,000 people with Private Pilot Licenses (PPL). The use of more accessible aircraft, such as microlights, locally built airplanes, and smaller helicopters, saw a rise in the past 20 years.
  • The country's military budget for 2022 was USD 68.5 billion, a rise of 3.7%. Out of the total government spending, the country has allocated 2.2% of its share to the military. Its NATO membership commits the United Kingdom to devote 2% of its annual GDP to defense. Currently, the United Kingdom dedicates more than 2% of its GDP to the military. The country is buying new-generation aircraft to improve its aviation capabilities, thus resulting in increased military spending.
  • UK airlines are procuring new aircraft to cater to the demand generated by the rising rates of air travel and to replace aging aircraft with fuel-efficient models. Easyjet has ordered 128 A320neo and 33 A321neo models. Virgin Atlantic has ordered 15 Airbus A330-900neo and five A350-1000 aircraft. British Airways ordered 40 aircraft, comprising five A320neo and nine Boeing 787-10 aircraft.
UK Aviation Market

UK Aviation Industry Segmentation

Commercial Aviation, General Aviation, Military Aviation are covered as segments by Aircraft Type.

  • In the United Kingdom, the GDP of the aviation industry, including airlines and their supply chains, is projected to be USD 86 billion. An additional USD 34 billion, totaling USD 120 billion of the country's GDP, is supported by international visitor spending. The inputs to the air transport industry and foreign visitors who arrive by air contribute 4.5% to the country’s GDP.
  • General aviation employs around 12,000 people in the United Kingdom. About 96% of the 21,000 civilian aircraft registered in the United Kingdom are used for general aviation, and the GA fleet logs between 1.25 million and 1.35 million hours of flight time yearly. There are 10,000 certified glider pilots and 28,000 people with Private Pilot Licenses (PPL). The use of more accessible aircraft, such as microlights, locally built airplanes, and smaller helicopters, saw a rise in the past 20 years.
  • The country's military budget for 2022 was USD 68.5 billion, a rise of 3.7%. Out of the total government spending, the country has allocated 2.2% of its share to the military. Its NATO membership commits the United Kingdom to devote 2% of its annual GDP to defense. Currently, the United Kingdom dedicates more than 2% of its GDP to the military. The country is buying new-generation aircraft to improve its aviation capabilities, thus resulting in increased military spending.
  • UK airlines are procuring new aircraft to cater to the demand generated by the rising rates of air travel and to replace aging aircraft with fuel-efficient models. Easyjet has ordered 128 A320neo and 33 A321neo models. Virgin Atlantic has ordered 15 Airbus A330-900neo and five A350-1000 aircraft. British Airways ordered 40 aircraft, comprising five A320neo and nine Boeing 787-10 aircraft.
Aircraft Type
Commercial Aviation
By Sub Aircraft Type
Freighter Aircraft
Passenger Aircraft
By Body Type
Narrowbody Aircraft
Widebody Aircraft
General Aviation
By Sub Aircraft Type
Business Jets
By Body Type
Large Jet
Light Jet
Mid-Size Jet
Piston Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Others
Military Aviation
By Sub Aircraft Type
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
By Body Type
Multi-Role Aircraft
Training Aircraft
Transport Aircraft
Others
Rotorcraft
By Body Type
Multi-Mission Helicopter
Transport Helicopter
Others
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UK Aviation Market Size Summary

The UK aviation market is experiencing a period of contraction, with projections indicating a slight decline in market size over the coming years. Despite this, the sector remains a significant contributor to the national economy, supported by both domestic and international air travel. The general aviation segment plays a crucial role, with a substantial number of civilian aircraft and a dedicated workforce. The military aspect of aviation in the UK is also noteworthy, with significant investments in new-generation aircraft to enhance defense capabilities. This commitment is reflected in the country's defense budget, which allocates a considerable portion to military aviation, aligning with NATO obligations.

UK airlines are actively updating their fleets to meet the growing demand for air travel and to improve fuel efficiency. This modernization effort is evident in the substantial orders placed by major carriers such as EasyJet, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways. However, geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, have introduced challenges, such as the need to reroute flights and increased operational costs due to longer flight times. These factors, coupled with rising fuel prices, are expected to impact airline profitability and passenger fares. The market is characterized by a few dominant players, with companies like Airbus, Bombardier, Embraer, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing leading the industry.

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UK Aviation Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Aircraft Type

      1. 1.1.1 Commercial Aviation

        1. 1.1.1.1 By Sub Aircraft Type

          1. 1.1.1.1.1 Freighter Aircraft

          2. 1.1.1.1.2 Passenger Aircraft

            1. 1.1.1.1.2.1 By Body Type

              1. 1.1.1.1.2.1.1 Narrowbody Aircraft

              2. 1.1.1.1.2.1.2 Widebody Aircraft

      2. 1.1.2 General Aviation

        1. 1.1.2.1 By Sub Aircraft Type

          1. 1.1.2.1.1 Business Jets

            1. 1.1.2.1.1.1 By Body Type

              1. 1.1.2.1.1.1.1 Large Jet

              2. 1.1.2.1.1.1.2 Light Jet

              3. 1.1.2.1.1.1.3 Mid-Size Jet

          2. 1.1.2.1.2 Piston Fixed-Wing Aircraft

          3. 1.1.2.1.3 Others

      3. 1.1.3 Military Aviation

        1. 1.1.3.1 By Sub Aircraft Type

          1. 1.1.3.1.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

            1. 1.1.3.1.1.1 By Body Type

              1. 1.1.3.1.1.1.1 Multi-Role Aircraft

              2. 1.1.3.1.1.1.2 Training Aircraft

              3. 1.1.3.1.1.1.3 Transport Aircraft

              4. 1.1.3.1.1.1.4 Others

          2. 1.1.3.1.2 Rotorcraft

            1. 1.1.3.1.2.1 By Body Type

              1. 1.1.3.1.2.1.1 Multi-Mission Helicopter

              2. 1.1.3.1.2.1.2 Transport Helicopter

              3. 1.1.3.1.2.1.3 Others

UK Aviation Market Size FAQs

In 2024, the UK Aviation Market size is expected to reach USD 7.81 billion.

Airbus SE, Bombardier Inc., Embraer, Lockheed Martin Corporation and The Boeing Company are the major companies operating in the UK Aviation Market.

UK Aviation Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030