Aircraft Strut Market

• The Aircraft Strut Market is expanding steadily driven by the rising demand for new-generation commercial and military aircraft and increasing focus on lightweight, high-strength structural components.

• Advancements in composite and titanium-based materials are enhancing strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and overall performance of aircraft struts in extreme operating conditions.

• Growing aircraft production and fleet modernization programs are fueling the adoption of advanced landing gear systems and retractable strut assemblies for improved aerodynamic efficiency.

• Manufacturers are integrating additive manufacturing and precision machining technologies to optimize strut geometry, reduce material waste, and ensure tighter tolerances.

• Rising demand for aftermarket maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services is supporting replacement and refurbishment of struts in aging aircraft fleets.

• Strategic collaborations between OEMs, aerospace suppliers, and material science companies are fostering innovation in high-load-bearing and vibration-dampening strut designs.

• North America and Europe remain key markets due to established aerospace manufacturing hubs, while Asia-Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region driven by expanding commercial aviation infrastructure and defense spending.

• In March 2024, Collins Aerospace launched an advanced titanium-based strut system for narrow-body aircraft, cutting weight by 25% compared to conventional steel struts. This innovation boosts fuel efficiency while preserving structural integrity.

• In September 2022, Safran Landing Systems introduced a new strut equipped with integrated sensors for real-time load monitoring. This innovation enhances safety and optimizes maintenance schedules through predictive analytics.

In this report, the Aircraft Strut Market has been segmented by Aircraft Body Type, Operation, Position, Product Type, End User and Geography.

Aircraft Strut Market, Segmentation by Aircraft Body Type

The Aircraft Body Type perspective underscores different load spectra, cycle counts, and operational profiles that drive strut specifications and overhaul intervals. Manufacturers align product roadmaps with weight reduction, corrosion resistance, and fatigue performance targets, balancing up-front costs against extended service life. Airlines and OEMs pursue standardized components and repairable architectures to simplify inventories and ensure faster turnaround at line and base maintenance.

Small Body Aircraft

Small body aircraft struts prioritize cost efficiency, ease of maintenance, and lightweight construction to support high-frequency, short-haul missions. Solutions emphasize modular seals and improved damping to handle frequent cycles and variable runway conditions. Operators value component commonality across fleets to streamline spares and reduce AOG exposure.

Wide Body Aircraft

Wide body applications demand high load-bearing capacity, robust shock absorption, and thermal stability for long-range operations. Engineering focus areas include advanced coatings, pressure management, and structural integrity under heavy fuel and payload conditions. Partnerships between OEMs and MRO centers enable performance upgrades that extend time-on-wing while safeguarding passenger comfort and safety.

Very Large Body Aircraft

Very large body aircraft struts must accommodate extreme axle loads and landing energies, necessitating rigorous materials and redundant safety margins. Programs focus on life-extension kits, enhanced bushings, and high-strength alloys to meet stringent certification standards. Fleet managers seek predictive health monitoring and repair-friendly designs to minimize downtime across complex landing gear assemblies.

Regional Aircraft

Regional aircraft operate on short sectors with frequent cycles, making durability and serviceability paramount. Struts for this class emphasize seal longevity, abrasion resistance, and efficient damping for mixed runway surfaces. Vendors collaborate with regional carriers and leasing firms to tailor maintenance intervals and cost-per-cycle outcomes.

Aircraft Strut Market, Segmentation by Operation

The Operation segmentation differentiates between hydraulic and pneumatic energy absorption and extension mechanisms, each with distinct maintenance and performance profiles. Selection depends on platform heritage, operating environment, and integration with landing gear systems. Suppliers advance seal chemistry, fluid management, and pressure control technologies to enhance reliability and reduce unscheduled removals.

Hydraulic

Hydraulic struts offer precise damping control and predictable shock attenuation, favored for heavier aircraft and demanding duty cycles. Upgrades center on leak mitigation, thermal performance, and contamination resistance to extend service intervals. MRO practices incorporate condition-based maintenance and improved test protocols for consistent in-service performance.

Pneumatic

Pneumatic struts leverage compressed gas for energy absorption and weight reduction, appealing to lighter platforms and certain retrofit scenarios. Benefits include simplified mechanical architectures and responsive ride characteristics. Development efforts focus on pressure retention, valving precision, and material resilience across a wide temperature range.

Aircraft Strut Market, Segmentation by Position

The Position axis reflects distinct structural demands between front (nose) wheels and rear (main) wheels, influencing geometry, shock strut volume, and load paths. Nose gear emphasizes steering precision and vibration control, while main gear focuses on energy absorption during landing and braking loads. Design programs balance weight, durability, and maintainability to ensure stable handling and cabin comfort.

Front Wheels

Front wheel struts prioritize shimmy suppression, steering response, and ground maneuver stability. Enhancements include precision bushings, optimized damping orifices, and robust anti-corrosion treatments. Airlines seek reliable performance on rain-soaked or debris-prone aprons, reducing pilot workload and maintenance findings.

Rear Wheels

Rear wheel (main gear) struts handle primary landing impact and braking forces, requiring superior energy absorption and fatigue resistance. Solutions advance piston design, fluid/gas metering, and heat dissipation during repeated cycles. Standardization across twin- and tri-axle bogies helps streamline spares and overhaul processes.

Aircraft Strut Market, Segmentation by Product Type

The Product Type dimension spans rigid, spring steel, shock struts, and bungee cords, mapping to varied platform classes and mission needs. Buyers assess initial acquisition cost against time-on-wing, repairability, and ride quality. Vendors differentiate through surface engineering, precision machining, and aftermarket support to secure long-term agreements.

Rigid Aircraft Struts

Rigid struts emphasize structural simplicity and low maintenance, often used in specific light-aircraft configurations. They offer predictable deflection behavior but require careful integration with airframe load paths. Adoption is typically driven by weight targets and cost sensitivity in basic or utility platforms.

Spring Steel Aircraft Struts

Spring steel struts provide inherent elasticity and impact absorption, balancing durability with manufacturing economy. Advances in heat treatment and anti-corrosion coatings extend service life in demanding environments. They are favored where rugged operations and simple maintenance are strategic priorities.

Shock Struts

Shock struts (oleo-pneumatic) dominate commercial and larger military platforms due to superior energy dissipation and ride comfort. Continuous improvements in sealing systems, fluid dynamics, and gas-charging stability enhance performance over varied loads. Integration with landing gear control and health monitoring supports higher reliability and smoother operations.

Bungee Cords

Bungee cords serve niche roles in light aircraft and legacy types where simplicity and low mass are valued. While offering basic shock absorption, they require vigilant inspection regimes to manage wear and environmental degradation. Their continued use reflects specific mission profiles and cost-driven maintenance philosophies.

Aircraft Strut Market, Segmentation by End User

The End User segmentation distinguishes between commercial and military requirements, shaping qualification pathways, regulatory compliance, and support models. Commercial operators focus on dispatch reliability, turnaround speed, and total cost of ownership, while defense customers emphasize mission readiness, ruggedization, and operating in austere conditions. Suppliers tailor PBH contracts, pooling, and localized MRO to each segment’s operational tempo.

Commercial

Commercial fleets demand highly standardized components, strong OEM/MRO partnerships, and clear overhaul manuals for global support. Investment cases revolve around fuel-burn impacts from weight, predictive maintenance to reduce AOG, and reliability-centered design. Airlines adopt exchange programs and long-term agreements to stabilize costs and parts availability.

Military

Military users require struts with enhanced survivability, environmental tolerance, and field serviceability. Designs integrate corrosion inhibitors, sand/dust resilience, and rapid component replacement to support high-tempo missions. Collaboration with defense depots and qualified suppliers ensures readiness and compliance with stringent standards.

Aircraft Strut Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Aircraft Strut Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

North America

North America benefits from a large installed base, strong OEM-MRO ecosystems, and consistent regulatory oversight that accelerates certification and upgrades. Airlines prioritize predictive maintenance and material innovations to manage high utilization rates and demanding schedules. Defense programs support ruggedized solutions and local content, reinforcing supply resilience and lifecycle value.

Europe

Europe advances lightweighting, environmental compliance, and standardization across diverse fleets, underpinned by established aerospace clusters. Carriers emphasize dispatch reliability and noise/vibration reductions to enhance passenger experience. Collaborative frameworks with tier suppliers and MRO alliances streamline overhauls and component pooling.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific sees rapid fleet expansion, driving demand for new build and aftermarket strut solutions with scalable support. Operators focus on cost-per-cycle improvements, regional MRO capacity, and technology transfer to localize sustainment. Mixed runway conditions and climate variability encourage adoption of advanced coatings and robust sealing strategies.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa combines premium long-haul operations with austere environment challenges, necessitating durable shock absorption and corrosion control. Hubs invest in state-of-the-art MRO and predictive analytics to maintain high fleet availability. Defense and government fleets prioritize field serviceability and rapid turnaround across harsh operating theaters.

Latin America

Latin America emphasizes cost-effective maintenance, component pooling, and standardized procedures for heterogeneous fleets. Airlines pursue exchange programs and repair-by-the-hour models to stabilize budgets amid traffic growth. Geographic dispersion and weather variability reinforce the need for reliable damping and durable surface treatments.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Aircraft Strut Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis, Market Opportunity Mapping, PEST (Political, Economic, Social and Technological) Analysis and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers:

• Growing Demand for Commercial Aircraft Due to Increasing Air Travel
• Rising Military Aircraft Procurement and Defense Investments
• Advancements in Aircraft Landing Gear and Structural Components

• Expansion of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Activities: It is a key driver of the global aircraft strut market, as airlines, defense organizations, and aircraft operators prioritize the upkeep of their fleets to ensure operational safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Aircraft struts, which play a critical role in supporting landing gear and absorbing shocks during takeoff and landing, are subject to wear and tear over time, necessitating frequent inspections, repairs, and replacements. The growing global aircraft fleet, particularly in commercial aviation, has significantly increased the demand for MRO services, leading to a parallel rise in the need for aircraft strut maintenance and upgrades.

  One of the main factors fueling MRO expansion is the increasing air travel demand worldwide, which has led to a surge in aircraft utilization. Airlines are operating their fleets at high capacity to meet passenger and cargo transportation needs, which accelerates component fatigue, including that of aircraft struts. Since struts endure significant mechanical stress, airlines must adhere to stringent maintenance schedules to ensure their structural integrity and prevent failures. Regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) impose strict inspection and maintenance guidelines, making MRO services essential for compliance and continued aircraft operation. These regulatory requirements directly contribute to the growing demand for high-quality aircraft struts, as airlines and operators seek to replace worn-out components with more durable and advanced alternatives.

  Additionally, aging aircraft fleets are further driving the need for MRO services. Many airlines and military organizations are extending the operational lifespan of their aircraft rather than investing in entirely new fleets, making regular maintenance and component replacements crucial. Aircraft struts, in particular, require periodic checks and refurbishments to ensure they meet performance and safety standards. This trend is particularly evident in regions where economic factors influence fleet replacement cycles, leading airlines and defense agencies to invest more in maintenance rather than new acquisitions.

  The rise of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and regional airlines is another factor contributing to MRO growth. LCCs operate on tight profit margins and prioritize cost-effective solutions to maintain their fleets. Rather than investing in new aircraft frequently, they rely on comprehensive MRO programs to extend the lifespan of existing planes. As a result, the demand for replacement aircraft struts and high-quality repair services continues to rise.

  Technological advancements in MRO processes are making strut maintenance more efficient and cost-effective. Innovations such as predictive maintenance, digital twin technology, and automation in repair procedures are improving the accuracy of aircraft strut assessments, reducing downtime, and enhancing overall fleet reliability. These advancements allow airlines to proactively identify potential strut failures before they occur, minimizing operational disruptions and improving passenger safety.

  The expansion of MRO facilities in emerging markets is driving regional growth in the aircraft strut market. Countries in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America are investing in MRO infrastructure to support growing airline fleets and reduce dependence on foreign maintenance providers. This expansion strengthens local aerospace industries while increasing demand for aircraft struts tailored to regional fleet requirements.

Restraints:

• High Manufacturing and Maintenance Costs of Aircraft Struts
• Stringent Aviation Safety Regulations and Certification Requirements
• Supply Chain Disruptions and Raw Material Price Volatility

• Limited Adoption of Advanced Struts in Older Aircraft Fleets: It is a significant restraint in the global aircraft strut market, as many airlines and military operators continue to rely on aging aircraft rather than investing in newer models with upgraded components. Older aircraft were designed using traditional strut systems that may not be compatible with modern lightweight materials, advanced hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms, and electronically controlled suspension technologies. Retrofitting such aircraft with new-generation struts is often complex, expensive, and technically challenging, discouraging operators from upgrading unless absolutely necessary. This results in a slower adoption rate of advanced strut technologies across the aviation industry, restricting market growth.

  One of the primary reasons behind this limited adoption is cost constraints. Many airlines and defense organizations operate on tight budgets and prioritize routine maintenance over costly component upgrades. Aircraft struts are critical load-bearing components in the landing gear system, and replacing them with advanced, lightweight, or high-performance variants requires extensive modifications to the aircraft’s structure, which increases both labor and material costs. For commercial airlines, investing in new aircraft with factory-fitted modern struts is often more economical than upgrading older fleets. Similarly, military aircraft operators, particularly in countries with constrained defense budgets, tend to prioritize other essential upgrades, such as avionics and weapons systems, over strut modernization.

  Another factor affecting the adoption of advanced struts in older fleets is regulatory complexity. Aircraft modifications, especially those involving key structural components like struts, must comply with stringent aviation safety regulations set by organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Any modifications to an aircraft’s landing gear system, including strut replacements, require extensive testing, certification, and approvals, which further discourages fleet operators from pursuing such upgrades. These regulatory hurdles add to the financial and logistical burden of adopting newer strut technologies, making many airlines and military organizations hesitant to implement them.

  Additionally, operational downtime is a critical concern for fleet operators. Retrofitting advanced struts in an older aircraft requires the aircraft to be taken out of service for an extended period, affecting airline schedules and profitability. Since airlines aim to maximize aircraft utilization, grounding aircraft for modifications is often seen as an operational risk that could lead to revenue losses. This is particularly a challenge for low-cost carriers and regional airlines, which operate on thinner margins and prioritize efficiency over major upgrades.

  There is a lack of universal compatibility between older aircraft designs and newer strut technologies. Advanced struts often integrate lightweight composite materials, smart sensors, and electronically controlled damping systems that may not fit seamlessly into legacy aircraft platforms. This incompatibility requires additional structural reinforcements, redesigns, and engineering efforts, further complicating the adoption process. As a result, many operators choose to continue using older strut systems until a complete aircraft replacement is necessary.

Opportunities:

• Emergence of Lightweight and Composite Materials for Aircraft Struts
• Growth in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Sector
• Increasing Investments in Next-Generation Aircraft Technologies

• Expansion of Aircraft Manufacturing in Emerging Markets: The expansion of aircraft manufacturing in emerging markets presents a significant growth opportunity for the global aircraft strut market. Countries such as China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia are rapidly developing their domestic aerospace industries, aiming to reduce reliance on imports and establish themselves as major players in both commercial and military aviation. This surge in aircraft production drives increased demand for aircraft components, including landing gear systems and structural struts, essential for ensuring aircraft stability, safety, and durability.

  One of the most significant contributors to this growth is China, where the government has heavily invested in its aviation sector through initiatives like "Made in China 2025" and state-owned aerospace firms such as COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China). COMAC’s development of aircraft like the C919 and ARJ21 aims to compete with Western giants like Boeing and Airbus, significantly increasing the demand for high-quality aircraft struts and landing gear components. Additionally, China's expansion into military aircraft production, with projects like the J-20 stealth fighter and Y-20 transport aircraft, is further driving market demand for advanced and durable struts.

  Similarly, India is experiencing rapid aerospace industry growth, fueled by both government initiatives and foreign direct investments. The Make in India program encourages domestic manufacturing of aircraft components, benefiting the aircraft strut industry. India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private sector firms are producing military aircraft like the Tejas fighter jet and partnering with global aerospace giants for commercial aircraft production. Additionally, the rise in MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facilities in India is increasing the demand for aircraft struts, as older aircraft require frequent landing gear replacements and refurbishments.

  In Latin America, Brazil’s Embraer is a leading manufacturer of regional and military aircraft, contributing to the demand for aircraft structural components, including struts. Embraer’s E-Jet series and military transport aircraft, KC-390, are expanding their global footprint, creating supply chain opportunities for aircraft strut manufacturers. Mexico is also emerging as an important hub for aerospace component production, benefiting from low labor costs and strong trade agreements with North America and Europe. Several aircraft component suppliers have set up manufacturing units in Mexico, contributing to the region’s role in the global aircraft strut supply chain.

  The Southeast Asian market, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, is also gaining traction in aerospace manufacturing, driven by airline growth, military modernization, and partnerships with global aerospace firms. These countries are investing in the production of aircraft components, including landing gear systems and struts, to support both domestic and international aircraft manufacturing needs.

Aircraft Strut Market is expanding steadily as more than 62% of aerospace suppliers emphasize innovation, advanced strategies, and technological advancements to improve structural integrity, performance, and safety. Rising aircraft production and maintenance requirements drive growth, while partnerships and mergers between OEMs and component manufacturers accelerate industry expansion.

Market Structure and Concentration
The market structure shows moderate concentration, with nearly 57% of share dominated by leading aerospace component manufacturers. Larger firms adopt mergers and partnerships to expand portfolios and production capacity, while smaller companies pursue niche strategies focused on custom and lightweight designs. Ongoing innovation in advanced materials supports long-term growth.

Brand and Channel Strategies
Around 64% of participants enhance brand visibility by focusing on direct supply strategies with OEMs, airlines, and MRO providers. Strong collaboration with aerospace companies builds trust, while branding around safety, durability, and compliance ensures consistent expansion. Effective channel integration reinforces growth across civil, military, and commercial aviation sectors.

Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
More than 70% of investments are directed toward technological advancements in lightweight alloys, composite structures, and corrosion-resistant coatings. Innovation in digital monitoring and smart strut systems enhances performance and reduces maintenance. Companies adopt R&D-focused strategies to align with next-generation aircraft needs, ensuring sustainable growth in global markets.

Regional Momentum and Expansion
North America accounts for nearly 46% of demand, driven by strong aerospace expansion and fleet modernization programs. Europe emphasizes compliance-driven strategies and innovation in sustainable materials, while Asia-Pacific demonstrates rapid growth fueled by rising aircraft manufacturing. Regional collaboration among OEMs, suppliers, and MRO providers accelerates adoption and supports balanced growth.

Future Outlook
The Aircraft Strut Market is projected to achieve significant growth, with more than 59% of stakeholders anticipating accelerated expansion through advanced materials and smart systems. Strategic partnerships, continuous innovation, and evolving technological advancements will shape competitive strategies. Companies aligning with lightweighting and sustainable aviation trends will secure long-term leadership.

Key players in Aircraft Strut Market include;

• Collins Aerospace
• Safran
• Liebherr Aerospace
• CIRCOR International
• Triumph
• Heroux-Devtek
• Parker Hannifin
• GKN Aerospace
• Airbus
• Boeing
• Albany International
• Epsilon Composite
• Hartwell Corporation
• Oleo International
• Spirit AeroSystems

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Market Share Analysis

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis