Aircraft Strut Market

• In March 2024, Collins Aerospace introduced an advanced titanium-based strut system designed for narrow-body aircraft, reducing weight by 25% compared to traditional steel struts. This innovation enhances fuel efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.

• In September 2022, Safran Landing Systems launched a new strut with integrated sensors for real-time load monitoring. This improves safety and maintenance schedules by providing predictive analytics.

By Aircraft Body Type, the market is divided into small body aircraft, wide body aircraft, very large body aircraft, and regional aircraft. Small body aircraft, typically comprising regional jets and smaller commercial planes, are expected to account for a significant share due to the growing demand for regional air travel and shorter distances between cities. Wide-body aircraft, which are commonly used for long-haul flights, also drive substantial demand for high-performance struts that can handle the increased weight and passenger capacity. Very large body aircraft, including giant cargo and passenger planes, require specialized, high-strength struts that can endure extreme loads and operational stress. Regional aircraft, typically smaller aircraft used for domestic or regional flights, are seeing increased demand in emerging markets, leading to greater use of struts in these applications. The demand across all these segments is influenced by the rapid expansion of global air travel, especially in developing regions.

By Operation, the market is further divided into hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Hydraulic struts are widely used in both commercial and military aircraft for their ability to handle high loads, especially in landing gear systems, where robustness and reliability are crucial. Hydraulic systems offer smoother and more controlled operations, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications in wide-body and very large-body aircraft. Pneumatic struts, on the other hand, are more commonly used in smaller aircraft or in applications where lighter, cost-effective systems are required. Pneumatic struts offer advantages such as simplicity and reduced weight, which are highly valued in smaller regional and small-body aircraft.

By Position, the market is segmented into front wheels and rear wheels. Front-wheel struts are typically responsible for the primary shock absorption and support during landing, which makes them crucial for aircraft safety and performance. Rear-wheel struts, though less critical than front-wheel struts, also play an important role in maintaining the stability of the aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing. The demand for both types is expected to grow in parallel with the increase in global air traffic and the continuing development of new aircraft models.

By Aircraft Strut Type, the market includes rigid aircraft struts, spring steel aircraft struts, shock struts, and bungee cords. Rigid struts are designed to withstand high forces and are often used in military and commercial aircraft for their superior strength and durability. Spring steel struts, on the other hand, are flexible and provide better shock absorption, making them ideal for passenger aircraft. Shock struts, often used in landing gear systems, are vital for absorbing the forces experienced during takeoff and landing. Bungee cords, though less commonly used, are typically found in smaller or specialized aircraft and provide lightweight, cost-effective support for lighter-duty applications.

By End Use, the market is divided into commercial and military segments. Commercial aviation dominates the aircraft strut market, driven by the growing demand for air travel and the expansion of airline fleets. Aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus are continuously developing new aircraft models, driving the need for advanced strut systems. In contrast, military aircraft require high-performance, durable struts to withstand the intense operational demands of combat and military missions. The increasing global military spending and the modernization of military fleets are driving the demand for specialized, high-strength struts designed to endure extreme conditions.

Global Aircraft Strut Segment Analysis

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

Global Aircraft Strut Market, Segmentation by Geography

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

Global Aircraft Strut Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America holds the largest market share, primarily due to the strong presence of major aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman in the United States. The U.S. leads in both commercial and military aviation, with a significant number of new aircraft orders and extensive investments in modernizing defense fleets. Additionally, Canada plays a crucial role in North America’s market share, with Bombardier contributing to regional aircraft production and the country hosting various MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) operations that support aircraft components, including struts.

Europe follows closely behind, with major aerospace hubs in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom driving demand for aircraft struts. France, home to Airbus, is a key contributor to the market, with continuous production of commercial aircraft increasing the need for high-quality strut systems. Germany plays a significant role in aircraft component manufacturing and engineering, while the United Kingdom, through companies like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, supports both commercial and military aircraft production. Italy and Spain also contribute to Europe’s aircraft strut market share, with regional aircraft production, military investments, and MRO operations boosting demand.

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth in the aircraft strut market due to increasing air passenger traffic, rising aircraft fleet expansion, and growing domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities. China is emerging as a dominant force, with its state-backed aircraft manufacturer COMAC producing new aircraft models and significant investments in military aviation fueling demand for aircraft struts. India is also expanding its aviation industry with government initiatives to procure new aircraft, develop MRO facilities, and support indigenous aircraft manufacturing. Japan, with strong aerospace component production from companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is a crucial player in the region, while South Korea is making strides in both military and commercial aviation, further driving the market.

In Latin America, Brazil holds the largest market share, with Embraer leading regional and commercial aircraft production. The country’s growing aviation sector and its exports of regional jets contribute significantly to the demand for aircraft struts. Mexico is also emerging as a key contributor, with an expanding aerospace manufacturing sector that supplies aircraft components to North American markets, including the U.S. and Canada.

The Middle East & Africa region, though smaller in market share compared to North America and Europe, is seeing growth due to increasing airline expansion and military aircraft acquisitions. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is investing heavily in aviation, with airlines like Emirates and Etihad Airways driving demand for commercial aircraft and associated components. Saudi Arabia is also investing in both commercial and defense aircraft, contributing to the market’s expansion. In Africa, South Africa plays a role in MRO operations and regional aircraft maintenance, supporting aircraft strut demand.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global 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.

Key players in Global Aircraft Strut Market include;

• Safran Landing Systems
• UTC Aerospace Systems (Collins Aerospace - Raytheon Technologies)
• Parker Hannifin Corporation
• Boeing Company
• Airbus SE
• Heroux-Devtek Inc.
• CIRCOR Aerospace & Defense
• Liebherr Aerospace
• GKN Aerospace
• Triumph Group Inc.

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

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