Aerospace Plastics Market by Plastic Type (Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polyamide (PA), Polyamide-imide (PAI), PolyPhenyleneSulfide (PPS), Polyurethane (PU), Polyphenylene Ether (PPE), and Others), Process (Injection Molding, CNC Machining, Thermoforming, 3D Printing, Extrusion, and Others), Application (Cabin Interiors, Flooring & Wall Panels, Structural Components, Window & Windshields, Doors, & Canopies, and Electrical & Electronics), End-use Industry (Commercial & Freighter Aircraft, Military Aircraft, General Aviation, and Rotary Aircraft), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Aerospace Plastics Overview

Plastics used in aeronautical applications have unique characteristics that make them perfect for usage in aircraft and spacecraft. The term ‘aerospace plastics’ covers a broad range of polymer materials, including thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polyimides, polyetherimide (PEI), and different composite materials are some examples of commonly used aerospace plastics. Aerospace polymers' high strength-to-weight ratios and lightweight design are two of their main advantages. Plastics can be used in aircraft constructions since they are much lighter than conventional metal materials. This weight loss improves performance, increases payload capacity, and improves fuel economy. Plastics are frequently resistant to a variety of chemicals, fuels, and corrosive substances when used in aircraft applications.

Global Aerospace Plastics Market Analysis

The global aerospace plastics market size was $7,304.4 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 9.3%, by generating a revenue of $17,765.3 million by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Aerospace Plastics Market

The pandemic significantly impacted air travel, which resulted in a drop in the need for new aircraft. Orders were delayed or cancelled as a result of the financial difficulties encountered by numerous airlines and aircraft manufacturers. The pandemic hampered the availability and delivery of aircraft polymers and other materials by disrupting worldwide supply systems. Delays in the delivery of raw materials, components, and completed goods were caused by trade restrictions, factory closures, and transportation problems. This has an effect on the manufacturing plans of companies that produce aerospace products, especially those that use aerospace polymers.

The need for new aircraft and aviation parts is anticipated to rise as air traffic progressively returns to pre-pandemic levels. This would increase demand for aerospace plastics, which are utilized in a variety of applications, including engine parts, cabin furnishings, and structural elements. The need for aerospace plastics is projected to increase as the sector works to improve aircraft performance and cut fuel usage.

 Lightweighting and Fuel Efficiency Properties to Drive the Market Growth

When compared to conventional metal materials, aerospace polymers offer a significant weight savings. This is important for the aircraft sector because lightweight materials increase payload capacity, lower emissions, and increase fuel efficiency. Manufacturers of airplanes utilize aerospace polymers to help them adhere to stringent regulatory standards and cut operational expenses. A wide range of structural purposes in the aerospace industry can benefit from the excellent strength-to-weight ratios of aerospace polymers. Among the materials' impressive mechanical properties are high tensile strength, impact resistance, and dimensional stability. The overall safety and dependability of aviation components are aided by the strength and durability of aerospace polymers. Aerospace plastics enable for design freedom, enabling producers to produce elaborate and complicated structures that are difficult to produce with traditional materials. This design flexibility makes it possible to optimize aerodynamics, space usage, and component integration. Aerospace plastics can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes, enabling the creation of tailored solutions to satisfy the demands of aircraft makers.

Certification and Regulatory Compliance to Restrain Market Growth

To guarantee the safety and dependability of aircraft components, the aerospace industry is governed by stringent standards and certifications. The widespread use of aircraft polymers is hampered by the time and expense required to achieve compliance with strict aerospace requirements. Compared to conventional metals, aerospace polymers can be more expensive. The cost of raw materials, the manufacturing procedures, and specialized production methods all affect upfront costs. Particularly for smaller aircraft manufacturers or those on a tight budget, this cost aspect can be a problem. Aerospace plastics come in a variety, but compared to the spectrum of traditional metal alternatives, the materials may be more limited. This restriction may limit the design's adaptability and appropriateness for particular applications. There may not be many suitable aircraft plastics available to meet these needs because the aerospace sector frequently requires materials with distinctive features.

Increased Adoption of Composite Materials to Drive Excellent Opportunities

Composite materials like carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) are becoming more common in the aerospace sector due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratios. Future potential for composite material developments include the creation of novel resin systems, enhanced manufacturing procedures, and low-cost production methods. This will result in composite materials being used more frequently in various aircraft parts, including wings, fuselages, and interior structures. These are the major factors anticipated to create several growth opportunities for the key players operating in the aerospace plastics industry during the forecast period.

Global Aerospace Plastics Market Share, by Plastic type, 2022

The polyetheretherketone (PEEK) sub-segment accounted for the highest share in 2022. PEEK is renowned for its outstanding qualities, which make it perfect for applications in the aerospace industry. Because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, it is appropriate for lightweight aircraft components. Jet fuels, hydraulic fluids, and other corrosive chemicals used in the aerospace sector can be used on PEEK without damaging it. As a result of its remarkable thermal stability, it can withstand high temperatures without losing its mechanical qualities. PEEK is also naturally flame-resistant, which is important for achieving aircraft safety standards. PEEK is used in a number of aircraft applications, including insulating materials, electrical connectors, seals, and engine parts. PEEK is utilized to replace metal parts in structural applications, lowering weight and improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing strength and durability. Critical engine components like compressor blades and seals, which require high-temperature resistance and dimensional stability, also use PEEK.

Global Aerospace Plastics Market Share, by Process, 2022

The injection molding sub-segment accounted for the highest market size in 2022. The aerospace plastics sector has seen a substantial increase in injection molding's utilization due to its capacity to create complicated, high-quality, and dimensionally correct plastic components. The desire for lightweight materials, cost effectiveness, and enhanced manufacturing capabilities are the main factors driving the market for injection-molded aerospace plastics. Injection molding entails melting thermoplastic resins into a molten state and injecting it under high pressure into a mold cavity. One such thermoplastic resin is polyetheretherketone (PEEK). As it cools and solidifies, the molten plastic adopts the shape of the mold cavity. High production numbers, remarkable repeatability, and the capacity to produce complex and accurate components are all advantages of this method.

Global Aerospace Plastics Market Share, by Application, 2022

The cabin interiors sub-segment accounted for the highest market size in 2022. Wall and ceiling panels in aircraft cabins are made of plastics such thermoset composites and thermoplastics. These panels provide benefits like reduced weight, fire resistance, sturdiness, and ease of maintenance. The armrests, tray tables, and backrests of chairs as well as other seat components are made of plastic. Aerospace plastics exceed regulatory criteria for flame retardancy while providing seating that is lightweight, cozy, and long-lasting. Aerospace polymers are lightweight, which helps reduce the total weight of aircraft. This enhances payload capacity, lowers emissions, and increases fuel efficiency.

Global Aerospace Plastics Market Share, by End-use Industry, 2022

The commercial & freighter aircraft sub-segment accounted for the highest market size in 2022. Panels, fairings, and access doors are examples of fuselage components that are made of plastic. These materials offer structural integrity, weight reduction, and resistance to environmental influences. In wing structures, wingtips, flaps, and spoilers, aerospace polymers are used. These parts need to be made out of materials that are highly durable, strong, and resistant to high temperatures and aerodynamic forces. Commercial and cargo aircraft interiors use plastic for the cabin walls, overhead bins, seats, galleys, restrooms, and other interior fixtures. These components offer lightweight solutions, improve passenger comfort, and guarantee adherence to safety standards.

Global Aerospace Plastics Market Share, by Region, 2022

The North America aerospace plastics market generated the highest revenue in 2022. With a significant market for aircraft plastics, North America is one of the major regions in the aerospace sector. The industry has grown steadily over the years, boosted by rising demand for military and commercial aircraft, developments in aerospace technology, and the requirement for materials that are lightweight and fuel-efficient. Major aerospace producers like Boeing and Airbus North America are based in North America. These businesses are at the cutting edge of aircraft manufacturing and are always looking for new ways to increase performance, lighten weight, and increase fuel efficiency. The manufacturing and upkeep of commercial jets, military aircraft, and private planes drives the demand for aerospace plastics in the region.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Aerospace Plastics Market

Product development and geographic expansion are key strategies adopted by major players functioning in the highly competitive global aerospace plastics market. In March 2021, Toray Industries Inc. developed a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) prepreg with strong flame retardancy and comparable mechanical qualities.

Some of the leading aerospace plastics market players are Victrex plc, Ensinger, SABIC, Solvay, BASF SE, Saint Gobain Aerospace, Evonik Industries AG, Celanese Corporation, Toray Advanced Composites, and DuPont.