Powered Glider Aircraft Market

Glider Aircraft Market Analysis

The Glider Aircraft Market is expected to register a CAGR of 1.78% during the forecast period.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries imposed some restrictions on importing and exporting goods. The supply chain disruption significantly affected the companies' future growth due to the lockdown. The revenue was not being generated for the companies due to the pandemic resulting in a down surge of tourism and recreational activities, which resulted in major losses in 2021. However, the market is seeing growth with the recovery of the tourism sector in 2022 across major geographies in the North American and European regions.

The growth in enthusiasm toward adrenaline sports and recreational activities around the world is anticipated to support the growth of glider aircraft during the forecast period. The increasing investment by glider aircraft manufacturers in high-performance electric glider aircraft, coupled with advancements in materials and propulsion technologies, is expected to drive the glider aircraft market during the forecast period.

Glider Aircraft Market Trends

Commercial Segment to Dominate the Market During the Forecasted Period

The increasing enthusiasm toward adrenaline sports and the growing participation of people in outdoor recreational activities are significant factors that are currently driving the commercial glider aircraft market, especially in regions like North America, Europe, and Oceania. The growth in adventure tourism in these regions is also propelling the growth of the market as more and more people are participating in adrenaline sports and recreational activities like hang gliding, air racing, para jumping, etc. Adventure sports are gaining significance owing to the rising disposable income and a significant number of the population aged 20-60. According to the World Bank, in 2021, the population aged 15-64 was 65% of the total population globally. As per the Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries, People aged between 40 and 70 occupy two-thirds of adventure tourism. Europeans make 100 million adventure trips every year to other countries. European adventure travelers have been significantly investing in adrenaline sports. Factors such as changes in lifestyle, demographics, growing per capita income, and the increasing realization of people towards the physical and mental benefits of outdoor recreational activities are inspiring people to engage in such activities, which are currently creating a demand for the glider aircraft.

Europe to Experience the Highest Growth Rate During the Forecast Period

Europe is projected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Europe is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Tourist attractions in the region, like the Alps, are home to various extreme sports, like gliding. Many countries in the region, like the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and France, have seen a lot of hang-gliding activities in the recent past. The region also has many glider aircraft manufacturers, due to the high demand for such aircraft and related equipment and services.

Europe produces one of the largest numbers of glider aircraft in the world. In Europe, much of the demand for gliding activities occurs during the summer season when the winds are not so strong. Also, the autumn and spring seasons see a fair amount of demand for gliding activities, if the winds are low. To fly a sailplane in Europe, the pilot must have an EASA glider pilot license. However, the certifications issued by foreign countries are accepted by some countries in the region. EASA is taking many measures to promote gliding activities across Europe and is also working toward simplifying the rules of gliding for easy access for reading and understanding, helping the enthusiasts. Such efforts by the regulatory bodies are expected to further boost the growth of the region during the forecast period.

Glider Aircraft Industry Overview

The glider aircraft market is highly fragmented, with the presence of prominent players such as DG Aviation GmbH, Lange Aviation GmbH, Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co., Schempp-Hirth Flugzeug-Vertriebs GmbH, Airborne Windsports, and others. The market is mainly driven by innovations, with manufacturers launching new products with advanced features to attract new customers. Moreover, several companies are building glider aircraft which are efficient across a wide speed range, faster, highly maneuverable as well as easy to handle. Companies are using sophisticated computer-aided design software, to test and analyze designs in advance, which helps them produce the most efficient aerodynamic shape with the least possible drag. Such an emphasis on innovative, safe, efficient, and high-quality product development is expected to bolster the growth prospects of the players during the forecast period.

Glider Aircraft Market Leaders

Glider Aircraft Market News

• In December 2022, AURA AERO, a pioneer in decarbonized aviation signed an agreement with the French Gliding Federation to buy one INTEGRAL E, in its tricycle version. The main aim of the federation is to use this aircraft daily as a glider tow plane within a gliding club.
• In May 2022, Serco the international provider of services to governments has been awarded a new three-year contract to continue to deliver Glider Maintenance Services for RAF Air Cadets.