New Fleet That Adheres to Environmental Norms Drives Global Commercial Aircraft Programs

Aug. 25, 2010

LONDON, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- From the aircraft integrator's perspective, fuel-efficient and light aircraft that adhere to environmental norms and have low operational costs are the key market drivers for global commercial aircraft programmes. Airline operators have been under immense pressure to reduce operational costs and adhere to environmental norms, resulting in the systematic replacement of existing fleets. Aircraft integrators either replace an existing model or fill the gaps in their product line.

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New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.aerospace.frost.com), ROSM-Global Commercial Aircraft Programs-Revenue Opportunities and Stakeholder Mapping, finds that the market earned revenues of $2.35 billion in 2010 and estimates this to reach $27.59 billion by 2020. The market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.48 per cent during this period and the highest revenue is likely to be generated in 2020. The end-user markets covered in this research service are single aisle and twin aisle.

"Boeing is planning to start delivery of the 787 (B787) by the end of 2010, with around 50 per cent of the aircraft built from composites," says Frost & Sullivan Team Leader (Aerospace & Defence Practice) John Siddharth C.P. "Although it is meant to compete with Airbus 350 (A350), the B787 will have an edge due to its early entry into service three years before the A350."

In the last decade, legislative norms have significantly impacted the aviation industry. The major norms include caps on emissions and noise reduction. Such stringent norms will drive this market as airline operators will be impelled to procure new, quieter and more fuel efficient fleets.

However, the cash-in-hand (CIH) factor is gaining importance from the suppliers' perspective due to the development of a risk-sharing partnership model. The suppliers also prefer to get involved in risk partnerships to secure the higher margins given to risk-sharing partners by aircraft integrators in the first five to ten years of production.

"The cost of development of a new aircraft programme costs billions of dollars," explains Siddharth. "Besides the allocated budget, the cost of development exceeds - referred as cost overrun, this has been a major challenge for the industry."

Aircraft integrators other than Boeing and Airbus need to prove their credibility in terms of future models and attract suppliers for risk-sharing partnerships. As the market segmentation becomes more niche, airplane integrators should focus on their expertise.

"Suppliers need to ensure higher margins in the initial years of new aircraft delivery so that there is optimum cash flow for continuous investments," concludes Siddharth. "Tier 3 suppliers and the design segment suppliers should also get equipped with greater CIH to sustain the change in business models."

If you are interested in more information on this study, please e-mail Monika Kwiecinska, Corporate Communications, at [email protected], with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.

ROSM-Global Commercial Aircraft Programs-Revenue Opportunities and Stakeholder Mapping is part of the Aerospace Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: ROSM- Global Aircraft Avionics Systems Development Programs- Revenue Opportunities and Stakeholder Mapping, ROSM- Global Green Aircraft Engine Programs- Revenue Opportunities and Stakeholder Mapping, and ROSM- Global Aircraft Material Programs- Revenue Opportunities and Stakeholder Mapping. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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ROSM-Global Commercial Aircraft Programs-Revenue Opportunities and Stakeholder Mapping M596 Contact: Monika Kwiecinska Corporate Communications - Europe P: +48 22 390 4127 F: +48 22 390 4160 E: [email protected]

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan