Aerospace Materials Market– Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Structural and Non-structural), By Aircraft (General and Commercial, Military and Defense, and Space Vehicles), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 44.81 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	8.65%
Fastest Growing Segment	Military and Defense
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 73.71 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Aerospace Materials Market will grow from USD 44.81 Billion in 2025 to USD 73.71 Billion by 2031 at a 8.65% CAGR. The Global Aerospace Materials Market encompasses high-performance substances such as aluminum alloys, titanium, composites, and superalloys engineered for aircraft structures and engines to ensure durability and aerodynamic efficiency. The market is primarily propelled by the escalating demand for lightweight, fuel-efficient fleets to meet sustainability targets and the robust resurgence of commercial aviation which necessitates substantial maintenance and fleet expansion. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in 2024, total global passenger traffic increased by 10.4% compared to the previous year, creating a direct surge in the requirement for new aircraft production and aftermarket parts.

Despite this strong demand trajectory, the sector faces a significant challenge regarding supply chain volatility and the availability of critical raw materials. The intricate logistics required to source high-grade metals and composite precursors are highly susceptible to geopolitical instability and production bottlenecks. These disruptions frequently result in extended lead times and inflated procurement costs, which can severely hamper manufacturing output and impede the industry's ability to satisfy the growing backlog of aircraft orders.

Key Market Drivers

The surge in global air passenger traffic and commercial fleet expansion act as primary catalysts for the aerospace materials sector. As airlines strive to restore capacity and accommodate growth, manufacturers are ramping up production, intensifying the consumption of aluminum alloys, titanium, and carbon fiber composites. According to Boeing, July 2024, in the 'Commercial Market Outlook 2024 to 2043', the aviation industry is projected to require nearly 44,000 new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years to meet this escalating demand. This robust ordering cycle creates unprecedented pressure on suppliers to secure long term contracts and scale output. Highlighting this burden on the overall market, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in 2024, the global industry backlog for new aircraft reached a record high of 17,000 planes, necessitating a sustained inflow of raw materials to fulfill these pending orders.

Concurrently, rising global defense expenditure is reshaping the market, particularly for high performance and stealth capable materials. Escalating geopolitical tensions have compelled nations to modernize air forces with next generation fighter jets and unmanned systems, requiring advanced superalloys and specialized composites to withstand extreme operational environments. This strategic shift is evidenced by substantial financial resource allocation to military procurement. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), April 2024, in the 'Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023', total global military spending surged to reach an all time high of $2,443 billion in 2023. This increased fiscal allocation ensures steady demand for specialized aerospace materials independent of the commercial aviation cycle, providing a critical buffer against economic volatility.

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Key Market Challenges

Supply chain volatility and the scarcity of critical raw materials present a substantial barrier to the expansion of the Global Aerospace Materials Market. The complex logistics involved in procuring high-grade metals and composite precursors create vulnerabilities that lead to extended lead times and unpredictable procurement costs. These logistical disruptions directly limit the manufacturing capacity of aircraft original equipment manufacturers, preventing the timely conversion of raw materials into the finished structural components and engines required for fleet renewal.

Consequently, the inability to secure a consistent flow of materials results in a widening gap between confirmed orders and final deliveries. This bottleneck restricts revenue realization for material suppliers who are unable to fulfill the escalating volume of contracts efficiently. According to the ADS Group, in the first half of 2024, the global aircraft order backlog reached a record high of 15,668 aircraft, highlighting the severity of production constraints driven by these supply chain limitations. This accumulation of unfilled orders demonstrates how material shortages effectively cap market performance and slow industrial momentum despite strong demand indicators.

Key Market Trends

The Expansion of Additive Manufacturing Metal Powder Portfolios is fundamentally altering the global aerospace materials supply chain by enabling the production of complex, lightweight engine components with significantly reduced material waste. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing, which often suffers from high buy-to-fly ratios, additive methods allow suppliers to utilize specialized titanium and nickel superalloy powders to print parts on-demand, thereby circumventing the long lead times associated with conventional forgings. This shift is aggressively supported by major tier-one suppliers seeking to immunize their production lines against raw material volatility and energy costs. According to GKN Aerospace, January 2024, in a press release regarding its sustainable manufacturing capabilities, the company invested £50 million to expand its additive fabrication infrastructure in Sweden, specifically targeting a reduction in raw material usage of up to 80% for critical aero-engine structures.

Simultaneously, the Rising Utilization of Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) in Engine Sections is redefining propulsion efficiency standards by permitting higher operating temperatures that traditional metallic superalloys cannot withstand. Engine manufacturers are integrating these silicon carbide-based materials into high-pressure turbine shrouds and combustor liners to minimize the need for cooling air, which directly improves thermal efficiency and specific fuel consumption. This material transition is inextricably linked to the commercial ramp-up of next-generation engines which depend on CMCs to meet rigorous environmental performance targets. Highlighting the robust market demand for these advanced propulsion systems, according to GE Aerospace, October 2024, in the 'Third Quarter 2024 Results', total commercial engine and services orders increased by 29% year-over-year, driven by the sustained backlog of LEAP engines which extensively utilize these advanced composite technologies.

Segmental Insights

The Military and Defense segment represents the fastest-growing vertical within the Global Aerospace Materials Market, primarily driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and increased defense budgets worldwide. Governments are actively prioritizing fleet modernization programs to replace legacy units, necessitating the use of lightweight composites and high-strength alloys that enhance fuel efficiency and payload capacity. Furthermore, strategic directives from international bodies like NATO regarding defense expenditure targets have catalyzed procurement activities globally. This sustained focus on strengthening aerial capabilities directly accelerates the demand for specialized materials essential for manufacturing high-performance military aircraft.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the global aerospace materials market due to the strong presence of major original equipment manufacturers and a substantial defense sector. The region benefits from high production rates of commercial aircraft and extensive government investment in military aviation. This demand is supported by a mature supply chain for aluminum alloys and composite materials. Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Administration establishes rigorous certification standards that drive the adoption of compliant materials. Consequently, the established industrial base and consistent manufacturing activities ensure North America remains the primary revenue generator in this sector.

Recent Developments

• In December 2025, GKN Aerospace entered into a strategic agreement with Norwegian Catapult to invest in and expand advanced additive manufacturing capabilities at its facility in Kongsberg, Norway. This collaboration focuses on industrializing sustainable production methods for aerospace components, specifically targeting reductions in material waste and lead times through 3D printing technologies. The partnership allows the company's Material Solutions business unit to leverage shared expertise and infrastructure to accelerate the deployment of additive fabrication processes, supporting the global aerospace industry's transition towards more efficient and environmentally responsible manufacturing supply chains.
• In September 2025, Syensqo achieved a significant regulatory milestone by securing FAA-sponsored National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) qualification for its PRISM EP2400 epoxy resin system. This qualification, accomplished in collaboration with Teijin Carbon, validated the material for use in aerospace structural applications, specifically optimized for resin infusion processes. The certification provides aircraft manufacturers with a verified, database-backed material solution that enables the production of integrated composite structures without the need for autoclave curing, thereby reducing energy consumption and production costs.
• In October 2024, Victrex announced the full commercial availability of its LMPAEK granules and powders, extending its portfolio of high-performance thermoplastic solutions for the aerospace sector. These materials were developed to facilitate faster processing times and lower manufacturing costs compared to traditional PEEK polymers, particularly in composite and additive manufacturing applications. The introduction of these new polymer grades aims to support the production of complex, lightweight aerospace parts that require superior thermal management and mechanical strength, catering to the industry's shift towards more sustainable and efficient manufacturing methods.
• In March 2024, Hexcel Corporation launched a new high-performance material, HexTow IM9 24K continuous carbon fiber, designed to meet the growing demand for lightweight and durable aerospace components. This intermediate modulus fiber provides significant tensile strength and is optimized for efficient processing in high-rate manufacturing environments. The product launch addressed the industry's need for advanced composite materials that support the production of next-generation aircraft by offering improved mechanical properties and compatibility with various resin systems for structural applications.

Key Market Players

• 3M Company
• Acerinox, S.A.
• Akzo Nobel NV
• Aluminum Corporation of China Limited
• Arkema SA
• Advanced Technology International (ATI)
• Axalta Coating Systems, LLC
• BASF SE
• Beacon Adhesives Inc.
• CRS Holdings, LLC

By Type	By Aircraft	By Region
Structural and Non-structural	General and Commercial Military and Defense and Space Vehicles	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Aerospace Materials Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Aerospace Materials Market, By Type:

• Structural and Non-structural

• Aerospace Materials Market, By Aircraft:

• General and Commercial
• Military and Defense
• and Space Vehicles

• Aerospace Materials Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE