Air Starter Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Vane Air Starter, and Turbine Air Starter), By End-User (Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Mining, and Others), By Region, Competition 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 0.49 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.82%
Fastest Growing Segment	Turbine Air Starter
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 0.65 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Air Starter Market will grow from USD 0.49 Billion in 2025 to USD 0.65 Billion by 2031 at a 4.82% CAGR. The Global Air Starter Market centers on the production and distribution of pneumatic mechanical devices that utilize compressed air to generate the necessary torque for initiating the operation of heavy-duty diesel engines and gas turbines. These systems are critical for applications in hazardous environments such as oil refineries, marine vessels, and mining operations because they offer spark-free reliability and high power-to-weight ratios. The primary driver supporting market growth is the expansion of the aviation and industrial machinery sectors, which necessitates robust components for turbine engines. According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, in 2024, business jet deliveries increased by 4.7 percent to 764 units, underscoring the sustained demand for turbine engine sub-systems.

Despite the strong demand from heavy industries, the market encounters a significant challenge regarding the infrastructure required for pneumatic systems. The necessity for bulky air reservoirs and high-pressure compressors imposes substantial spatial and maintenance burdens that can impede adoption in space-constrained applications where compact electric alternatives are increasingly viable. This infrastructural complexity remains a barrier to broader market expansion beyond traditional heavy-duty sectors.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Global Aviation Fleet Size and Production propels the Global Air Starter Market as manufacturers ramp up output to meet recovering travel demand. Turbine engines and auxiliary power units require reliable pneumatic starting systems, creating a direct correlation between aircraft delivery rates and starter procurement. This upward trend in manufacturing is evident in recent industrial outputs. According to Airbus, February 2024, in the 'Full-Year 2023 Results', the company delivered 735 commercial aircraft in 2023, representing an 11 percent increase compared to the previous year. This elevation in airframe production necessitates a parallel increase in the supply of air start units to support new fleet integrations, directly boosting market revenue.

The Expansion of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Activities drives the market due to stringent safety requirements in volatile environments. Pneumatic starters are essential here as they eliminate electrical sparks, a mandatory protocol for engines and turbines on offshore platforms. The capital influx into this sector underscores the growing reliance on such specialized equipment. According to the International Energy Agency, June 2024, in the 'World Energy Investment 2024' report, global upstream oil and gas investment is expected to rise by 7 percent to reach USD 570 billion in 2024. Furthermore, the broader energy sector's robustness sustains demand for turbine support systems. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2024, U.S. crude oil production reached an annual record of 12.9 million barrels per day in 2023. This intensified activity ensures a continuous requirement for explosion-proof starting mechanisms in heavy-duty energy applications.

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Key Market Challenges

The significant infrastructure requirements for pneumatic systems act as a substantial restraint on the Global Air Starter Market. The necessity for bulky air reservoirs and high-pressure compressors creates installation difficulties and ongoing maintenance obligations that are increasingly untenable in modern, space-constrained industrial environments. This physical footprint limits the applicability of air starters in sectors where optimizing machinery density is critical, such as offshore marine vessels and compact mining operations. Consequently, equipment manufacturers are frequently bypassing pneumatic options in favor of electric alternatives that offer easier integration and lower logistical overhead.

This operational preference away from cumbersome pneumatic configurations is measurably impacting the broader sector's performance. According to the National Fluid Power Association, in 2024, total fluid power shipments declined by 14.9 percent compared to the previous year. This contraction suggests that the logistical and spatial burdens associated with traditional pneumatic infrastructure are directly contributing to a slowdown in adoption rates, as industrial end-users seek to minimize component complexity and facility footprint.

Key Market Trends

The accelerated adoption of turbine air starter technology is reshaping the market as operators prioritize high power-to-weight ratios over traditional vane mechanisms. Turbine starters, which often eliminate pre-lubrication requirements, are becoming the standard for aviation and lightweight industrial applications demanding superior efficiency. This technological shift is heavily supported by the resurgence of the aerospace sector, which sets the innovation pace for pneumatic components. According to the Aerospace Industries Association, September 2024, in the '2024 Facts & Figures' report, U.S. aerospace and defense sales reached USD 955 billion in 2023, creating a capital-rich environment that is driving the rapid cross-sector integration of these advanced turbine-driven systems over heavier legacy alternatives.

Simultaneously, the integration of IoT and smart sensors for predictive maintenance is transforming air starters into intelligent assets. Manufacturers are embedding sensors to monitor critical parameters like air pressure and rotational speed, enabling operators to transition from reactive repairs to data-driven preventative strategies. This digitization is essential for minimizing unplanned downtime in continuous-process industries where starter failure can halt entire production lines. The market's financial commitment to smart industrial technologies is evident in recent performance. According to Ingersoll Rand Inc., February 2024, in the 'Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results', the Industrial Technologies and Services segment reported a fourth-quarter revenue increase of 15 percent to USD 1.5 billion, underscoring the robust demand for connected and technologically advanced compressed air solutions.

Segmental Insights

The Turbine Air Starter segment establishes itself as the fastest-growing category within the Global Air Starter Market due to distinct operational advantages over vane-type alternatives. These starters are increasingly prioritized in heavy-duty applications because they often eliminate the need for external lubrication, which significantly reduces maintenance requirements and the risk of drive system failure. Furthermore, the adoption of this technology aligns with strict environmental mandates from organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency regarding emission control and hazardous fluid management. Consequently, industries are transitioning toward turbine mechanisms to ensure compliant and reliable engine ignition.

Regional Insights

North America dominates the global air starter market due to substantial demand from the aviation and industrial sectors. The region benefits from a well-established aerospace infrastructure and extensive oil and gas exploration activities requiring reliable engine starting systems. Furthermore, strict operational protocols enforced by regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration necessitate compliant components for turbine engines. The presence of major aircraft manufacturers and energy companies within the United States further consolidates the region's position, ensuring consistent demand for air starter technologies in both commercial and defense applications.

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Austart released the ATS87 air starter, a robust new model specifically engineered for the marine propulsion sector. The company developed this product as a direct, drop-in replacement for Ingersoll Rand’s legacy SS150 series starters, targeting operators of EMD engines who require reliable alternatives without modifying existing piping infrastructure. This launch addressed a gap in the market created by product consolidations, providing vessel operators with a high-performance solution that ensures compatibility and ease of installation. The release was accompanied by updated technical literature to support global distributors and marine service providers.
• In September 2024, IPU Group finalized the sale of its Engine Starting Division to an international industrial consortium, establishing the division as a standalone company named Powerstart Limited. This strategic divestiture transferred the entire portfolio of hydraulic and air starter products, including manufacturing and design operations, to the new entity. The reorganization was intended to provide Powerstart Limited with a dedicated focus on developing advanced starting solutions for global markets. Management assured stakeholders that the transition would maintain existing distribution channels and technical support for customers in the oil, gas, and marine industries.
• In August 2024, Austart announced the commercial launch of its ATS203 Engine Air Starters, designed to meet the rigorous demands of the marine and mining industries. This new range was engineered with a focus on delivering a high power-to-weight ratio, ensuring efficient cranking for large diesel and gas engines with minimal air consumption. The company specified that the ATS203 features a lubrication-free design, which significantly lowers maintenance costs and operational downtime. Additionally, the starters were certified for use in hazardous environments, reinforcing their suitability for critical applications in the oil and gas sector.
• In June 2024, Ingersoll Rand Inc. completed the acquisition of Complete Air and Power Solutions (CAPS), a prominent Australian distributor of compressed air and power generation equipment. This transaction, part of a larger consolidation effort valued at approximately $150 million, formally integrated CAPS into Ingersoll Rand’s Industrial Technologies and Services segment. CAPS had served as a key channel partner for decades, supplying industrial air starters and compressors to the mining and industrial sectors. The acquisition aimed to strengthen the manufacturer's direct market presence and expand its service capabilities across the Australian region.

Key Market Players

• Ingersoll Rand Inc.
• ABB Ltd.
• Atlas Copco AB
• Siemens AG
• GE Oil & Gas
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
• Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc.
• FPT Industrial S.p.A.
• Cummins Inc.
• WEG Industries

By Type	By End-User	By Region
Vane Air Starter Turbine Air Starter	Oil & Gas Power Generation Mining Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Air Starter Market, By Type:

• Vane Air Starter
• Turbine Air Starter

• Air Starter Market, By End-User:

• Oil & Gas
• Power Generation
• Mining
• Others

• Air Starter 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