Aircraft Refueling Hose Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Composite Hose, Stainless Steel Hose, Rubber Hose), Application (Helicopters, Military Aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Commercial Aircraft), Sales Channel (Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Aftermarket) By Region, By Competition. 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.51 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.55%
Fastest Growing Segment	Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 3.47 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Aircraft Refueling Hose Market will grow from USD 2.51 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.47 Billion by 2031 at a 5.55% CAGR. Aircraft refueling hoses are specialized reinforced flexible conduits designed to safely transfer aviation fuel from storage units or hydrants to aircraft fuel tanks. The market is primarily driven by the escalating demand for air travel and the subsequent increase in flight frequencies which necessitates continuous refueling operations and infrastructure upgrades. This operational tempo accelerates equipment wear and thereby boosts the replacement rate of these critical components to maintain safety and efficiency. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2025, global aviation fuel consumption is projected to reach 107 billion gallons, highlighting the intense operational pressure on ground support equipment.

Despite the positive growth trajectory, the market faces a significant challenge regarding the rigorous compliance required with international safety standards such as EI 1529. Manufacturers must adhere to stringent quality control processes to ensure hoses can withstand extreme environmental conditions and chemical exposure without failure. This regulatory pressure imposes high production costs and technical barriers that may impede the entry of new competitors and limit the profit margins of established players. Consequently, the necessity for constant certification creates a financial burden that could slow broader market expansion for operators sensitive to costs.

Key Market Drivers

Commercial aviation fleet expansion directly mandates the procurement of durable refueling components to support increased flight frequencies. As airlines integrate new models, ground handling operations must scale to match improved turnover rates and operational volume. This surge in fleet size places immense pressure on existing ground support equipment, compelling operators to invest in compliant hoses capable of handling higher throughputs without compromising safety. According to Boeing, July 2024, in the 'Commercial Market Outlook 2024–2043', the aviation industry is projected to require nearly 44,000 new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years to meet long-term demand. Such a massive influx of aircraft necessitates a parallel expansion in refueling logistics, ensuring a sustained revenue stream for hose manufacturers who must supply both initial equipment for new terminals and replacement units for intensifying daily operations.

The development of airport refueling infrastructure in emerging markets also drives demand, specifically where urbanization necessitates new aviation hubs. Investments in modernizing facilities involve installing advanced hydrant systems and deploying new refueling fleets, all requiring certified flexible conduits. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, August 2024, in the 'Aviation Industry Report', the Indian government plans to operationalize a total of 220 airports by 2025 to handle rising regional demand. This infrastructure boom creates immediate requirements for bulk hose orders to equip new fuel farms and dispenser trucks. Furthermore, utilization intensity is rising; according to ACI World, in 2024, global passenger traffic is forecast to reach 9.7 billion, reinforcing the need for resilient refueling systems capable of sustaining continuous operation cycles.

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Key Market Challenges

The Global Aircraft Refueling Hose Market faces a substantial challenge due to the high production costs and financial burdens associated with strict adherence to international safety standards, such as EI 1529. Manufacturers are required to implement rigorous testing protocols and utilize premium-grade materials to ensure conduits can withstand extreme chemical exposure and environmental stress without failure. These non-negotiable compliance requirements significantly inflate manufacturing expenses, which forces suppliers to pass these costs onto end-users, thereby keeping unit prices high and creating a high barrier to entry for potential competitors who cannot sustain such overheads.

This price escalation directly hampers market growth by straining the procurement budgets of ground support operators and airlines, who often operate within a financially precarious environment. When faced with premium pricing for compliant refueling infrastructure, cost-sensitive operators may delay equipment turnover or extend the utilization of existing assets to preserve capital. According to the International Air Transport Association, in June 2025, the global airline industry net profit margin was projected to reach only 3.7%. This statistic highlights the razor-thin profitability of the primary customer base, demonstrating how limited financial liquidity restricts their ability to absorb rising equipment costs and dampens the frequency of new hose procurements.

Key Market Trends

The Development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Compatible Hoses is a critical trend as the industry decarbonizes. Traditional rubber hoses often lack the chemical resistance required for prolonged exposure to the varying aromatic content of SAF blends, leading to potential seal degradation and permeation issues. Manufacturers are now formulating advanced polymer compounds to ensure full compatibility with both drop-in blends and future 100% renewable fuels, thereby preventing leakages and extending service life. This material innovation is essential to meet the surging supply of alternative fuels; according to GreenAir News, June 2025, in the article 'IATA chief hits out at profiteering fuel suppliers', sustainable aviation fuel production is expected to grow to two million tonnes in 2025, necessitating a parallel upgrade in ground refueling infrastructure to handle these volumes safely.

Advancements in Autonomous Air-to-Air Refueling Technology are simultaneously driving the engineering of highly specialized aerial refueling hoses. As military operators transition toward unmanned tanker platforms, flexible conduits must integrate sensor arrays to support precise autonomous connection without human visual guidance. These "smart" hose assemblies require enhanced mechanical stability to withstand the rigorous dynamic loads of automated coupling cycles while providing real-time data on flow pressure to flight control computers. Underscoring this operational shift, according to Defense One, January 2025, in the article 'The Navy's robot refueler is coming', the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueling aircraft is officially scheduled to fly in 2025 and deploy on a carrier in 2026, creating immediate demand for autonomous-compatible refueling hardware.

Segmental Insights

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category within the Global Aircraft Refueling Hose Market, driven by the escalating demand for extended mission endurance in defense operations. Military agencies are increasingly deploying long-range drones for persistent intelligence and surveillance, necessitating autonomous aerial refueling capabilities to maximize flight times without landing. This operational shift has accelerated the need for specialized refueling hoses engineered for automated hose-and-drogue systems. Consequently, manufacturers are prioritizing the development of durable, lightweight hoses that comply with rigorous military standards to support these high-performance unmanned platforms.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the global aircraft refueling hose market, driven by its extensive network of commercial airports and significant military aviation operations. The region exhibits a high demand for ground support equipment to service frequent domestic and international flights. This market leadership is further reinforced by strict adherence to safety protocols established by the Federal Aviation Administration and the American Petroleum Institute. These organizations mandate rigorous quality standards for fuel handling systems, necessitating the regular replacement of hoses to ensure operational safety and compliance throughout the aviation sector.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, Elaflex Hiby GmbH & Co. KG released updated technical information and catalogue details regarding its aviation refueling product line. The update specifically highlighted the "Yellow Band" aircraft refueling hoses, which are a standard in the industry for their compliance with international safety norms. Additionally, the company introduced new specifications for the ZVA 32 AF HiFlo-Automatic Aviation Nozzle, enhancing its portfolio of equipment used for safe and reliable overwing refueling. These developments reflect the company's ongoing commitment to meeting evolving industry standards and ensuring the safe transfer of sensitive aviation fuels.
• In April 2025, Continental commissioned a new production line for high-pressure hydrogen hoses at its facility in Korbach, Germany. This expansion, representing an investment of approximately €3 million, enables the company's industrial group sector to offer safe and efficient conveyance solutions across the entire hydrogen value chain. The newly manufactured hoses are designed to meet the rigorous requirements for the refueling of aircraft, as well as cars, trucks, and ships. The production line utilizes a new material combination involving thermoplastics and steel to ensure hydrogen tightness and pressure resistance while maintaining flexibility for safe handling at dispensing stations.
• In November 2024, Eaton was awarded a $3.5 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to design a new podded refueling boom known as the Small Hybrid Aerial Refueling Kit (SHARK). This contract, overseen by the AFRL Transformational Capabilities Office, focuses on developing a platform-agnostic aerial refueling system capable of serving both traditional and non-traditional tanker aircraft. The project aims to enable safe in-flight refueling for a wide range of current and next-generation aircraft, including autonomous systems, thereby strengthening operational capabilities and redefining the possibilities for aerial refueling missions.
• In April 2024, Parker Aerospace, a business segment of Parker Hannifin Corporation, entered into a collaborative partnership by joining the HyFIVE consortium. This industry and academic alliance, which includes partners such as Marshall and GKN Aerospace, aims to develop a world-leading liquid hydrogen fuel system and supply chain to support zero-emission aviation. The consortium secured initial funding of £17 million from industry partners, matched by £20 million from the UK Government. Parker Aerospace will contribute its advanced technology and expertise in fluid conveyance, sensing, and thermal management to the project, which addresses key technology development areas including fuel storage, conveyance, and fueling for multiple aircraft types.

Key Market Players

• Colex International
• Eaton Corporation plc
• Flexaust Inc.
• Gates Industrial Corporation plc
• KANAFLEX CORPORATION CO., LTD.
• Kurt Manufacturing
• Kuriyama of America, Inc
• Norres Schlauchtechnik
• Pacific Echo
• Kuriyama of America, Inc

By Type	By Region
Composite Hose Stainless Steel Hose Rubber Hose	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Aircraft Refueling Hose Market, By Type:

• Composite Hose
• Stainless Steel Hose
• Rubber Hose

• Aircraft Refueling Hose 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