Aircraft Refueling Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Component (Aviation Refueller, Dispenser, Refueling Pods, Probe & Drogue, Others), By Aircraft Type (Commercial Airplane, Military Airplane, Helicopters), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Aircraft Refueling Market, valued at USD 8.75 Billion in 2024, is projected to experience a CAGR of 5.62% to reach USD 12.15 Billion by 2030. The Global Aircraft Refueling Market encompasses the essential services and infrastructure required for transferring aviation fuel into aircraft tanks to facilitate flight operations. Market expansion is primarily driven by the escalating global air traffic volumes, consistent growth in commercial aircraft fleets, and robust demand across both passenger and cargo aviation sectors, all necessitating enhanced refueling capabilities. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global aviation fuel consumption was projected to reach 94 billion gallons in 2023, with an anticipated rise to 99 billion gallons in 2024, underscoring the increasing operational demands on the refueling sector.

A significant challenge that could impede market growth is the persistent volatility of global crude oil prices. This instability directly influences aviation fuel costs, leading to unpredictable operational expenses for airlines and refueling service providers, which can consequently affect investment in new equipment and infrastructure.

Key Market Drivers

The expansion of global commercial aviation and air travel demand serves as a primary driver for the aircraft refueling market. Consistent growth in passenger and cargo volumes directly necessitates increased flight operations and fuel uplift services across global airports. As travel has rebounded and connectivity strengthened, the aviation industry has experienced significant recovery. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in January 2025, in its 'Global Air Passenger Demand Hits Record High In 2024' report, total full-year air traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) rose 10.4% compared to 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 3.8%. This resurgence drives higher demand for jet fuel, directly influencing refueling infrastructure.

Increasing military aviation spending and fleet modernization also substantially influence aircraft refueling capabilities. Governments prioritize defense amid evolving geopolitical landscapes, leading to investments in upgrading existing military aircraft and acquiring new, more fuel-intensive platforms. These modernization efforts enhance operational readiness and extend mission ranges, requiring readily available refueling support. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), in its 'Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2024' report published in April 2025, world military expenditure reached $2718 billion in 2024, a 9.4% real-term increase from the previous year, the highest global total ever recorded by SIPRI. Such elevated spending directly supports the procurement and operation of larger military fleets, demanding consistent refueling. This broader market expansion is evident as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in June 2025, in its 'IATA chief hits out at “profiteering” fuel suppliers as SAF production expected to double in 2025' report, expects global jet fuel consumption to increase from 99 billion gallons in 2024 to 103 billion gallons in 2025.

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Key Market Challenges

The persistent volatility of global crude oil prices poses a significant challenging factor for the Global Aircraft Refueling Market. Fluctuations in crude oil directly influence aviation fuel costs, which represent a substantial portion of airline operational expenditures. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), fuel accounted for approximately 32% of airline operating expenses in both 2023 and 2024, highlighting its critical impact on carrier finances.

This instability creates unpredictable operational expenses for both airlines and refueling service providers, making long-term financial planning and budget allocation particularly difficult. When fuel costs surge unexpectedly, it can compress profit margins for airlines, leading to a more cautious approach to capital expenditure. This financial uncertainty directly impedes investment in new refueling equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and technological advancements required to expand and modernize the aircraft refueling capabilities necessary for market growth.

Key Market Trends

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) infrastructure development represents a critical trend shaping the global aircraft refueling market, driven by the aviation industry's decarbonization goals. This necessitates substantial investment across the supply chain, encompassing production, blending, storage, and efficient airport distribution networks. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in 2024, SAF production volumes reached 1 million tonnes (1.3 billion liters), doubling the 0.5 million tonnes (600 million liters) produced in 2023, underscoring the escalating demand for corresponding infrastructure. This specialized infrastructure is vital for transitioning from conventional jet fuel, requiring complex logistical adjustments and new equipment. Neste, a leading SAF producer, for example, announced in its Green Finance Report 2024 that it raised EUR 550 million in green term loans in 2024, with a significant portion allocated to projects to increase its renewable fuels production capacity. This trend will significantly reshape investment priorities in refueling technologies and ground operations.

The adoption of autonomous refueling systems is a significant trend, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and precision in aircraft fueling operations. This integrates robotic and automated technologies for tasks traditionally executed by human personnel, such as hose connection and fuel transfer monitoring. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), at its 35th Ground Handling Conference in May 2023, accelerating digitalization and automation was stressed as a key priority for the ground handling sector, indicating a broader industry move towards automated solutions, including refueling. These systems minimize human error, improve turnaround times, and enable operations in challenging environments. Airbus, for example, in October 2023, successfully demonstrated autonomous aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities using its A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, highlighting automation's potential in complex scenarios. The continued integration of these solutions is expected to streamline refueling processes and optimize resource utilization.

Segmental Insights

The Global Aircraft Refueling Market is experiencing significant expansion, with the Commercial Airplane segment identified as a primary growth driver. This segment is demonstrating rapid growth, fueled by several interconnected factors. A key contributor is the consistent rise in global air passenger traffic, driven by increasing disposable incomes and expanding middle-class populations worldwide, particularly in emerging economies. Furthermore, the sustained expansion of airline fleets to accommodate this escalating travel demand, coupled with modernization efforts for more fuel-efficient aircraft, necessitates enhanced refueling operations. The ongoing development and upgrade of airport infrastructure globally also support this growth by enabling higher flight frequencies and accommodating larger commercial aircraft. These dynamics collectively contribute to the robust performance of the Commercial Airplane segment within the market.

Regional Insights

The North American region leads the global aircraft refueling market due to its robust aviation infrastructure, significant air travel demand, and continuous technological advancements. The presence of major international airports equipped with state-of-the-art facilities fuels demand for advanced refueling solutions across commercial, military, and general aviation sectors. Furthermore, substantial defense investments, particularly by the U. S. government in its military and defense industry, drive innovation in fuel system technologies and the deployment of efficient air-to-air refueling capabilities. Regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada impose stringent safety and environmental standards, which promote ongoing investment in sophisticated and compliant refueling equipment and services.

Recent Developments

• In October 2025, SkyMark Refuelers introduced the largest all-electric aircraft refueler in the United States, marking a notable new product launch in the ground aircraft refueling segment. Unveiled in collaboration with World Fuel Services and Clay Lacy Aviation, the 7,000-gallon capacity tanker was slated for delivery to Clay Lacy's fixed-base operation at Van Nuys Airport, California, for dispensing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This initiative supports environmental objectives by providing a zero-emission ground service equipment solution for aircraft fueling, demonstrating a clear link to the evolving landscape of sustainable practices within the global aircraft refueling market.

• In November 2024, intelligent power management company Eaton was awarded a $3.5 million contract by the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to design an innovative aerial refueling system. The contract focuses on developing a new podded refueling boom, designated as the Small Hybrid Aerial Refueling Kit (SHARK), which will enable both traditional and non-traditional tanker aircraft to conduct safe in-flight refueling. This breakthrough research aims to provide a platform-agnostic aerial refueling capability for a wide range of current and next-generation military aircraft, including autonomous systems, directly enhancing operational flexibility within the global aircraft refueling market.

• In August 2024, BP made a strategic investment of 354 million yuan, approximately $50 million, to acquire a 15% stake in Zhejiang Jiaao Enprotech's sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) unit, Lianyungang Jiaao Enproenergy Co., a Chinese biofuel company. This marked the first collaboration between a global oil major and a Chinese SAF company. Jiaao Enproenergy planned to construct a large SAF plant in Lianyungang, aiming to produce 500,000 tons of SAF annually from waste cooking oil. This significant investment directly supports the expansion of sustainable fuel production, influencing future aircraft refueling infrastructure and supply chains globally.

• In February 2024, TotalEnergies and Airbus entered into a strategic partnership aimed at advancing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) for decarbonizing the aviation sector. This collaboration encompassed TotalEnergies supplying over half of Airbus's SAF requirements in Europe. Furthermore, the partnership initiated a joint research and innovation program. The objective of this program was to develop 100% sustainable fuels specifically tailored for current and future aircraft designs, alongside studying the impact of SAF composition on reducing CO2 emissions and non-CO2 effects, such as contrails. This initiative directly contributes to evolving global aircraft refueling practices by promoting cleaner fuel alternatives and supporting their widespread adoption.

Key Market Players

• Eaton
• Parker Hannifin
• Cobham
• Refuel International
• Garsite
• ROHR
• Westmor
• SkyMark
• General Transervice
• Fuelchief

Report Scope:

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

• Aircraft Refueling Market, By Aircraft Type:

o   Commercial Airplane

o   Military Airplane

o   Helicopters

• Aircraft Refueling Market, By Component:

o   Aviation Refueller

o   Dispenser

o   Refueling Pods

o   Probe & Drogue

o   Others

• Aircraft Refueling Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Aircraft Refueling Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Aircraft Refueling Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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