Aircraft Wheels Brakes Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Wheel Type (Nose Wheel and Main Landing Gear Wheel), By Brake Type (Carbon Brake and Steel Brake), By End-User (OEM and Aftermarket), By Aircraft Type (Commercial Aircraft and Military Aircraft), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 11.29 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.12%
Fastest Growing Segment	Carbon Brake
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 16.12 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Aircraft Wheels Brakes Market will grow from USD 11.29 Billion in 2025 to USD 16.12 Billion by 2031 at a 6.12% CAGR. Aircraft wheels and brakes are critical landing gear components engineered to support the weight of the vehicle on the ground and provide the necessary friction for deceleration during taxiing and landing operations. The primary driver supporting market growth is the resurgence in global flight frequency, which necessitates both fleet expansion and strict adherence to replacement cycles for these high-wear parts. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, global full-year passenger traffic rose by 10.4% compared to the prior year, directly influencing the demand for maintenance services and new component installations.

However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the volatility of the supply chain for advanced raw materials such as carbon composites and high-grade steel. Disruptions in procuring these critical inputs can lead to extended production delays and escalated manufacturing costs, thereby restraining the industry's ability to efficiently meet the rising operational requirements of the commercial and military aviation sectors.

Key Market Drivers

The expansion of commercial aircraft fleets acts as a primary catalyst for the global aircraft wheels and brakes market, driving substantial demand for original equipment manufacturing. As airlines modernize their operations to improve fuel efficiency and accommodate recovering passenger numbers, they are placing record orders for new airframes, each requiring a complete set of advanced landing gear assemblies. This fleet renewal strategy directly correlates with increased procurement of wheel and brake systems, particularly those utilizing lightweight materials to reduce overall aircraft weight. According to The Boeing Company, July 2024, in the 'Commercial Market Outlook 2024–2043', the aviation industry is projected to demand 43,975 new commercial airplanes over the next two decades to meet traffic growth and replacement needs. Additionally, the business aviation sector contributes to this OEM momentum, as corporations and high-net-worth individuals upgrade their private fleets. According to Honeywell International Inc., October 2024, in the '33rd Annual Global Business Aviation Outlook', the sector forecasts up to 8,500 new business jet deliveries worth $280 billion over the next decade, further securing long-term manufacturing orders for component suppliers.

Growth in Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities serves as the second vital driver, sustaining the market through the recurring necessity of replacing high-wear friction components. Aircraft brakes and wheels endure immense thermal and mechanical stress during every landing cycle, making them some of the most frequently replaced parts in an aircraft's lifecycle. Higher utilization rates of existing fleets inevitably accelerate the wear of carbon heat sinks and steel rotors, compelling operators to invest heavily in aftermarket services and spares to maintain airworthiness and safety compliance. This trend is evident in the financial performance of major landing system suppliers who are seeing surged revenues from their service divisions. According to Safran S.A., July 2024, in the 'First-Half 2024 Results', aftermarket services for its Equipment & Defense division, which includes landing systems and carbon brakes, grew by 18 percent compared to the same period in the previous year, highlighting the critical revenue stream generated by maintenance requirements.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

The volatility of the supply chain for advanced raw materials constitutes a significant restraint on the Global Aircraft Wheels and Brakes Market. This sector relies heavily on the consistent availability of high-grade steel and carbon composites to manufacture components that endure extreme thermal and mechanical stress. Disruptions in sourcing these critical inputs lead to severe production bottlenecks, forcing manufacturers to extend lead times and absorb escalating costs. Consequently, these procurement difficulties compromise the industry's ability to align production rates with the recovering schedules of aircraft manufacturers and maintenance operators.

The impact of these supply chain fractures is evident in recent industry performance metrics. According to the ADS Group, in 2024, commercial aircraft deliveries fell by 14% during the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2023, a decline primarily attributed to persistent supply chain constraints. This reduction in aircraft output directly impedes the wheels and brakes market by limiting the volume of new component installations. Furthermore, the financial strain caused by material shortages reduces the capital available for market players to expand production capacity, thereby stifling overall market growth.

Key Market Trends

The adoption of Electric Brake Actuation Systems (EBAS) represents a fundamental shift in the market, replacing hydraulic lines with electromechanical actuators to enhance efficiency. This architecture aligns with the "More Electric Aircraft" initiative, offering weight savings and eliminating hydraulic fluid leaks. The removal of complex piping allows for plug-and-play replacement, reducing on-wing servicing time. This technology is gaining traction among carriers operating next-generation widebody platforms as a standard for modern fleets. According to Safran Landing Systems, July 2024, in the 'Wheels and Brakes - Carbon Times' newsletter, 81% of airlines operating the Boeing 787 Dreamliner worldwide have selected the company’s electric brake technology, underscoring the rapid industry acceptance of this architecture.

Simultaneously, the implementation of predictive maintenance analytics is reshaping MRO strategies by transitioning operators to proactive service models. By integrating data from onboard sensors, airlines can monitor brake temperature and rotor wear in real-time, scheduling replacements exactly when needed rather than at fixed intervals. This digitalization minimizes unexpected aircraft on ground (AOG) events and optimizes the supply chain for friction materials. The scale of this transformation is evident in the uptake of OEM-led data platforms. According to Airbus, October 2024, in the article 'Keeping the fleet flying', approximately 11,600 aircraft were connected to the Skywise platform by late 2024, enabling operators to leverage massive datasets for predicting system failures.

Segmental Insights

The carbon brake segment is identified as the fastest-growing category within the global aircraft wheels and brakes market. This accelerated adoption is primarily driven by the material's significant weight advantage over traditional steel alternatives, which directly improves fuel efficiency and lowers operational costs for airlines. Additionally, carbon brakes offer superior heat absorption and durability, resulting in extended service life and reduced maintenance requirements. The push for compliance with rigorous environmental standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization further encourages air carriers to upgrade their fleets with these lightweight components to minimize emissions.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the global aircraft wheels and brakes market due to the significant presence of major aircraft manufacturers and a vast commercial fleet. This dominance is supported by extensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities required to service both civil and defense aircraft. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration enforces rigorous safety standards that mandate regular inspections and timely replacements of landing gear components, thereby driving consistent demand for these systems. The combination of established manufacturing infrastructure and strict regulatory compliance ensures North America remains the primary hub for market expansion.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, Safran Landing Systems signed a long-term agreement with Riyadh Air to supply wheels and electric carbon brakes for the airline’s future fleet of Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The selection was influenced by the weight-saving advantages of the equipment, which contribute to optimized aircraft performance in high-altitude conditions. As part of this collaboration, the company committed to providing its latest electrical brake testing technology and training for repair engineers to support the development of local maintenance capabilities. The deal reinforced the company's position as a key supplier for the Dreamliner program.
• In November 2024, TP Aerospace extended its partnership with K-Mile Air by signing a renewed wheels and brakes agreement to support the cargo airline's operations. The collaboration involved an all-inclusive cost-per-landing program designed to cover the carrier's current and future fleet of Boeing 737CL and 737NG aircraft. This renewed contract allowed the maintenance provider to strengthen its presence in Thailand and the surrounding region while ensuring the airline received continuous operational support. The agreement highlighted the growing demand for flexible, integrated maintenance solutions in the air cargo market.
• In June 2024, Collins Aerospace was selected by Avianca to equip the airline's new fleet of 103 Airbus A320neo aircraft with wheels and brakes. This fifteen-year contract built upon an existing relationship and included full lifecycle support to enhance operational efficiency. The supplied brakes featured the company's proprietary DURACARB carbon friction material, which is designed to deliver a longer brake life compared to competing products. The Vice President of Landing Systems at Collins Aerospace noted that the extended service agreement demonstrated the value of their established support network.
• In April 2024, the Braking Systems Division of Parker Meggitt renewed its master distributor agreement with Boeing for a period of three years. This collaboration ensured that Boeing would continue to serve as the global distributor for the manufacturer's comprehensive line of wheel and brake parts, catering to commercial, business, and regional aircraft. Through this arrangement, operators gained access to components via Boeing's aftermarket sales channels, rotables exchange programs, and repair services. The General Manager of Parker Meggitt’s Braking Systems Division stated that the renewal reflected a strong relationship and confidence in the distributor's global reach.

Key Market Players

• Safran SA
• Meggitt PLC
• Honeywell International Inc
• RTX Corporation
• Crane Aerospace & Electronics
• Beringer Aero
• Advent Aircraft Systems, Inc
• Tactair Fluid Controls Inc.
• Rapco Inc.
• Matco Aircraft Landing Systems

By Wheel Type	By Brake Type	By End-User	By Aircraft Type	By Region
Nose Wheel and Main Landing Gear Wheel	Carbon Brake and Steel Brake	OEM and Aftermarket	Commercial Aircraft and Military Aircraft	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Aircraft Wheels Brakes Market, By Wheel Type:

• Nose Wheel and Main Landing Gear Wheel

• Aircraft Wheels Brakes Market, By Brake Type:

• Carbon Brake and Steel Brake

• Aircraft Wheels Brakes Market, By End-User:

• OEM and Aftermarket

• Aircraft Wheels Brakes Market, By Aircraft Type:

• Commercial Aircraft and Military Aircraft

• Aircraft Wheels Brakes 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