Commercial Aircraft Carbon Brake Market –Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Aircraft Type (Narrow-Body, Wide-Body, Regional), By Material (Petroleum Pitch, Polyacrylonitrile), By End User (OEM, Aftermarket), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.35 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.61%
Fastest Growing Segment	Wide-Body
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 3.45 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Commercial Aircraft Carbon Brake Market will grow from USD 2.35 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.45 Billion by 2031 at a 6.61% CAGR. Commercial aircraft carbon brakes are advanced deceleration components constructed from carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon composites, designed to provide superior thermal stability and significant weight reduction compared to traditional steel mechanisms. The market is primarily propelled by the critical imperative for fuel efficiency, as airlines aggressively seek to lower operational expenditures through the weight savings offered by these lightweight systems. Furthermore, the robust resurgence in air travel is necessitating fleet modernization and higher utilization rates, which directly accelerates the demand for both original equipment and replacement brake units. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in 2024, global passenger traffic increased by 8.4% compared to the previous year, confirming the intensified flight activity that underpins this growing demand.

Despite these strong growth factors, a significant challenge impeding broader market expansion is the high capital cost and lengthy manufacturing cycle intrinsic to carbon composite production. The complex chemical vapor infiltration process required to manufacture these discs is energy-intensive and time-consuming, resulting in a premium price point that limits adoption within cost-sensitive regional aviation segments. Additionally, persistent supply chain constraints affecting raw material availability can delay delivery schedules, creating potential bottlenecks that hinder manufacturers from fully capitalizing on the surging requirement for new aircraft deliveries.

Key Market Drivers

The rapid expansion of global commercial aircraft fleets acts as a primary catalyst for the carbon brake market, significantly increasing the volume of required landing systems for new airframes. As manufacturers ramp up production to address order backlogs, the consumption of carbon brake units for original equipment installation rises proportionally. This surge broadens the installed base, ensuring future recurring revenue from aftermarket replacements. According to Boeing, July 2024, in the 'Commercial Market Outlook 2024-2043', the aviation industry will require 43,975 new airplane deliveries over the next two decades to satisfy traffic growth. This substantial influx of new tonnage directly scales the addressable market for advanced braking technologies.

Simultaneously, the imperative for fuel efficiency and weight reduction compels airlines to transition from steel to carbon systems to optimize operational costs. Carbon brakes offer significant mass savings, translating directly into lower fuel burn and reduced emissions, which is critical given current energy economics. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), December 2024, in the 'Global Outlook for Air Transport', fossil-based jet fuel accounted for approximately 30 percent of total airline operating costs, underscoring the financial urgency for carriers to minimize aircraft weight. Reflecting this robust demand, according to Safran, October 2024, in the 'Q3 2024 Revenue' report, aftermarket services revenue for landing systems, specifically noted for carbon brakes, increased by 12.6 percent.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

Persistent supply chain constraints affecting raw material availability constitute a severe impediment to the growth of the Global Commercial Aircraft Carbon Brake Market. These disruptions create substantial bottlenecks in the production of carbon-fiber-reinforced composite discs, causing manufacturers to struggle with adhering to strict delivery timelines. Since the fabrication of these components involves complex, energy-intensive processes, any delay in sourcing essential raw materials compounds the manufacturing lead time. This inability to secure a consistent flow of inputs directly restricts the volume of finished brake units available for shipment, thereby preventing suppliers from fully capitalizing on the current industry resurgence.

These production limitations have a cascading negative effect on aircraft original equipment manufacturers, leading to significant delays in handing over new jets to airlines. When fewer aircraft are delivered, the immediate addressable market for original equipment carbon brakes contracts significantly. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in 2024, persistent supply chain issues resulted in the delivery of only 1,254 aircraft, representing a 30% shortfall compared to initial industry projections. This reduction in fleet expansion directly hampers the deployment of modern carbon braking systems, forcing the market to grow at a slower pace than the demand for air travel would otherwise dictate.

Key Market Trends

The transition to electric brake actuation systems represents a fundamental shift in deceleration technology, replacing traditional hydraulic lines with electromechanical actuators to enhance operational efficiency. This architecture eliminates the risk of hydraulic fluid leaks and significantly simplifies maintenance procedures through plug-and-play component replacement, directly addressing airline requirements for higher fleet availability. Furthermore, the removal of heavy hydraulic infrastructure contributes to substantial weight savings, which aligns with the industry's push for lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions. Validating this shift, according to Safran Landing Systems, November 2025, in the announcement regarding the partnership with Riyadh Air, the airline selected electric carbon brakes to equip its future fleet of more than 70 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, citing the optimization of performance in high-altitude conditions.

Simultaneously, the implementation of circular economy recycling programs is reshaping the lifecycle management of carbon composite components to address environmental sustainability and raw material usage. Manufacturers are increasingly developing advanced refurbishment processes that allow worn carbon heat sinks to be reprocessed and returned to service with original equipment performance levels, rather than being discarded. This approach not only mitigates industrial waste but also alleviates pressure on the complex supply chain for virgin carbon fibers. Highlighting this sustainable evolution, according to Safran, February 2025, in the 'Circular economy: brake discs refurbished to be as good as new!' report, approximately 30 percent of the carbon discs delivered to airlines are now refurbished using their industrial process, ensuring consistent operational availability while reducing the manufacturing footprint.

Segmental Insights

Leading market analysis highlights the Wide-Body segment as the fastest-growing category in the Global Commercial Aircraft Carbon Brake Market. This expansion is driven by the strong resurgence of long-haul international traffic and the strategic renewal of airline fleets with modern, fuel-efficient vessels. Carbon brakes are particularly critical for wide-body aircraft, as their substantial weight savings compared to steel counterparts significantly reduce fuel consumption and extend operational range. Furthermore, the robust growth in air cargo volumes necessitates the superior durability and thermal performance of carbon braking systems to safely manage heavy landing loads on intercontinental routes.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the Global Commercial Aircraft Carbon Brake Market, driven by the concentrated presence of major original equipment manufacturers and established brake suppliers. The region benefits from extensive fleet modernization initiatives, where airlines prioritize carbon brakes to reduce weight and enhance fuel efficiency. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces rigorous safety and certification standards that support the deployment of durable, lightweight braking systems. This strong industrial base, combined with high air traffic volume, secures steady demand for both new aircraft installations and aftermarket maintenance services throughout the region.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, Safran Landing Systems secured a long-term agreement with Riyadh Air to supply wheels and electric carbon brakes for the airline's fleet of Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The deal, finalized during the Dubai Airshow, established the company as the exclusive provider of braking systems for the carrier's new Dreamliners. The selected carbon brakes were chosen for their lightweight properties, which offered significant fuel savings and operational efficiency, particularly for high-altitude operations. The partnership also included provisions for maintenance support and training for the airline's engineering teams, ensuring comprehensive lifecycle management for the braking equipment.
• In July 2025, Safran Landing Systems announced a plan to construct a new carbon brake production plant in France, representing an investment of €450 million. The facility, located near Lyon, was scheduled to begin operations in 2030 and was expected to increase the company's carbon brake production capacity by 25 percent by 2037. The plant was designed to use advanced automated technologies and low-carbon energy sources to reduce environmental impact. This strategic development was intended to support the company's leadership in the global market and accommodate the projected long-term growth in commercial air traffic demand.
• In November 2024, Parker Aerospace introduced a new carbon brake and wheel option for the Airbus A321neo family, utilizing its proprietary "NuCarb" technology. The company developed this product to provide a lighter and cost-efficient braking solution, certified for the aircraft's highest maximum take-off weight. This offering was designed to be available for both new assembly lines starting in 2026 and as a retrofit for in-service fleets. The launch represented a strategic expansion for the manufacturer, as its previous braking systems for the A321neo did not incorporate the advanced NuCarb carbon material, which aims to enhance performance and durability for operators.
• In May 2024, Collins Aerospace commenced a significant $200 million investment to expand its carbon brake manufacturing capabilities in Spokane, Washington. The project involved increasing the facility's footprint by more than 50 percent, adding 70,000 square feet of space and installing new furnaces to boost production capacity. This expansion was aimed at meeting the rising global demand for carbon brakes from both commercial and military customers. The Vice President of Landing Systems at Collins Aerospace noted that the initiative would enhance manufacturing efficiency and ensure workforce readiness to support the company's continued growth in the competitive carbon brake market.

Key Market Players

• Honeywell International Inc.
• Safran SA
• RTX Corporation
• Parker-Hannifin Corporation
• SGL Carbon SE
• The Boeing Company
• CFC CARBON CO,. LTD
• Saywell International Limited
• Meggitt PLC
• Crane Company

By Aircraft Type	By Material	By End User	By Region
Narrow-Body Wide-Body Regional	Petroleum Pitch Polyacrylonitrile	OEM Aftermarket	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Commercial Aircraft Carbon Brake Market, By Aircraft Type:

• Narrow-Body
• Wide-Body
• Regional

• Commercial Aircraft Carbon Brake Market, By Material:

• Petroleum Pitch
• Polyacrylonitrile

• Commercial Aircraft Carbon Brake Market, By End User:

• OEM
• Aftermarket

• Commercial Aircraft Carbon Brake 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