Commercial Aircraft Upholstery Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By End User (Narrowbody Aircraft, Widebody Aircraft, Regional Jets, Business Jets), By Seat Type (First Class, Business Class, Economy Class), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 1.79 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.34%
Fastest Growing Segment	Widebody Aircraft
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 2.31 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Commercial Aircraft Upholstery Market will grow from USD 1.79 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.31 Billion by 2031 at a 4.34% CAGR. The Global Commercial Aircraft Upholstery Market encompasses the manufacturing and supply of textile components such as seat covers, carpets, curtains, and interior paneling designed for commercial aviation cabins. The primary drivers supporting market growth include the rapid resurgence of global air travel and high aircraft utilization rates, which accelerate the physical degradation of soft furnishings and necessitate frequent replacement. Furthermore, airlines consistently invest in cabin modernization programs to enhance passenger comfort and reduce aircraft weight through advanced materials. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, total global passenger traffic increased by 10.4 percent compared to the previous year, underscoring the intense operational tempo that directly fuels the demand for regular interior maintenance.

A significant challenge impeding market expansion is the persistent volatility within global supply chains regarding the procurement of specialized aviation-grade raw materials. Shortages of certified fire-retardant fabrics and foams can delay critical refurbishment projects and inflate capital expenditure, prompting airlines to postpone non-essential cabin upgrades. This logistical bottleneck restricts the ability of upholstery suppliers to meet the rising industry requirements promptly and creates uncertainty in production planning for manufacturers.

Key Market Drivers

The rapid expansion of commercial airline fleets serves as a primary catalyst for the upholstery market, as every newly delivered aircraft requires extensive soft furnishing installations, from passenger seating to wall coverings. Manufacturers are ramping up production to fulfill the surging backlog of aircraft orders, directly translating into volume demand for certified aviation textiles and leathers. According to Boeing, July 2024, in the '2024 Commercial Market Outlook', the industry is projected to require nearly 44,000 new commercial airplanes through 2043 to support traffic growth and replacement needs. This influx of new airframes creates a sustained line-fit opportunity for upholstery vendors who must meet rigorous weight and durability standards. Furthermore, according to Airbus, in 2024, the total global in-service fleet is anticipated to more than double, reaching 48,230 aircraft by 2043, underscoring the long-term scalability of the sector.

Simultaneously, the acceleration of cabin refurbishment and retrofit programs acts as a critical driver, with airlines investing heavily to upgrade aging interiors and integrate premium cabin classes. Carriers are prioritizing these modernization efforts to enhance passenger experience and extend the operational life of existing fleets, thereby generating recurrent demand for replacement seat covers, curtains, and carpets. According to Aviation Business Middle East, May 2024, in the article 'Emirates Expands Retrofit Programme', Emirates announced the expansion of its retrofit initiative to cover 191 aircraft, ensuring consistent high-quality interiors across its A380 and Boeing 777 fleets. Such large-scale retrofit projects compel upholstery suppliers to provide advanced, customizable materials that align with updated branding and ergonomic requirements, sustaining the aftermarket segment of the industry.

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Key Market Challenges

The persistent volatility within global supply chains regarding the procurement of specialized aviation-grade raw materials constitutes a formidable barrier to the growth of the commercial aircraft upholstery market. Manufacturers face acute shortages of certified fire-retardant fabrics, leather, and high-density foams, which are essential for compliance with stringent safety regulations. These scarcities disrupt production schedules, forcing upholstery suppliers to extend lead times and creating logistical bottlenecks that delay the execution of critical cabin refurbishment contracts. Consequently, airlines are often compelled to defer non-critical interior upgrades to preserve capital, prioritizing operational stability over aesthetic enhancements.

This inability to secure timely materials directly restricts the market's expansion by stalling both retrofit programs and new installations. The impact of these bottlenecks is evident in the reduced output of finished aircraft, which limits the volume of line-fit upholstery required. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, persistent supply chain disruptions resulted in a 30 percent shortfall in global aircraft deliveries compared to initial projections. This significant reduction in new airframe deliveries inevitably contracts the immediate demand for seat covers, carpets, and curtains, effectively hampering the sector's revenue potential despite rising passenger traffic.

Key Market Trends

The shift toward lightweight microfiber and composite upholstery materials is reshaping the market as airlines aggressively pursue fuel efficiency targets. Carriers are moving away from traditional heavy foams and hides in favor of advanced synthetic leathers and titanium-carbon fiber seat structures that offer significant mass savings without compromising durability. This technical evolution is directly linked to lowering operational costs and extending the range of regional aircraft. According to PAX International, September 2025, in the article 'Expliseat's lightweight Tiseat 2x enters service on Air France Hop', the newly deployed TiSeat 2X features a composite construction that achieves a 30 percent weight reduction compared to traditional aircraft seats, illustrating the tangible impact of these material innovations on fleet efficiency.

Concurrently, the adoption of eco-friendly and plant-based leather alternatives has accelerated, driven by stringent industry-wide net-zero mandates and the circular economy framework. Manufacturers are reformulating textile compositions to include high percentages of regenerated fibers and bio-based resins, thereby reducing dependency on virgin petrochemicals and animal products. This trend prioritizes the reduction of embodied carbon in cabin interiors, appealing to environmentally conscious passengers and corporate sustainability goals. According to Ultrafabrics, June 2025, in the '2025 Sustainability Report', the company announced that every product within its portfolio now contains at least 50 percent rapidly renewable or recycled materials, setting a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in aviation soft furnishings.

Segmental Insights

The Widebody Aircraft segment is emerging as the fastest-growing division in the Global Commercial Aircraft Upholstery Market, primarily driven by the resurgence of long-haul international routes. Carriers are increasingly investing in cabin refurbishment programs to accommodate extended travel durations, focusing on ergonomics and material durability within premium seating sections. This trend is further reinforced by the strategic replacement of aging dual-aisle fleets with modern alternatives that require fresh interior installations. Therefore, the necessity for regular maintenance cycles in larger aircraft to sustain operational standards fuels the rapid demand for upholstery solutions.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the commercial aircraft upholstery market, driven by the substantial presence of key original equipment manufacturers and a large active fleet. This leadership is sustained by frequent cabin modernization programs aimed at improving passenger comfort. Additionally, stringent safety standards enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration regarding material flammability and toxicity necessitate the consistent use of compliant interior materials. Consequently, the continuous need for maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities within the established aviation sector reinforces the region's primary status in the global market.

Recent Developments

• In December 2025, Replin by Hainsworth introduced a new sustainable transport collection comprising seven fabric themes tailored for aircraft seating and vertical surfaces. The collection features structured weaves and textural surfaces that utilize natural, undyed wool yarns, including merino, alpaca, and Shetland wool, to eliminate the environmental impact of dyeing processes. This development addresses the increasing demand for aesthetic, technical, and environmental performance in cabin interiors. The range was designed to meet strict international airline safety standards while offering a natural, biodegradable alternative to synthetic materials in the commercial aircraft upholstery market.
• In April 2025, Botany Weaving introduced a groundbreaking monomaterial, fully circular, and recyclable laminated seat cover during the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. This new product was developed to address the aviation industry's waste challenges by enabling the entire seat cover to be recycled at the end of its life, rather than being sent to landfill. The launch was part of the company's 2025 Aviation Collection, which also featured lightweight carpets and fabrics crafted from recycled polyester and eco-friendly fibers. This innovation supports airlines in achieving their circularity targets by simplifying the recycling process for cabin interiors.
• In September 2024, Gen Phoenix announced a strategic partnership with DOY Design to supply "Essence," its recycled low-carbon leather, for the passenger seats of Heart Aerospace's hybrid-electric aircraft, the ES-30. This collaboration aims to demonstrate the viability of circular materials in next-generation sustainable aviation. The selected upholstery material is manufactured from rescued leather offcuts and offers an 83% lower carbon footprint than traditional leather, aligning with the aircraft manufacturer’s goal of decarbonizing regional air travel. The partnership highlights the growing industry trend of integrating eco-friendly interior materials into new aircraft programs.
• In May 2024, Ultrafabrics and Tapis Corporation launched "AV Bio," a new bio-based performance fabric designed for the commercial aviation industry. This product, unveiled at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, incorporates renewable plant-based materials into its multi-layer construction to reduce reliance on finite resources while maintaining the durability and comfort required for aircraft seating and vertical surfaces. The collaboration focuses on sustainability, offering a lightweight solution that supports airline initiatives to lower carbon footprints. The material utilizes Tencel Modal fibers sourced from certified sustainable forests, ensuring a lower environmental impact compared to traditional synthetic leathers.

Key Market Players

• Aircraft Cabin Modification GmbH
• Anjou Aeronautique
• Arville Textiles Limited
• AVIAINTERCOM LLC
• Bauermeister Aircraft Interior GmbH
• Belgraver B.V.
• Botany Weaving
• FELLFAB Limited
• Franklin Products, Inc.
• Fuchi Aviation Technology Co. Ltd

By End User	By Seat Type	By Region
Narrowbody Aircraft Widebody Aircraft Regional Jets Business Jets	First Class Business Class Economy Class	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Commercial Aircraft Upholstery Market , By End User:

• Narrowbody Aircraft
• Widebody Aircraft
• Regional Jets
• Business Jets

• Commercial Aircraft Upholstery Market , By Seat Type:

• First Class
• Business Class
• Economy Class

• Commercial Aircraft Upholstery 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