Europe & CIS Aircraft Lighting Market By Aircraft Type (Fixed wing, Rotary wing), By Lighting Type (Interior, Exterior), By Application (Commercial, Defense, Others), By Country, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview:

Europe & CIS Aircraft Lighting Market was valued at USD 290.45 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 431.51 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.82% during the forecast period. Europe & CIS aircraft lighting market is experiencing strong momentum as aviation stakeholders prioritize modernization and efficiency across commercial and defense fleets. Growth drivers include the shift toward energy-efficient LED systems, which reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs, alongside rising passenger expectations for enhanced cabin ambiance and comfort. Safety regulations are reinforcing the demand for reliable exterior and interior lighting, ensuring compliance while improving operational efficiency. The surge in aircraft production and retrofitting programs is further fueling adoption, as airlines and operators seek advanced lighting solutions that extend durability, reduce downtime, and support evolving aircraft designs.

Market Drivers

Increasing Air Travel

The global aviation sector is undergoing ongoing fleet expansion and renewal, creating sustained demand for new aircraft and advanced lighting solutions. Airlines are prioritizing next-generation models to address rising passenger expectations, boost efficiency, and adhere to more stringent environmental and safety regulations. Each new aircraft delivery presents opportunities for lighting suppliers to provide innovative systems that lower energy use, minimize maintenance needs, and enhance onboard comfort. Aircraft manufacturers are also emphasizing distinctive cabin designs through advanced lighting features, enabling airlines to deliver unique travel experiences and strengthen brand differentiation. Global passenger traffic for 2023 reached 8.7 billion, closely aligning with ACI World’s February 2024 forecast at 99.99% accuracy. This milestone contrasts with pre-pandemic projections, which anticipated 10.5 billion passengers by 2024. Current estimates for 2024 suggest a total of 9.5 billion passengers, marking a 10% year-on-year (YoY) growth from 2023 and reaching 104% of the 2019 level. By mid-2024, year-to-date traffic is expected to show an 11% YoY increase, with international markets leading the recovery, showing a 17% YoY rise compared to 6% YoY growth in domestic travel. International passenger traffic is projected to hit 4.1 billion by the end of 2024, accounting for 43% of the total, while domestic traffic will reach 5.4 billion, or 57%.

Growing Demand for New Aircrafts

The rising demand for new aircraft is being fueled by growing air travel and the need for airlines to modernize fleets with fuel-efficient and advanced models. This increase in aircraft deliveries directly impacts aviation infrastructure, as airports must enhance runways, taxiways, and aprons to handle greater traffic efficiently. Lighting systems are central to these upgrades, ensuring safe operations and accommodating wide-body aircraft that require high precision during landings and takeoffs. The expansion of modern fleets intensifies operational frequency, creating further pressure for advanced lighting that complies with evolving safety and regulatory frameworks. With next-generation aircraft depending on accurate navigation and operational reliability, aircraft lighting systems in Europe & CIS are required to meet rigorous performance standards, reinforcing their role as essential components in supporting both airline efficiency and passenger safety. For instance, in January 2023, Airbus S.A.S., a prominent original equipment manufacturer (OEM), announced a backlog of 7,239 aircraft. Notably, 91% of this backlog consisted of A320 and A220ceo/neo narrow-body models. In comparison, The Boeing Company reported a backlog of 5,430 aircraft, with 79% classified as narrow-body. 

Shift Toward Energy-Efficient Solutions

The aviation sector is increasingly focused on sustainability, cost optimization, and operational efficiency, positioning energy-efficient lighting solutions as a key market driver. With airlines burdened by high fuel and operating costs, even small gains in efficiency deliver significant financial benefits. Conventional lighting technologies draw more power and demand frequent replacements, which raises maintenance expenses and leads to greater downtime. In comparison, LED and OLED-based aircraft lighting systems provide extended durability, reduced energy usage, and lower maintenance requirements, making them a highly appealing choice for operators seeking long-term value and reliability. For instance, in 2024, STG Aerospace introduced the world's first sustainable emergency floor path marking system, the saf-Tglo eco E1. This innovative system enhances cabin safety by illuminating exit pathways and incorporates environmentally friendly materials, including 80% post-consumer recycled waste for the plastic insert and 50% recycled polycarbonate for the track. Additionally, the track features a biodegradable additive, ensuring it decomposes at the end of its life cycle. The system utilizes a 100% water-based resin for the photoluminescent inserts, eliminating solvents and maintaining consistent emission levels through controlled manufacturing processes.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

High Initial Investment Costs

While advanced aircraft lighting systems provide long-term savings, the upfront investment required remains a major barrier for adoption. LED, OLED, and smart lighting technologies involve higher procurement and installation costs compared to traditional systems. Airlines often operate under thin profit margins, and the substantial expense of upgrading or retrofitting entire fleets can strain budgets. Even though lifecycle benefits outweigh initial costs, the challenge of allocating large capital expenditures delays adoption for some operators. The integration of intelligent lighting systems that interact with cockpit displays or passenger entertainment units further adds to the complexity and expense, requiring significant engineering and certification processes. Smaller carriers and operators of regional fleets may be hesitant to adopt these solutions quickly, limiting market penetration in certain segments.

Stringent Certification and Compliance Requirements

Aircraft lighting systems must meet strict certification standards to ensure reliability, safety, and compatibility with aviation regulations. The process of designing, testing, and approving new lighting solutions is lengthy and resource-intensive, often delaying product launches and limiting flexibility in adopting new technologies. Certification covers multiple aspects, including electromagnetic compatibility, fire safety, brightness levels, and emergency functionality, requiring rigorous testing and documentation. This creates challenges for manufacturers who must invest heavily in compliance, adding to development costs and extending time-to-market. Even after certification, modifications or upgrades to existing lighting systems in aircraft often require additional approvals, complicating retrofitting efforts. These regulatory hurdles make it difficult for smaller suppliers to compete, as they may lack the resources to navigate complex certification pathways.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Smart and Connected Lighting Systems

The shift toward digital aviation ecosystems is driving the adoption of smart and connected lighting technologies. Modern systems are increasingly integrated with cockpit controls, cabin management platforms, and in-flight entertainment, creating seamless interaction between passengers, crew, and aircraft systems. Smart lighting can adjust brightness, color, and patterns automatically in response to flight phases, passenger activity, or environmental conditions. This creates a more immersive and comfortable cabin experience while supporting operational efficiency for crew management. The ability to remotely monitor and diagnose lighting system performance through connectivity also enhances predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and operational disruptions. Integration with Internet of Things (IoT) frameworks enables airlines to collect data on usage patterns, energy consumption, and passenger preferences, fueling future improvements.

Emergence of Adaptive and Human-Centric Lighting

Human-centric lighting that adapts to passenger needs is emerging as a transformative trend in aviation. Adaptive lighting solutions are being designed to mimic natural daylight cycles, supporting circadian rhythms and reducing the physical strain of long-haul travel. By gradually shifting intensity and color temperatures, these systems help minimize jet lag, improve comfort, and promote relaxation. Airlines are using this technology to differentiate their services, particularly in premium cabins where customer experience is a competitive advantage. Beyond passenger comfort, adaptive lighting also supports crew alertness and performance by aligning light conditions with work schedules and operational demands. The psychological and physiological benefits of these systems extend beyond luxury to practical enhancements in well-being and productivity during flights. As travelers place increasing value on comfort and wellness, adaptive and human-centric lighting is becoming a key differentiator in airline service offerings.

Expansion of Retrofitting Opportunities

Retrofitting older aircraft with advanced lighting technologies is a rapidly growing trend as airlines seek to modernize fleets without the expense of full replacements. LED and OLED solutions are at the forefront of retrofitting initiatives, providing operators with significant energy savings, extended product life, and enhanced passenger experience. Cabin retrofits often include mood lighting systems that allow airlines to rebrand interiors and create differentiated travel environments aligned with modern standards. Exterior retrofitting, such as improved landing, navigation, and anti-collision lights, enhances operational safety while complying with evolving aviation regulations. Retrofitting offers airlines a cost-effective pathway to remain competitive, especially in segments where purchasing new aircraft may not be financially viable. This trend also stimulates aftermarket opportunities, creating consistent demand for lighting suppliers, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers.

Segmental Insights

Application Insights

In 2024, the commercial aviation segment stands as the dominant application area in Europe & CIS aircraft lighting market, driven by the rising demand for energy-efficient systems and growing emphasis on passenger experience amid growing passenger traffic in the regions. For instance, in 2024, air travel in the EU demonstrated solid growth, with almost 1.1 billion passengers carried, marking an 8.7% rise from 2023. International extra-EU transport accounted for 49.3% of all passengers, followed by intra-EU transport at 36.3% and national flights at 14.3%. Passenger traffic recorded consistent year-on-year increases across all months of 2024, with February showing the highest jump at +13.7%. Commercial aircraft rely heavily on advanced lighting solutions not only for operational safety but also for enhancing cabin aesthetics and comfort. Interior lighting plays a key role in shaping passenger perception, with mood lighting, ambient illumination, and circadian rhythm–based systems being integrated into modern cabins to improve travel satisfaction and reduce fatigue on long-haul flights. Exterior lighting systems, such as navigation, landing, and anti-collision lights, are equally critical for safe operations, aligning with strict regulatory requirements that mandate reliability under diverse weather and visibility conditions.

Download Free Sample Report

Country Insights

In 2024, Germany holds the dominant position in Europe & CIS aircraft lighting market, supported by its advanced aviation infrastructure and strong focus on technological innovation. The country has a mature aerospace ecosystem that emphasizes high-quality standards in safety and efficiency, which directly drives adoption of advanced lighting solutions. Both commercial and defense segments in Germany demand modern systems, with commercial airlines focusing on energy-efficient LED and OLED technologies that enhance passenger comfort while reducing operational costs. The emphasis on sustainable aviation further strengthens the role of advanced lighting, as operators seek to minimize energy consumption and extend component lifecycles.

France represents the second-largest market, with consistent investments in fleet modernization and passenger experience enhancement. Commercial aviation demand drives most of the adoption, where cabin ambiance, mood lighting, and adaptive systems are used to improve customer satisfaction. Exterior lighting systems also see strong growth due to strict safety regulations and the need for operational reliability. The ongoing replacement of older fleets with modern aircraft supports continued expansion of the French market, consolidating its position behind Germany.

Recent Developments

• ​In March 2023, Virgin Atlantic Airlines introduced an upgraded lighting and service concept in anticipation of the launch of its A330 NEO aircraft. The airline aims to transform the onboard experience by implementing unique cabin designs and tailored services. The enhancements in both physical and technological features provide advanced lighting and customized services, promoting better engagement between passengers and the flight crew.
• In August 2023, Honeywell Corporation, a leading provider of airport equipment, announced the inauguration of its Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) manufacturing facility located in Gurugram, India. The Honeywell portfolio of low-wattage, LED lighting solutions is designed to enhance airport operations and ensure regulatory compliance, while simultaneously reducing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of the assets.
• In 2025, Elliott Aviation and Prizm Aircraft Lighting unveiled the Starlight Cabin Headliner, a programmable system that projects customizable constellations onto aircraft ceilings. Integrated with the Prizm Cabin Lighting system, it allows users to adjust brightness, motion, and patterns through an app, with its first installation on a Challenger 300.
• In 2025, STG Aerospace unveiled its “Eco Everything” lighting concept at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, extending its photoluminescent sustainability principles across the full saf-Tglo SSUL-X product line by the end of the year. This initiative boosts recycled material content from 50% to over 80%, with the goal of reaching 100%, using ISCC-certified recycled inputs and a bio-additive that eliminates, forever plastics.

Key Market Players

• Astronics Corporation
• Aveo Engineering Group, s.r.o.
• Cobham Limited
• RTX Corporation
• Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Luminator Technology Group, LLC
• Oxley Group
• Soderberg Manufacturing Company, Inc.
• Thales S.A.   

Report Scope:

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

•           Europe & CIS Aircraft Lighting Market, By Aircraft Type:

o    Fixed wing

o    Rotary wing

•           Europe & CIS Aircraft Lighting Market, By Lighting Type:

o    Interior

o    Exterior

•           Europe & CIS Aircraft Lighting Market, By Application:

o    Commercial

o    Defense

o    Others

•           Europe & CIS Aircraft Lighting Market, By Country:

o    Germany

o    Russia

o    France

o    Spain

o    Italy

o    United Kingdom

o    Poland

o    Rest of Europe & CIS

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in Europe & CIS Aircraft Lighting Market.

Available Customizations:

Europe & CIS Aircraft Lighting Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to the 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).