Worldwide Ultralight Aircraft Industry Expected to Leap by 2031

Photo: CBC News

According to this report the ultralight aircraft market was valued at $5.6 billion in 2021, and is estimated to reach $9.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6% from 2022 to 2031.

Ultralight aircraft have developed into specially designed aircraft of very low weight and power but with flying characteristics similar to conventional light aircraft. Originally, ultralights were simply hang gliders modified for power by installation of small engines similar to those used in chain saws.

Although upgraded variants are currently utilized for training, police patrol, and other activities, including a planned use in conflict, they are still primarily designed for recreational flight. Ultralights can be powered or unpowered. They should weigh no more than 155 pounds when unpowered. If powered, they have an empty weight of no more than 254 pounds, a fuel capacity of no more than 5 US gallons, a top speed in level flight of no more than 55 knots, and a power-off stall speed of no more than 24 knots.

Growth of the ultralight aircraft market is driven by factors such as low cost of acquisition and maintenance, and absence of regulatory norms limiting civilians to fly an ultralight aircraft in certain regions. Placement of ultralight aircraft in recreational and sports activities are backed by increasing expenditure trends by civilians across the globe to support business opportunities within the region.

Rise in disposable income across the globe and increasing delays in delivery of conventional aircraft is expected to impact ultralight aircraft in a positive manner to a certain extent. Rise in sports, tourism, and recreational activities post COVID-19 is supporting business opportunities within the segment. In Q1 2022, there were an expected 117 million foreign visitors, up from 41 million in Q1 2021, an increase of 182% year over year. About 47 million of the additional 76 million overseas arrivals were counted in March 2022.

The ultralight aircraft market is segmented on the basis of technology, propulsion, takeoff, end use, and region. By technology, it is categorized into manned and unmanned. The propulsion segment is further sub divided into conventional propulsion and electric & hybrid propulsion. Depending on takeoff, the market is fragmented into commercial takeoff and landing (CTOL) and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). The end use segment is bifurcated into civil and commercial & military. Region wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Companies have adopted product development and product launch as their key development strategies in the ultralight aircraft industry. Moreover, collaborations and acquisitions are expected to enable leading players to enhance their product portfolios and expand into different regions. The key players that operate in the Ultralight aircraft market AutoGyro, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Pipistrel, Textron Inc, VOLOCOPTER GMBH, Cirrus Aircraft, Vulcanair, Piper Aircraft, Neva Aerospace, and Boeing.