Market Trends of Airport Snow Removal Vehicle And Equipment Industry
Domestic Airports to Continue Market Dominance During the Forecast Period
- The domestic airport segment caters to snow removal needs at airports that primarily handle domestic flights within a country. The segment is expected to witness significant growth in emerging economies such as India and Brazil, where the expansion of airport infrastructure and increasing air travel demand are driving the need for improved snow removal equipment. The total number of domestic airports is more when compared to international airports.
- There is an increasing need for autonomous or remote-controlled snow removal equipment that improves operator safety and enhances operational efficiency. In September 2022, the airport of Stuttgart started the deployment of autonomous snow-clearing vehicles. The AirfieldPilot is a sweeping blower and can be used to clear the snow and ice from the runways, the taxiways, and the aprons without the need for a driver. Aebi Schmidt Group (ASG) and Flughafen GmbH deployed autonomous snow-clearing vehicles and equipment at the airport Stuttgart.
- Some of the most innovative snow clearance technologies are Boschung's ice early warning system, which forecasts the future of runway conditions, and Yeti Move's autonomous snowploughs, which have been delivered to the airports in Stockholm and Oslo. All 12 units in Oslo Airport have been operating on their own since 2022-23. The considerable expansion in the domestic aviation industry and the rising need for technologically advanced snow removal equipment to remove ice from taxiways to ensure smooth arrival and departure of aircraft are major factors driving the market growth.
North America to Dominate Market Share During the Forecast Period
- The airlines launched over 650 new routes involving at least one North American airport in 2022, and in 2021, over 1,200 new routes were launched by airlines, including airports in North America (comprising Canada and the US), of which about 890 were new US domestic routes. Thus, as airlines aim to increase connectivity to capture the growing air passenger traffic, airport infrastructure may play a vital role.
- With the rapid growth in air travel, there is a significant need for new airports and terminals to support the fleet expansion plans of airlines. In July 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration announced its plans to administer USD 1 billion in funds as part of the Infrastructure Law passed by the current US government. Under the FAA’s Airport Improvement Programme, in November 2022, 85 airports in 28 states were better prepared to keep airport operations running safely and smoothly. The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded more than USD 76.2 million in FY2022 for snowplows, de-icing equipment, and new or upgraded buildings to store this equipment. The program pays for a variety of projects, including the construction of new and improved airport facilities, repairs to runways and taxiways, and maintenance of airfield elements such as lighting or signage.
- Similarly, in March 2022, the Canadian government provided USD 22 million in a new funding round for a critical infrastructure project at St. John’s International Airport. The presence of demand for aviation infrastructure in North American airports to handle the increasing air passenger traffic is expected to aid the market.