Market Trends of Europe Aircraft Tires Industry
Commercial Aviation Segment to Register the Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
Commercial aviation leads the market and will remain dominant in the coming years. As air passenger traffic rises, airlines are expanding and launching new routes, fueling the demand for new aircraft. The success of low-cost carriers (LCC) in emerging markets has notably boosted sales of single-aisle aircraft. Additionally, there's a growing demand for wide-body aircraft catering to longer routes.
With the procurement of new aircraft, there's a simultaneous surge in demand for new tires. For example, in January 2024, Lufthansa ordered 40 Boeing 737-8 MAX and 40 Airbus A220-300, with an option to purchase 120 more short and medium-haul aircraft. This move marks the company's most significant fleet modernization to date. The A220s, destined for Lufthansa's newly established City Airlines, are expected to be delivered by 2026. Michelin supplies NZG radial tires for the A220, while Dunlop and Goodyear Tire Company provide tires for the B737 Max.
In September 2023, Air France inked a deal with Airbus for 50 A350s, with an option for 40 additional units. Designed to enhance aerodynamics and reduce fuel emissions, these A350s boast a composite makeup of 53%-54%. Bridgestone is the chosen tire supplier for these A350s. Furthermore, in December 2023, Air France took delivery of its inaugural A320neo, which commenced operations in January 2024. Goodyear Tire Company supplies flight radial tires for the main and nose landing gear of the A320s.
Given the robust demand for diverse aircraft types, tire manufacturers are forging partnerships with aircraft OEMs to capture a larger market share. For instance, in June 2023, Goodyear announced its selection by Airbus to supply tires for the upcoming A321XLR, slated to enter passenger service in 2024. Such collaborations and developments underscore the growing demand for aircraft tires in the commercial aviation sector in the coming years.
The United Kingdom is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
The United Kingdom's aerospace industry is a testament to its advanced technological prowess and production capabilities. Consistent and substantial investments in aerospace research and development underpin this leadership position. Such commitments cement the UK's status as a global aerospace leader and pave the way for key suppliers of aircraft and components from allied nations. The UK has further entrenched its influence in the global aerospace arena through significant procurement and modernization initiatives in both commercial and military aviation.
As air travel surges, so does passenger traffic, propelling the market's momentum. In response, airlines are placing orders for new aircraft, fueling this growth. A case in point: In December 2023, EasyJet inked a deal with Airbus for 157 A320neo aircraft, complemented by 100 purchase rights. This strategic move, part of EasyJet's fleet modernization, aims to phase out older A319s and a considerable segment of the A320ceo fleet. The newly acquired A320neo aircraft will be equipped with advanced tires, like the flight radial tires for both main and nose landing gear, sourced from Goodyear Tire Company, further propelling the market growth.
Shifting the focus to the military domain, the UK's increased defense spending, driven by the need to enhance military capabilities and respond to shifting geopolitical landscapes and terrorism threats, plays a pivotal role. In 2023, defense spending reached around USD 74.9 billion, a 7.9% rise from USD 68.5 billion in 2022. This uptick in the defense budget fuels various modernization projects. Highlighting this, in June 2023, Lockheed Martin Corporation handed over two F-35B Lightning II stealth multirole combat aircraft to the UK Royal Air Force, part of a broader order of 48 F-35Bs meant for the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.
Moreover, the burgeoning general aviation market in the UK, spurred by an increase in high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) opting for business jets, drives the demand for aircraft tires. In 2023, the UK witnessed 23 business jet deliveries, a 15% increase from the previous year. Such trends are poised to bolster the demand for aircraft tires in the UK in the coming years.
