Firefighting Aircraft Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 539.68 Million |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 712.39 Million |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 5.71 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | North America |
| Largest Market | North America |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Firefighting Aircraft Market Analysis
The Firefighting Aircraft Market size is estimated at USD 539.68 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 712.39 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.71% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Firefighting aircraft need large hold containers for liquid storage. This is achieved using tanks in the aircraft hold area with additional external tanks or a combination. The tank is used for storing water or any other retardant, which is used to extinguish the fire by dropping the retardant from the aircraft rather than using any pressurized method for deployment.
The tanks fitted to the firefighting aircraft may hold water or a chemical fire-retardant foam or gel. Various countries are employing a new method to extinguish the fire by dropping retardant ahead of the fire to control the spread. Several firefighting aircraft are fitted on-ground with high-pressure hoses, enabling them to make repeated flights to extinguish the fire. Various other firefighting aircraft have space in the hold area and can fill water from a nearby lake en route to the wildfire site. Some widely used aircraft for firefighting include the Boeing B747, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, and the BAe 146 aerial firefighting aircraft.
The increase in the number of forest fire incidents worldwide, as well as the growing need for more efficient aircraft, has led to various manufacturers converting existing aircraft and helicopter lineups to be used as a freighting aircraft thereby driving the market during the forecast period. On the other hand, higher chances of aircraft malfunction will be a significant factor that will hamper the market's growth in the future.
Firefighting Aircraft Market Trends
Rotorcraft Segment Will Showcase Remarkable Growth During the Forecast Period
The rotorcraft segment is anticipated to show significant growth in the market during the forecast period. A wide range of rotorcraft is used to support firefighting missions selected based on suitability and cost-effectiveness. Compared to fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters can carry less fire retardant or water, and they can also be used to transport firefighters and equipment. Helicopters are useful for fast initial attacks on smaller wildfires.
Several countries are converting helicopters into firefighters by integrating modern internal water tanks. For instance, in March 2023, United Rotorcraft, which outfits the Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter platform as S-70 FIREHAWKS, started evaluating several options and upgrades to the firefighting and emergency rescue helicopter program. The improvements include a 1,000-gallon composite water tank that the company produces in collaboration with Dart. Furthermore, United Rotorcraft has delivered 17 FIREHAWKS: 12 newly built S-70is and five converted from legacy military HH/UH-60s since 2001. It estimates that the fleet has accumulated more than 10,000 hours of flight time thus far.
United Rotorcraft is expected to hand over seven more FIREHAWKS in the current year; its backlog shows five, with deliveries scheduled in 2025. Currently, all operators of the helicopter operate in California: Cal Fire, Los Angeles County Fire Department, San Diego County, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara County. This year, the Orange County Fire Authority will join that list with expected delivery. Meanwhile, the FIREHAWK will finally escape the state’s borders with the first delivery to the Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control. San Diego Gas and Electric will also become the first private operator of a FIREHAWK when it receives the first type-certified S-70M.
Thus, technological developments in helicopter engines and tanks capable of carrying more water or retardant, equipment improvements, and technological advancements that can help firefighters operate at night are expected to support the segment's growth through new orders from various firefighting agencies worldwide.
North America is Projected to Show Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
North America is anticipated to show the highest growth in the firefighting market during the forecast period. Wildfires are prevalent in the United States and Canada. They may be triggered by natural causes such as lightning or human activity, such as unextinguished smoking materials, faulty electrical equipment, overheating automobiles, or arson. According to the US National Interagency Fire Center, around 66,255 wildfire incidents occurred in 2022. Similarly, Canada reported 3,623 incidents of wildfires that affected an area of 245,014 ha.
The wildfire control agencies in North America use several types of firefighting aircraft, such as Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs), Large Airtankers (LATs), Very Large Airtankers (VLATs), Water Scoopers, and Smokejumpers. The US Forest Service contracted several different providers to offer aerial firefighting services from air tankers in 2020, including 10 Tanker, Coulson Aviation, Aero Air, Aero Flite Inc., and Neptune Aviation. Fixed-wing aircraft deployed by these companies include DC-10s, C-130s, MD-87, RJ-85, Nae-146, and B737. King Air 90 and 200s, OV-10s, and BE-90 and BE-200s can be used as lead plans and identifiers or command and control aircraft.
For instance, in September 2023, the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited was awarded a contract for 22 new DHC-515 Firefighter planes by the Canadian government, which are set to be delivered by the end of 2027. Thus, the prevalence of wildfire occurrences and the need for firefighting aircraft are anticipated to drive the market's growth during the forecast period.
Firefighting Aircraft Industry Overview
The firefighting market is consolidated, with a few players holding significant shares in the market. Some of the key players in the market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Airbus SE, Leonardo S.p.A., Textron Inc., and Shinmaywa Industries Ltd. Key players in the market are highly investing in research and development and the introduction of advanced solutions for firefighting aircraft. For instance, in August 2022, Textron Inc. announced that it had delivered two Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft to the US Forest Service. The aircraft will perform wildfire mapping missions. The King Air 260 aircraft was modified to install the latest imaging TK-9 Earthwatch airborne sensor, infrared (IR) sensing technology, and legacy US Forest Service sensors that can accurately map wildfires, even at night and through smoke.
Firefighting Aircraft Market Leaders
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Textron Inc.
Leonardo S.p.A.
Airbus SE
Shinmaywa Industries Ltd.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Firefighting Aircraft Market News
September 2023: Algeria received a Beriev Be-200ES Atlas amphibious aircraft for firefighting. The Algerian Air Force also finalized an agreement to acquire four Beriev Be-200ES Altair multirole amphibious aircraft called water bombers. The procurement decision comes in response to wildfires plaguing several country regions.
March 2023: China’s leading aircraft manufacturer, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), has successfully conducted the maiden flight of the fourth AG600M firefighting aircraft prototype in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province.
Firefighting Aircraft Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.3 Market Restraints
4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 Aircraft Type
5.1.1 Rotorcraft
5.1.2 Fixed-wing
5.2 Maximum Take-off Weight
5.2.1 Below 50,000 kg
5.2.2 Above 50,000 kg
5.3 Geography
5.3.1 North America
5.3.2 Europe
5.3.3 Asia-Pacific
5.3.4 Latin America
5.3.5 Middle East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Vendor Market Share
6.2 Company Profiles
6.2.1 United Aircraft Corporation
6.2.2 Lockheed Martin Corporation
6.2.3 Viking Air Ltd.
6.2.4 ShinMaywa Industries Ltd.
6.2.5 MD Helicopters Inc.
6.2.6 Textron Inc.
6.2.7 Kaman Corporation
6.2.8 Airbus SE
6.2.9 Leonardo S.p.A.
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Firefighting Aircraft Industry Segmentation
Aerial firefighting, known as waterbombing, uses aircraft and other aerial resources to combat wildfires. The Forest Service Department of various countries uses different types of aircraft to tackle wildfires.
The firefighting market is segmented based on aircraft type, maximum take-off weight, and geography. By aircraft type, the market is segmented into rotorcraft and fixed-wing. By maximum take-off weight, the market is classified below 50,000 kg and above 50,000 kg. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. The report offers the market sizes and forecasts in value (USD) for all the above segments.
| Aircraft Type | |
| Rotorcraft | |
| Fixed-wing |
| Maximum Take-off Weight | |
| Below 50,000 kg | |
| Above 50,000 kg |
| Geography | |
| North America | |
| Europe | |
| Asia-Pacific | |
| Latin America | |
| Middle East and Africa |
Firefighting Aircraft Market Research Faqs
How big is the Firefighting Aircraft Market?
The Firefighting Aircraft Market size is expected to reach USD 539.68 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.71% to reach USD 712.39 million by 2029.
What is the current Firefighting Aircraft Market size?
In 2024, the Firefighting Aircraft Market size is expected to reach USD 539.68 million.
Who are the key players in Firefighting Aircraft Market?
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Textron Inc., Leonardo S.p.A., Airbus SE and Shinmaywa Industries Ltd. are the major companies operating in the Firefighting Aircraft Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Firefighting Aircraft Market?
North America is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Firefighting Aircraft Market?
In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Firefighting Aircraft Market.
What years does this Firefighting Aircraft Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Firefighting Aircraft Market size was estimated at USD 508.86 million. The report covers the Firefighting Aircraft Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Firefighting Aircraft Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Firefighting Aircraft Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Firefighting Aircraft market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Firefighting Aircraft analysis includes a market forecast outlook to for 2024 to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
