Firefighting Aircraft Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 7.28 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 10.16 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 6.89 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | North America |
| Largest Market | North America |
Major Players.webp)
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Need a report that reflects how COVID-19 has impacted this market and its growth?
Firefighting Aircraft Market Analysis
The Firefighting Aircraft Market size is estimated at USD 7.28 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 10.16 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.89% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Firefighting aircraft need large containers for liquid storage. These include tanks in the airplane hold area, external tanks, or a combination. The tank helps store water or any other retardant, which is used to extinguish the fire by dropping it from the aircraft. Increasingly, the higher severity and frequency of wildfires worldwide are driving the demand for technological advancements in firefighting aircraft in terms of increasing payload capacities and operational range.
Technological advances include increases in payload capacities, operational range, and accuracy of retardant deployment. Government investments in wildfire management and aerial firefighting fleets are driving the market. Some of the widely used firefighting aircraft are Boeing B747, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, and BAe 146 aerial firefighting aircraft.
The market's growth is hampered by challenges such as the high cost of operations, stringent regulatory standards for aviation safety, and environmental concerns over the chemicals used in fighting fires. The high cost of operations is among the severe challenges faced by the firefighting aircraft market, mainly attributed to higher fuel costs, maintenance costs, and specialized equipment requirements.
Firefighting Aircraft Market Trends
The Rotorcraft Segment will Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
A wide range of helicopters are selected for firefighting missions based on cost-effectiveness and suitability. Compared to fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcrafts can carry less water or fire retardant and transport fewer firefighters and equipment. Helicopters are helpful for quick initial attacks on smaller wildfires. The new technological developments have improved operational efficiency and made them safer and more reliable. The lift capacity has increased, and advanced water drop systems and enhanced flight control systems have been installed to increase their effectiveness in firefighting missions. Furthermore, incorporating advanced coordination and communication technologies enables better integration of aerial efforts with ground operations, ensuring an improvement in overall firefighting strategies.
Various countries are converting helicopters into firefighters by installing modern internal water tanks. In March 2023, United Rotorcraft started evaluating several options and modernizations for the emergency rescue and firefighting helicopter program. The upgrades included a 1,000-gallon composite water tank, which the company developed in collaboration with Dart. Furthermore, in November 2023, Leonardo signed a contract with Omni Helicopters International to supply AW189 and A189 K helicopters to enhance firefighting capabilities. These high-efficiency, extended-endurance helicopters will improve the operational effectiveness of firefighting missions within the region. The deal aligns with OHI Helicopters International's focus on sustainability and reliability in firefighting operations.
North America Projected to Hold the Highest Market Share During the Forecast Period
North America is projected to hold the highest market share during the forecast period. Wildfires are prevalent in North American countries such as the United States and Canada. They may be caused by natural causes such as lightning or human activity, such as faulty electrical equipment, unextinguished smoking materials, overheating automobiles, or arson. The US National Interagency Fire Center report stated that around 55,571 wildfire incidents occurred in 2023. Similarly, Canada reported 6,132 incidents of wildfires that affected an area of 16.5 million hectares of land in the same year.
Wildfire control agencies in the region use different types of firefighting aircraft, such as Large Airtankers (LATs), Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs), Very Large Airtankers (VLATs), Smokejumpers, and Water Scoopers. In a nutshell, high technological capabilities, strong government support, and a high number of wildfires help the region account for the largest share of the global firefighting market. The dominance is supported by ongoing advancements in aircraft technology and strategic initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness of wildfire management.
For instance, in April 2024, the Saskatchewan Public Agency announced plans to invest approximately USD 187 million in procuring four repurposed air tankers. The federal government has contributed USD 16 million to support the investment, which underlines a growing commitment to updating and modernizing aerial firefighting fleets.
Firefighting Aircraft Industry Overview
The firefighting aircraft 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 SpA, Textron Inc., and Air Tractor Inc. Key players are making strategic moves by forming joint ventures and partnerships. The key OEMs are focusing on expanding their global market presence through alliances. For instance, in January 2024, Airbus (France) and Tata Group (India) partnered for a final assembly line for the H125 Helicopter. The partnership emphasizes strengthening ties between India and France in the aerospace industry. These moves will enhance aircraft capabilities and increase key players' operational footprint in the global market.
Firefighting Aircraft Market Leaders
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Textron Inc.
Leonardo S.p.A.
Airbus SE
Air Tractor Inc.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
.webp)
Firefighting Aircraft Market News
March 2024: Canadian Commercial Corporation signed two government-to-government contracts for the sale of De Havilland Canada’s DHC-515 Firefighter aircraft to Greece and Croatia. Greece, through its Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, will acquire the seven DHC-515 aircraft, along with spare parts, training, and support.
January 2024: Cargolux (Luxembourg) started Aquarius Aerial Firefighting, a new division for aerial firefighting. The unit will have 12 Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss to be bought over a period of three years. The Aquarius AFF seeks to fill the capacity shortage in European aerial firefighting capabilities. The strategic move puts Cargolux in a position to considerably enhance its service offerings in the niche firefighting market.
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 Driver
4.3 Market Restraint
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 Lockheed Martin Corporation
6.2.2 Viking Air Ltd
6.2.3 ShinMaywa Industries Ltd
6.2.4 MD Helicopters Inc.
6.2.5 Textron Inc.
6.2.6 Kaman Corporation
6.2.7 Airbus SE
6.2.8 Leonardo SpA
6.2.9 Hynaero
6.2.10 Air Tractor Inc.
6.2.11 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Firefighting Aircraft Industry Segmentation
Aerial firefighting, also known as waterbombing, uses aircraft and other aerial resources to combat wildfires. Firefighting aircraft include fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft that coordinate with ground crews to hold and extinguish wildfires. These aircraft often form the initial attack force for a fire or provide over-the-fire support during suppression activities for firefighters on the ground.
The firefighting aircraft market is segmented by 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 into the below 50,000 kg and above 50,000 kg segments. Also, the report covers the market size and forecasts for the firefighting aircraft market in major countries across different regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).
| 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 7.28 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.89% to reach USD 10.16 billion by 2029.
What is the current Firefighting Aircraft Market size?
In 2024, the Firefighting Aircraft Market size is expected to reach USD 7.28 billion.
Who are the key players in Firefighting Aircraft Market?
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Textron Inc., Leonardo S.p.A., Airbus SE and Air Tractor Inc. 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 6.78 billion. 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.
