Industry: IT and Telecommunication
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Delivery Timelines: Contact Sales
Report Type: Ongoing
Report ID: PMRREP34536
Over the forecast years 2024 - 2031, the global market for primary flight displays is poised to progress at a steady CAGR of 5.9%. From its estimated 2024 revenue of US$987.2 Mn, the market will reach US$1,474.6 Mn by the end of 2031.
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market size value in 2024(E) |
US$987.2 Mn |
Revenue forecast in 2031(F) |
US$1,474.6 Mn |
CAGR (2024-2031) |
5.90% |
CAGR (2019-2023) |
5.20% |
The consistent rise in aircraft orders, and the critically growing need for system efficiency together drove demand in the global primary flight display (PFD) market.
Companies are investing heavily in technological advancements in cockpit systems, thus fueling expansion of PFD market. The increasing demand for digital flight information, and inclination towards flight control automation plays a pivotal role in the market build-up.
Increasing concerns about effective and efficient operation, and greater emphasis on flight safety, and consumers’ safety will be the key boosters to demand in global market.
Growing demand for fostered productivity of multifunction displays in the cockpit also provides sufficient tailwinds to demand surge. Although the soaring demand for newer, innovative aircraft remains a strong driving force for the market, it is the inadequate pilot training for flight display and blackout display management that pulls the market down to a large extent.
While new product developments, strategic partnerships, and collaborations remain the primary moves of key companies, it is more likely that the R&D area will steal the limelight in coming years.
This is clearly attributable to the investments by display technology providers, avionics manufacturers, and aerospace electronics companies – eying technologically advanced primary flight display systems.
The primary flight display market experienced a complex journey during 2019-2023 due to several significant events, COVID-19 pandemic being the most notable one. The pre-pandemic growth of the market was on a steady upward trajectory and was affected significantly during the pandemic period.
The rising demand for new aircraft, especially across the developing economies of Asia Pacific, drove demand further. Rising focus on safety and efficiency also played an important role in market expansion. The rise of the glass cockpit revolution was a highlight of this growth.
Grounded flights, and a severe decline in new aircraft orders caused a temporary but serious industry slowdown, leading to the same in the primary flight display market that soon exhibited signs of rebounding post-recovery of air traffic as the pandemic subsided.
The travel pent-up released and led to surged air passenger traffic. The production of new aircraft equipped with advanced PFDs thus took off in full pace.
Amidst remarkable variability in terms of recovery times of various regions, North America experienced a faster recovery post-2021. As far as the growth post-2024 is concerned, the primary flight display market remains concentrated in North America.
Technological Advancements
Rapid advancements in display technology, such as the adoption of digital displays, improved resolution, and advanced graphics capabilities, are driving the demand for primary flight displays. These advancements enhance pilot situational awareness, improve readability, and reduce workload, thereby boosting market growth.
Enhanced Flight Safety and Situational Awareness
The primary flight displays play a crucial role in improving flight safety by providing pilots with real-time, accurate, and comprehensive flight information. The market is driven by the aviation industry's increasing focus on enhancing safety measures, and pilot situational awareness to mitigate risks and prevent accidents.
Growing Demand for Advanced Avionics Systems
With the increasing complexity of flight operations, there is a growing demand for advanced avionics systems that integrate multiple functionalities and provide a consolidated view of critical flight data. Primary flight displays, with their ability to integrate various data sources and present information in a user-friendly format, are witnessing high demand in the market.
Modernization and Retrofitting of Aircraft
The need to modernize and retrofit older aircraft with advanced avionics systems is driving the demand for primary flight displays. Airlines and operators are upgrading their fleets to comply with the latest avionics standards, improve operational efficiency, and enhance passenger experience, thereby fueling market growth.
High Costs, and Complex Integration
While advancements in PFD technology offer significant benefits, their implementation comes at a price. These displays can be expensive, especially when considering newer technologies like Flexible OLED. This high initial cost can be a hurdle for budget-conscious airlines and operators, particularly in emerging markets.
Additionally, the intricate design of these displays can lead to complexities in integration with existing aircraft systems. This complexity necessitates specialized training for pilots and technicians, further adding to the overall operational cost. Both the high upfront investment and ongoing training requirements can act as significant restraints on the growth of the primary flight display market.
Certification Delays
The aviation industry is heavily regulated, with strict safety standards for all onboard systems. New PFD technologies need to undergo rigorous testing and certification processes before widespread adoption. These processes can be lengthy and expensive, delaying the market entry of potentially groundbreaking advancements.
Regulatory bodies may be hesitant to approve certain technologies due to concerns about potential safety risks or compatibility with existing systems. This creates a lag between technological innovation and its practical application, hindering the overall growth of the primary flight display market.
Opportunities Existing in Developing Markets, and Budget-Friendly Options
The aviation boom in regions like Asia Pacific presents a significant growth opportunity. Manufacturers can cater to this market by developing cost-effective PFD solutions.
This could involve offering tiered product lines with varying functionalities or exploring partnerships with local manufacturers to bring down production costs. By making advanced PFD technology more accessible, manufacturers can tap into this high-growth market segment.
Incessant Demand for Specialization, and Customization
With the increasing diversity of aircraft types and missions, there's a growing demand for specialized PFDs. Manufacturers can cater to this by offering customizable PFD configurations that cater to specific needs.
This could involve tailoring display layouts, integrating mission-critical data specific to certain aircraft types like commercial airlines, and military jets, or offering certain modular add-on features.
By focusing on customization and specialization, manufacturers can position themselves as solution providers for a wider range of aviation applications.
LCD Displays at the Forefront
LCD displays currently reign supreme in the primary flight display market, for they offer a good balance of affordability, and functionality. They serve ideally for a broad range of applications.
Furthermore, the manufacturing of LED flight displays is practically possible in a wide variety of sizes meant for various cockpit configurations, which presents a significant advantage over other display type categories.
LED displays, on the other hand, offer superior brightness, higher energy efficiency, and notably faster refresh rates, which together account for better visibility in a variety of lighting conditions.
The crucial need for smoother information displays for pilots will remain the major force upholding preference for LED in the primary flight display market.
While newer technologies like OLED come with a spectrum of potential advantages, LCD displays continue to be the preferred choice for relatively low costs, and a proven track record in aviation over the years.
Long term benefits of LED and LCD displays in terms of cost, durability, and performance keep these segments ahead of others in the market. However, with growing inclination of manufacturers and airlines alike may soon result in the latter’s dominance chipped away by the former.
The likes of OLED that are still in infancy will soon enter the popular league. OLED especially provides superior visuals when compared with both LED and LCD, in addition to energy efficiency. However, the higher cost is currently restricting its adoption as a viable competitor in the future.
Commercial Aviation Takes the Cake by Application
The commercial aviation segment currently dominates the primary flight display market. The increasing demand for new aircraft, especially in the Asia Pacific region, fuels the primary of this segment.
Airlines are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency and safety, and advanced PFDs play a crucial role in achieving these goals. Additionally, the rising focus on modernization of existing fleets with next-generation avionics further creates steady demand for PFDs within the commercial aviation segment.
The general aviation segment is also witnessing significant growth in the primary flight display market, stimulated by the increasing popularity of private jets, and the rising demand for advanced avionics in smaller aircraft.
Manufacturers are catering to this segment by offering cost-effective PFD solutions tailored to the specific needs of general aviation pilots. On the other hand, the military aviation segment has its own unique requirements for primary flight displays.
Military PFDs often need to be ruggedized for harsh environments and integrate functionalities specific to military operations, such as weapon systems data, or night vision compatibility.
North America Secures the Top Spot
Home to major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing, and Lockheed Martin, North America boasts an established aviation industry with a glorious history of innovation. The region maintains a dominant positioning in the global market for primary flight displays.
Incessant demand for advanced avionics, a large aircraft installed base, a massive military and commercial aircraft fleet, and ongoing modernization programs collectively secure the top rank for North America in the global PFD sector.
Notable rates of replacement of aged PFDs with next-generation flight displays creates a constant need for new technology within the region. In addition, the North American aviation authorities enforce rigorous safety standards, supporting market expansion.
With sustained focus on the maximum safety and efficiency in primary flight display functions and operations, demand will be unwavering among the major airlines in the region. Investments directed to advanced cockpit technologies will further strengthen the region’s globally significant position.
Asia Pacific Foresees Pacing Growth Ahead
In the light of the rapid aviation boom, Asia Pacific has been recently experiencing a heavy upsurge in demand for air travel. While this is clearly translating to a significant increase in new aircraft orders, it is pushing the need for PFDs for the newly ordered aircraft as well.
The rise of newer airlines in the region, and consistently improving economies – especially across the key fast-developing countries, are largely benefiting the expansion of market in this region.
In addition, the consistency in modernization of existing fleets will continue to create constant demand for advanced PFDs.
Many Asian governments have been actively promoting the development of their domestic aviation industries. The associated investments in aviation infrastructure, and growing inclination towards adopting advanced technologies like PFDs will thus account for the fastest pace of growth estimated for Asia Pacific in the primary flight display market.
Companies, however, remain focused on catering to this cost-conscious market with the development of affordable PFD solutions.
India's aviation sector is experiencing a boom, with a growing number of airlines debuting in the landscape. The primary flight display market in India will especially present a lucrative opportunity for manufacturers readying to offer cost-competitive PFD solutions.
February 2024
Garmin launched a touchscreen-based PFD specifically designed for general aviation aircraft, offering intuitive controls, and improved information integration.
December 2023
L3Harris, and Rockwell Collins announced partnership on next-gen PFD technology.
October 2023
Honeywell unveiled its next-generation head-up display that features a wider field of view, and enhanced symbology.
July 2023
Universal Avionics presented an AR-integrated prototype PFD. The system overlays virtual information onto the real world through the pilot's visor.
November 2022
BAE Systems landed a multi-million-dollar contract to provide avionics support for the Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
June 2022
Elbit Systems secured a significant contract to supply Boeing 737NG aircraft with Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS).
Attributes |
Details |
Forecast Period |
2024 to 2031 |
Historical Data Available for |
2019 to 2023 |
Market Analysis |
US$ Billion for Value |
Key Regions Covered |
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Key Market Segments Covered |
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Key Companies Profiled |
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Report Coverage |
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Customization & Pricing |
Available upon request |
By Display Technology
By System
By Application
By End User
By Region
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The growing demand for digital flight information, and flight control automation majorly drives primary flight display market growth.
As of 2023, the global primary flight display market size was around US$987.2 million.
LCD display technology is dominant in the global market for primary flight display market.
The commercial aviation segment remains leader in the market based on application.
Some of the leading companies in this market include Collins Aerospace, United Technologies Corporation, BAE Systems, Aspen Avionics, Dynon, Meggitt, BendixKing, and Thales Group.