The Global Aircraft Sensor Market is analyzed in this report across sensor type, application, end-user, and region, highlighting major trends and growth forecasts for each segment.

Introduction

The aircraft sensor market is a vital and fast-evolving segment of the global aerospace industry. These sensors play a foundational role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and overall performance of both commercial and military aircraft. By continuously monitoring parameters such as pressure, temperature, speed, vibration, and environmental conditions, sensors enable critical functions including flight control, engine monitoring, structural integrity assessment, and navigation.

As air traffic volumes rise and fleets modernize, demand for advanced sensor technologies is accelerating. Innovations in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), wireless networks, and sensor integration are expanding capabilities and enhancing operational intelligence. The push for fuel efficiency, predictive maintenance, and aircraft electrification is further driving demand for smarter, more interconnected sensor systems.

Valued at approximately USD 4.63 billion in 2024, the global aircraft sensor market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% to reach USD 7.05 billion by 2030.

Market Dynamics

The global aircraft sensor market is expanding steadily, supported by growing demand for flight safety, increased automation, and digitization across aircraft systems. As aviation platforms transition toward data-rich, networked environments, sensors are becoming the backbone of real-time performance monitoring, diagnostics, and fault detection.

Key market drivers include rising global air travel, defense modernization efforts, and the adoption of next-generation avionics and propulsion systems. Sensors are critical to high-precision applications such as engine health management, flight control optimization, and aircraft environmental monitoring, enhancing reliability while reducing lifecycle costs.

Growth opportunities are emerging across both legacy and future aircraft platforms. These include the integration of smart sensors into electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, the rising deployment of condition-based and predictive maintenance solutions, and the development of high-performance sensors for UAVs and urban air mobility (UAM) systems. The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), for instance, highlighted in 2024 the expanded use of multi-sensor payloads in UAVs for surveillance and environmental monitoring, illustrating the growing diversification of sensor use cases.

The industry is also seeing significant technological trends, including the rise of MEMS-based designs, wireless sensor networks, and the use of AI and edge computing for onboard data processing. These innovations are simplifying sensor architecture, accelerating data acquisition, and enabling autonomous decision-making within the aircraft ecosystem.

Regulatory shifts, such as the adoption of performance-based navigation systems and modern air traffic surveillance protocols, are further spurring upgrades across civil and defense aviation sectors. As aviation continues to pivot toward more sustainable and intelligent systems, sensors will remain central to ensuring operational excellence and environmental compliance.

The importance of sensors in the digital transformation of aviation is well illustrated by the shift from analog cockpits to computer-driven flight decks, as noted by the U.S. National Park Service in 2022. This transformation, powered by advanced avionics and sensor-driven systems, underscores the strategic value of sensors in shaping the future of aerospace innovation.

Segment Highlights and Performance Overview

By Sensor Type
Pressure sensors represent the leading component segment, accounting for approximately 28% to 30% of the market. These sensors are essential for critical aircraft systems such as engines, hydraulics, fuel lines, and environmental controls. Their ability to deliver reliable, real-time data in harsh environments makes them indispensable in both commercial and military aircraft platforms.

By Application
Engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) systems hold the largest share in the application segment, contributing roughly 33% to 35%. These systems require dense sensor arrays to monitor parameters such as fuel flow, combustion efficiency, temperature, and vibration. With increasing focus on fuel efficiency and predictive maintenance, demand for advanced engine-integrated sensors continues to rise.

By End-User
OEMs account for the dominant share, comprising 70% to 75% of total demand. Sensors are embedded into aircraft systems at the design and production stages, making OEM integration a primary driver of adoption. As global aircraft production accelerates, OEMs are leveraging advanced sensor systems to meet regulatory standards, improve performance, and enable smarter flight systems.

Geographical Analysis

The global aircraft sensor market is examined across key regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America leads the global aircraft sensor market with approximately 45% of total revenue, supported by the presence of major aerospace OEMs, advanced avionics developers, and strong defense spending. The region benefits from extensive modernization programs, well-established MRO networks, and ongoing innovation in digital flight systems.

Asia-Pacific is expected to record the fastest growth, with a projected CAGR of 7% to 8%. This growth is driven by the region’s booming commercial aviation sector, increasing military expenditures, and expanding aircraft manufacturing bases in countries such as China, India, and Japan. The rapid adoption of UAVs, eVTOL platforms, and advanced avionics systems further strengthens the region’s trajectory in the aircraft sensor domain.

Competition Landscape

The global aircraft sensor market is highly competitive, with a mix of established aerospace leaders, sensor manufacturers, and technology innovators. Players are focused on developing high-precision, compact, and integrated sensor systems tailored to both traditional and emerging aircraft platforms.

Key players profiled in this report include: TE Connectivity, Honeywell International Inc., Safran S.A., Meggitt PLC, AMETEK Inc., Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Thales Group, General Electric, Raytheon Technologies, and PCB Piezotronics.

Competitive strategies include R&D investment, partnerships with airframe and engine manufacturers, and diversification into electrification, UAV, and predictive maintenance applications.

Key Developments

• In February 2025, Safran Aircraft Engines announced that they signed a contract at Aero India 2025 with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) to co-produce forged turbine parts for LEAP engines. This collaboration supports India’s “Make in India” initiative and boosts local production of engine components. The partnership also increases demand for advanced sensor integration within LEAP engines, supporting global fleet efficiency and maintenance capabilities.
• Again, in February 2025, TE Connectivity announced a USD 2.3 billion acquisition of Richards Manufacturing to expand its capabilities in sensor-enabled power distribution and aerospace infrastructure. This strategic move enhances TE’s footprint in connected aircraft technologies and strengthens its position in integrated sensor solutions for both aerospace and industrial applications.

Segmentation:

By Sensor Type:

• Pressure Sensors
• Temperature Sensors
• Position Sensors
• Speed Sensors
• Torque Sensors
• Force Sensors
• Accelerometers
• Others

By Application:

• Engine & Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Systems
  • Monitoring oil/fuel/air pressure
  • Measuring exhaust and turbine temperature
  • Detecting engine vibration
  • Others
• Flight Control Systems
  • Control surface position feedback 
  • Aircraft attitude and orientation
  • Others
• Landing Gear Systems
  • Gear extension/retraction status
  • Brake temperature monitoring
  • Tire pressure tracking
  • Others
• Cabin & Avionics Systems
  • Smoke and fire detection
  • Passenger occupancy sensing
  • Others
• Fuel & Hydraulic Systems
  • Fuel level measurement
  • Leak detection
  • Others
• Environmental Control Systems
• Navigation Systems
• Others

By End User:

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
• Aftermarket / MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul)

Companies included in the report:

• TE Connectivity 
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Safran S.A.
• Meggitt PLC
• AMETEK Inc.
• Curtiss-Wright Corporation
• Thales Group
• General Electric
• Raytheon Technologie
• PCB Piezotronics