The Global Aerospace Composites Market is analyzed in this report across fiber type, matrix type, manufacturing process, aircraft type, application, and region, highlighting major trends and growth forecasts for each segment.

Introduction:

Aerospace composites are revolutionizing aircraft design by delivering unparalleled strength-to-weight performance, improved fuel efficiency, and extended durability. These materials are enabling aerospace manufacturers to push design boundaries, resulting in lighter, more efficient, and environmentally responsible aircraft. Widely deployed across aircraft structures—from fuselage and wings to nacelles, interiors, and engine components—composites are at the forefront of next-generation aviation. With mounting pressure to improve fuel economy, lower emissions, and boost payload capacity, demand for advanced composites is rising sharply across commercial, defense, and space sectors.

The global aerospace composites market is expanding rapidly and is expected to reach USD 60.4 billion by 2030. This growth is underpinned by surging air traffic, aggressive fleet upgrades, and significant investments in new aircraft platforms. Valued at approximately USD 29.75 billion in 2024, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.8% over the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

The aerospace composites industry is undergoing accelerated transformation, shaped by evolving performance demands and technological innovation across the aerospace value chain.

Key growth drivers include the increasing requirement for lightweight, fuel-efficient aircraft; tightening emissions regulations; and continuous breakthroughs in composite processing technologies. Advanced composites are enabling aircraft OEMs to reduce airframe weight, enhance fuel efficiency, and boost structural performance. These materials also improve corrosion resistance and component longevity—critical factors in both civil and military aviation. With sustainable aviation emerging as a top priority, rising air travel and modernization programs are reinforcing the strategic importance of composites.

Opportunities are expanding across the ecosystem. Thermoplastic composites are gaining momentum for high-rate manufacturing, while composite applications are broadening into UAVs and space systems. Demand is surging for composite-intensive platforms, prompting OEMs and tier-1 suppliers to invest in automated production technologies like automated fiber placement (AFP) and resin transfer molding (RTM). These innovations are helping scale output, cut costs, and meet rising demand for structural composite components. Simultaneously, growing interest in recyclable and bio-based materials is opening new avenues for sustainable aerospace innovation.

Advanced simulation, design, and testing tools are also redefining composite development. As outlined in NASA’s technical memorandum, digital engineering and process modeling are enabling structurally optimized components tailored for high-performance aerospace applications. These tools are streamlining development cycles, reducing certification costs, and enhancing reliability—particularly in load-bearing structures.

Public and private investment is playing a critical role in advancing composite capabilities. The UK government, for instance, has committed over £250 million to fund sustainable aerospace initiatives in partnership with industry leaders like Airbus and Rolls-Royce. These initiatives are accelerating the shift toward net-zero aviation and fostering the adoption of clean, composite-based technologies across the aerospace supply chain.

Several transformative trends are gaining traction, including the rise of multifunctional and smart composites with embedded sensors, the emergence of out-of-autoclave (OoA) processes, and the widespread adoption of digital simulation tools for composite optimization. Composites are also being used to develop lighter, quieter propulsion systems that support the industry’s transition to low-emission aviation. As OEMs pursue ambitious decarbonization goals, composites are positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of both manned and unmanned aircraft platforms.

Segment Highlights and Performance Overview

Carbon fiber leads the fiber type segment, accounting for 65% to 70% of the market. Its dominance stems from its superior strength-to-weight ratio, high fatigue resistance, and reliability in primary structures like fuselage, wings, and tail assemblies. As aircraft programs prioritize weight savings to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions, carbon fiber remains the material of choice across commercial, military, and space applications.

Polymer matrix composites represent the largest share in the matrix segment, comprising 85% to 90% of the market. This includes both thermosets and thermoplastics, with epoxy resins widely preferred for their mechanical strength and thermal stability. The processability and cost efficiency of polymer matrices make them ideal for a broad range of structural and semi-structural aerospace components.

The lay-up process holds the top position among manufacturing methods, contributing 45% to 50% of the market. This includes both manual and automated approaches, such as AFP, and is extensively used for producing large, complex parts like wing skins and fuselage sections. The process’s flexibility and compatibility with various composite systems support high-performance requirements across aircraft platforms.

Commercial aircraft lead the market by aircraft type, capturing 55% to 60% of global demand. Growth in air travel and the deployment of composite-rich models like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 are fueling adoption. Airlines and OEMs continue to prioritize composite integration to reduce fuel burn and operating costs over an aircraft’s lifecycle.

Exterior components dominate the application segment, accounting for 65% to 70% of the market. These include primary structural elements—wings, fuselage panels, nacelles, and control surfaces—where weight and aerodynamic efficiency are mission-critical. The push for higher load-bearing performance and improved fuel savings continues to drive composite use in exterior airframe design.

Geographical Analysis

The global aerospace composites market is segmented across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America remains the largest regional market, holding approximately 38% of the global market. This leadership is underpinned by the presence of major aerospace OEMs, mature manufacturing ecosystems, and substantial government investment in military and space programs. The region continues to advance composite integration across civil and defense aircraft, supported by robust R&D pipelines and production capabilities.

Asia-Pacific is projected to post the highest CAGR, estimated between 10% and  12%. Countries like China, India, and Japan are significantly increasing aerospace investments—particularly in commercial aviation and indigenous aircraft development. Fleet modernization, rising passenger volumes, and local manufacturing initiatives are driving composite adoption in both civil and defense sectors across the region.

Competition Landscape

The aerospace composites market is marked by strong participation from global material suppliers, aerospace OEMs, and composite fabricators. Competition is centered around innovation, cost reduction, automation, and strategic collaborations. Industry leaders are scaling up advanced manufacturing capabilities and forming alliances to meet surging demand for lightweight, high-performance composite solutions.

Key players in the market include Hexcel Corporation, Toray Industries, Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., Teijin Limited, SGL Carbon SE, Solvay S.A., Huntsman Corporation, Owens Corning, BASF SE, and Spirit AeroSystems. These firms are advancing next-gen materials, improving production throughput, and driving sustainability through the development of recyclable and high-efficiency composite systems.

Key Developments

• On June 4, 2025, Toray Industries, Inc. reaffirmed its long-term focus on aerospace and defense innovation at the Paris Air Show, showcasing its TORAYCA™ carbon fiber and thermoplastic composite advancements. These technologies are accelerating the shift toward lightweight, durable, and recyclable composites in future aircraft, while strengthening global supply chains.
• In June 2025, Hexcel Corporation unveiled HexPly® M51, a next-generation rapid-curing prepreg material developed for high-rate manufacturing of structural parts. Featured at the 2025 Paris Air Show, this breakthrough is enabling faster, more efficient production of composite components—supporting OEMs in their efforts to meet demand for lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft and further advancing sustainable aerospace goals.

Segmentation:

By Fiber Type:

• Glass 
• Carbon
• Ceramic
• Others

By Matrix Type:

• Polymer
• Metal
• Ceramic

By Manufacturing Process:

• Lay-Up Process
• Filament Winding
• Others

By Aircraft Type:

• Commercial Aircraft
• Military Fixed Wings
• Business Aircraft & General Aviation
• Jet Engines
• Others

By Application:

• Interior Components
• Exterior Components

Companies included in the report:

• Hexcel Corporation
• Toray Industries, Inc.
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corp.
• Teijin Limited
• SGL Carbon SE
• Solvay S.A.
• Huntsman Corporation
• Owens Corning
• BASF SE
• Spirit AeroSystems