Firefighting Aircraft Market Report 2025

The firefighting aircraft market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $9.38 billion in 2024 to $10.22 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing frequency of wildfires, expansion of the urban-wildland interface, government investments in fire management, environmental concerns and regulations, international collaboration in fire suppression.

The firefighting aircraft market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $14.16 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to climate change impact on wildfires, development of next-generation fire retardants, increased focus on early detection, global expansion of wildland-urban interfaces, government preparedness investments. Major trends in the forecast period include enhanced remote sensing technologies, integration of drone technology, advancements in aerial firefighting technologies, growing importance of aerial firefighting services, global collaboration for aerial firefighting resources.

The anticipated growth in the number of wildfires is poised to drive the expansion of the firefighting aircraft market in the future. Wildfires, unplanned fires in natural areas such as forests or grasslands, can be caused by human activity or natural phenomena such as lightning, occurring at any time or place. Firefighting aircraft play a crucial role in containing the spread of fires in forests and minimizing damage. With the increasing number of wildfires, there is a rising demand for firefighting aircraft. For example, in June 2023, data from The Congressional Research Service, a US-based public policy research institute, revealed that in 2022, there were approximately 69,000 annual wildfires - an increase from the 59,000 wildfires recorded in 2021. Additionally, the total area burned due to wildfires in 2022 reached 7.6 million acres, indicating an increase from the 7.1 million acres burned in 2021. Consequently, the growing number of wildfires stands as a driving force behind the growth of the firefighting aircraft market.

The anticipated growth in urbanization is poised to drive the expansion of the firefighting aircraft market in the coming years. Urbanization involves the population's shift from rural areas to urban or metropolitan areas, contributing to the growth and expansion of cities. The expansion of urban areas into wildland-urban interface zones has heightened the risk of wildfires impacting populated areas. In response to this challenge, firefighting aircraft are crucial for rapid response and containment efforts. For example, in April 2023, data from The World Bank, a US-based international financial organization, indicated that as of 2023, approximately 56% of the global population resides in urban areas. The global urban population is projected to grow by 1.5 times, reaching 6 billion by the year 2045. This surge in urbanization is a key factor driving the growth of the firefighting aircraft market.

Major companies in the firefighting aircraft market are actively focusing on the development of innovative solutions to gain a competitive edge. An example of this is the creation of aerial firefighting websites - online platforms dedicated to providing information, resources, and updates related to the use of aircraft in combating wildfires. In March 2022, Air Tractor Inc., a US-based aircraft manufacturing company, announced the launch of ‘AT802F.com’. This website serves as a showcase for the AT-802F and 802F Fire Boss, offering the latest insights and information on rapid response and initial attack tactics. 'AT802F.com' provides comprehensive details about the AT-802F, acting as a valuable resource for individuals interested in the aircraft, Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) operations, and optimizing their use for more effective wildfire prevention and initial response strategies. This illustrates the industry's commitment to leveraging digital platforms for information dissemination and engagement.

Major companies in the firefighting aircraft market are actively focusing on the development of innovative solutions, such as autonomous firefighting helicopters, to advance their capabilities and enhance firefighting operations. An autonomous firefighting helicopter is equipped with advanced technologies and automation systems, allowing it to operate without direct human control. In November 2022, Rain Industries, an India-based specialty chemicals company, launched the ‘Rain MK2’. Engineered to transport around 30 gallons of payload, the MK2 is designed for a flight duration of over one hour, covering a response radius of 23 miles. Powered by Rain's automation technology, the MK2 can perform all standard helicopter flight phases - takeoff, hover, cruise, and landing. Notably, oversight is provided by a remote operator instead of an onboard pilot. This example illustrates the industry's commitment to leveraging autonomy for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in firefighting efforts.

In February 2022, Longview Aviation Capital, a Canadian aerospace industry investment firm, unveiled plans to consolidate its companies under the banner of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited. This newly consolidated entity would encompass Longview Aviation Capital, Viking Air (an aircraft manufacturer), Pacific Sky Training (an aircraft training firm), and De Havilland Canada. By consolidating under the operating brand of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, the parent entity sought to leverage synergies and explore additional opportunities, presenting a unified front within the aerospace industry.

Major companies operating in the firefighting aircraft market include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Airbus, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Marsh Aviation Company, Leonardo S.p.A., Textron Inc., Bombardier Inc., Conair Group Inc., SEI Industries Ltd., Sabena Technics Group, Kaman Corporation, Erickson Incorporated, Viking Air Limited, Neptune Aviation Services Inc., Isolair Inc., AeroFlite Inc., Air Tractor Inc., Dauntless Air LLC, Coulson Aircrane Ltd., ShinMaywa Industries Ltd., Aerial Fire Control Pty Ltd, Airgrup Helicopter Services S.L., Supair S.A., Safire Aircraft Company LLC, RainerFire Inc., CAMAIR S.A.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the firefighting aircraft market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the firefighting aircraft market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the firefighting aircraft market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

A firefighting aircraft is a specially designed aircraft used for water bombing and sprinkling water at high fire-attack locations. It provides aerial support to firefighters, serving as crucial eyes in the sky for those on the ground and ensuring safe aviation operations.

The primary types of firefighting aircraft are fixed-wing and multi-rotor. Fixed-wing aircraft are capable of carrying fire retardant or water, dropping it on or in front of a fire to help slow down its progression. This type of firefighting aircraft is the most commonly used. Water capacities vary, including less than 5,000 Ltr, 5,000-10,000 Ltr, and more than 10,000 Ltr, catering to different firefighting needs. These aircraft find applications in various sectors, including firefighting organizations, military, and others.

The firefighting aircraft market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides firefighting aircraft market statistics, including firefighting aircraft industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a firefighting aircraft market share, detailed firefighting aircraft market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the firefighting aircraft industry. This firefighting aircraft market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The firefighting aircraft market consists of sales of single engine airtanker, large airtankers, water scoopers, and smokejumper aircraft. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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