The refueling aircraft market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $11.53 billion in 2024 to $12.21 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to military operations and conflicts, commercial aviation growth, global geopolitical changes, airline alliances and partnerships, fuel price fluctuations.
The refueling aircraft market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $15.32 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion of commercial aviation, technological advancements in refueling systems, shift towards eco-friendly fuels, rise in air force modernization programs, regulatory changes and safety standards. Major trends in the forecast period include automation in refueling systems, use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), adoption of autonomous technologies, advanced fueling techniques, enhanced safety measures.
The increasing number of air travelers is expected to drive the growth of the refueling aircraft market. Air travelers refer to individuals who travel by airplane, and their numbers are influenced by various factors, including the rising demand for efficient transportation, greater globalization, increased business travel, and technological advancements in aircraft and airport services. As more people opt for air travel, there will be a higher demand for operating airplanes, which leads to increased fuel consumption and a greater need for aircraft refueling. For example, in March 2023, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, a U.S.-based government agency, reported that U.S. airlines transported 853 million passengers in 2022, a significant rise from 658 million in 2021, indicating a growing demand for air travel. Consequently, the rising frequency of air travelers is fueling the growth of the refueling aircraft market.
The burgeoning growth of the commercial aviation sector is anticipated to be a driving force behind the refueling aircraft market's expansion in the foreseeable future. The commercial aviation industry, encompassing the operation of airplanes for passenger and freight transport, plays a vital role in global air travel and related services. Refueling aircraft significantly contribute to expanding the operational capabilities of airplanes, fostering consistent air mobility and efficient time management. According to Airlines for America in November 2023, commercial aviation constitutes 5% of the US GDP, amounting to $1.25 trillion in 2022. On a typical day, over 25,000 flights from the United States serve nearly 80 countries, transporting 2.5 million passengers and over 59,000 tons of cargo to and from more than 220 nations. Therefore, the burgeoning growth of the commercial aviation industry is a key driver for the refueling aircraft market.
Product innovation is a significant trend in the refueling aircraft market. Leading companies in this sector are concentrating on developing innovative products to enhance their market position. For instance, in May 2024, Airbus, a Netherlands-based aerospace and defense company, introduced the GOLIAT (Ground Operations of Liquid Hydrogen Aircraft) project, which focuses on developing and demonstrating technologies for handling and refueling liquid hydrogen (LH2) at airports. The primary objective of this initiative is to support the adoption of LH2 for future hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft, aiding the aviation industry in its transition to cleaner, low-emission energy sources.
Major players in the refueling aircraft market are adopting a strategic partnership approach to drive innovation in refueling technologies. Strategic partnerships involve leveraging collective strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits and success. Boeing Company, a leading aircraft and refueling aircraft manufacturer, announced a partnership with Aurora Flight Sciences in June 2023. This collaboration aims to advance aerial refueling operation capabilities for future-oriented mobility systems. The partnership involves significant investments in mission technologies for upcoming refueling and transportation platforms such as the KC-46A Pegasus. Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, is tasked with preliminary research and conceptual design work on composite elements to enhance operational survivability in aerial refueling and mobility operations.
In July 2024, Metrea, a U.S.-based defense and aerospace company, acquired 14 KC-/C-135 aerial refueling tankers from the French Air and Space Force (FASF) for an undisclosed amount. The purpose of this acquisition is to enhance Metrea's capacity to provide commercial aerial refueling support for military training, exercises, and troop movements. The French Air and Space Force (FASF), a military organization based in France, specializes in a wide range of aerial military operations crucial for national security and defense.
Major companies operating in the refueling aircraft market include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Eaton Corporation, The Flofuel Group, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, General Electric Aviation systems, Cobham Limited, Airbus SE, The Boeing Company, GE Aviation, Refuel International Ltd., Garsite LLC, BAE Systems plc, Rostec State Corporation, United Aircraft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Safran SA, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Meggitt plc, Dassault Aviation SA, Embraer SA, Bombardier Inc., Textron Inc., Leonardo SpA, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., General Dynamics Corp.
Europe was the largest region in the refueling aircraft market in 2024. The regions covered in the refueling aircraft market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the refueling aircraft market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
Refueling aircraft, also known as tanker aircraft, are specifically designed for transferring fuel to other aircraft during flight, extending their range or preparing them for subsequent missions. This capability allows aircraft to stay airborne for longer periods, resulting in fuel and time savings, especially during extended manned flights.
The primary refueling methods for refueling aircraft include air-to-air refueling, the flying boom method, the probe and drogue method, the tanking method, and other refueling mediums. Air-to-air refueling, also referred to as aerial refueling, involves transferring fuel from a military tanker aircraft to another military aircraft, which can be a fixed-wing jet or a helicopter. This process enhances an aircraft's range or time in the air. Various components, such as aviation refuelers, dispensers, refueling pods, probes and drogues, and others, are employed in different types of aircraft, including commercial airplanes, military airplanes, combat aircraft, non-combat aircraft, and helicopters.
The refueling aircraft market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides, refueling aircraft market statistics, including, clock buffer industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a refueling aircraft market share, detailed, refueling aircraft market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the clock buffer industry. This, refueling 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 refueling aircraft market consists of sales of hydrant dispensers and mini hydrant dispenser. 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.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
The refueling aircraft market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $15.32 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion of commercial aviation, technological advancements in refueling systems, shift towards eco-friendly fuels, rise in air force modernization programs, regulatory changes and safety standards. Major trends in the forecast period include automation in refueling systems, use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), adoption of autonomous technologies, advanced fueling techniques, enhanced safety measures.
The increasing number of air travelers is expected to drive the growth of the refueling aircraft market. Air travelers refer to individuals who travel by airplane, and their numbers are influenced by various factors, including the rising demand for efficient transportation, greater globalization, increased business travel, and technological advancements in aircraft and airport services. As more people opt for air travel, there will be a higher demand for operating airplanes, which leads to increased fuel consumption and a greater need for aircraft refueling. For example, in March 2023, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, a U.S.-based government agency, reported that U.S. airlines transported 853 million passengers in 2022, a significant rise from 658 million in 2021, indicating a growing demand for air travel. Consequently, the rising frequency of air travelers is fueling the growth of the refueling aircraft market.
The burgeoning growth of the commercial aviation sector is anticipated to be a driving force behind the refueling aircraft market's expansion in the foreseeable future. The commercial aviation industry, encompassing the operation of airplanes for passenger and freight transport, plays a vital role in global air travel and related services. Refueling aircraft significantly contribute to expanding the operational capabilities of airplanes, fostering consistent air mobility and efficient time management. According to Airlines for America in November 2023, commercial aviation constitutes 5% of the US GDP, amounting to $1.25 trillion in 2022. On a typical day, over 25,000 flights from the United States serve nearly 80 countries, transporting 2.5 million passengers and over 59,000 tons of cargo to and from more than 220 nations. Therefore, the burgeoning growth of the commercial aviation industry is a key driver for the refueling aircraft market.
Product innovation is a significant trend in the refueling aircraft market. Leading companies in this sector are concentrating on developing innovative products to enhance their market position. For instance, in May 2024, Airbus, a Netherlands-based aerospace and defense company, introduced the GOLIAT (Ground Operations of Liquid Hydrogen Aircraft) project, which focuses on developing and demonstrating technologies for handling and refueling liquid hydrogen (LH2) at airports. The primary objective of this initiative is to support the adoption of LH2 for future hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft, aiding the aviation industry in its transition to cleaner, low-emission energy sources.
Major players in the refueling aircraft market are adopting a strategic partnership approach to drive innovation in refueling technologies. Strategic partnerships involve leveraging collective strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits and success. Boeing Company, a leading aircraft and refueling aircraft manufacturer, announced a partnership with Aurora Flight Sciences in June 2023. This collaboration aims to advance aerial refueling operation capabilities for future-oriented mobility systems. The partnership involves significant investments in mission technologies for upcoming refueling and transportation platforms such as the KC-46A Pegasus. Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, is tasked with preliminary research and conceptual design work on composite elements to enhance operational survivability in aerial refueling and mobility operations.
In July 2024, Metrea, a U.S.-based defense and aerospace company, acquired 14 KC-/C-135 aerial refueling tankers from the French Air and Space Force (FASF) for an undisclosed amount. The purpose of this acquisition is to enhance Metrea's capacity to provide commercial aerial refueling support for military training, exercises, and troop movements. The French Air and Space Force (FASF), a military organization based in France, specializes in a wide range of aerial military operations crucial for national security and defense.
Major companies operating in the refueling aircraft market include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Eaton Corporation, The Flofuel Group, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, General Electric Aviation systems, Cobham Limited, Airbus SE, The Boeing Company, GE Aviation, Refuel International Ltd., Garsite LLC, BAE Systems plc, Rostec State Corporation, United Aircraft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Safran SA, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Meggitt plc, Dassault Aviation SA, Embraer SA, Bombardier Inc., Textron Inc., Leonardo SpA, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., General Dynamics Corp.
Europe was the largest region in the refueling aircraft market in 2024. The regions covered in the refueling aircraft market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the refueling aircraft market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
Refueling aircraft, also known as tanker aircraft, are specifically designed for transferring fuel to other aircraft during flight, extending their range or preparing them for subsequent missions. This capability allows aircraft to stay airborne for longer periods, resulting in fuel and time savings, especially during extended manned flights.
The primary refueling methods for refueling aircraft include air-to-air refueling, the flying boom method, the probe and drogue method, the tanking method, and other refueling mediums. Air-to-air refueling, also referred to as aerial refueling, involves transferring fuel from a military tanker aircraft to another military aircraft, which can be a fixed-wing jet or a helicopter. This process enhances an aircraft's range or time in the air. Various components, such as aviation refuelers, dispensers, refueling pods, probes and drogues, and others, are employed in different types of aircraft, including commercial airplanes, military airplanes, combat aircraft, non-combat aircraft, and helicopters.
The refueling aircraft market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides, refueling aircraft market statistics, including, clock buffer industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a refueling aircraft market share, detailed, refueling aircraft market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the clock buffer industry. This, refueling 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 refueling aircraft market consists of sales of hydrant dispensers and mini hydrant dispenser. 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.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary2. Refueling Aircraft Market Characteristics3. Refueling Aircraft Market Trends and Strategies4. Refueling Aircraft Market - Macro Economic Scenario Including the Impact of Interest Rates, Inflation, Geopolitics, and the Recovery from COVID-19 on the Market32. Global Refueling Aircraft Market Competitive Benchmarking and Dashboard33. Key Mergers and Acquisitions in the Refueling Aircraft Market34. Recent Developments in the Refueling Aircraft Market
5. Global Refueling Aircraft Growth Analysis and Strategic Analysis Framework
6. Refueling Aircraft Market Segmentation
7. Refueling Aircraft Market Regional and Country Analysis
8. Asia-Pacific Refueling Aircraft Market
9. China Refueling Aircraft Market
10. India Refueling Aircraft Market
11. Japan Refueling Aircraft Market
12. Australia Refueling Aircraft Market
13. Indonesia Refueling Aircraft Market
14. South Korea Refueling Aircraft Market
15. Western Europe Refueling Aircraft Market
16. UK Refueling Aircraft Market
17. Germany Refueling Aircraft Market
18. France Refueling Aircraft Market
19. Italy Refueling Aircraft Market
20. Spain Refueling Aircraft Market
21. Eastern Europe Refueling Aircraft Market
22. Russia Refueling Aircraft Market
23. North America Refueling Aircraft Market
24. USA Refueling Aircraft Market
25. Canada Refueling Aircraft Market
26. South America Refueling Aircraft Market
27. Brazil Refueling Aircraft Market
28. Middle East Refueling Aircraft Market
29. Africa Refueling Aircraft Market
30. Refueling Aircraft Market Competitive Landscape and Company Profiles
31. Refueling Aircraft Market Other Major and Innovative Companies
35. Refueling Aircraft Market High Potential Countries, Segments and Strategies
36. Appendix
Executive Summary
Refueling Aircraft Global Market Report 2025 provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.This report focuses on refueling aircraft market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Reasons to Purchase:
- Gain a truly global perspective with the most comprehensive report available on this market covering 15 geographies.
- Assess the impact of key macro factors such as conflict, pandemic and recovery, inflation and interest rate environment and the 2nd Trump presidency.
- Create regional and country strategies on the basis of local data and analysis.
- Identify growth segments for investment.
- Outperform competitors using forecast data and the drivers and trends shaping the market.
- Understand customers based on the latest market shares.
- Benchmark performance against key competitors.
- Suitable for supporting your internal and external presentations with reliable high quality data and analysis
- Report will be updated with the latest data and delivered to you along with an Excel data sheet for easy data extraction and analysis.
- All data from the report will also be delivered in an excel dashboard format.
Description
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for refueling aircraft ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The refueling aircraft market global report answers all these questions and many more.The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.
- the market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
- the market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
- the forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:
- the forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
- the regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
- the competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
- the trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.
Scope
Markets Covered:
1) by Refueling Medium: Air To Air Refueling; Flying Boom Method; Probe and Drogue Method; Tanking Method; Other Refueling Mediums2) by Component: Aviation Refueller; Dispenser; Refueling Pods; Probe and Drogue; Other Components
3) by Application: Commercial Airplane; Military Airplane; Combat Aircraft; Non-Combat Aircraft; Helicopters
Subsegments:
1) by Air To Air Refueling: Boom Refueling; Probe Refueling2) by Flying Boom Method: Rigid Boom; Telescoping Boom
3) by Probe and Drogue Method: Single Point Refueling; Multi-Point Refueling
4) by Tanking Method: Buddy Store Tanking; Direct Tanking
5) by Other Refueling Mediums: Ground-Based Refueling Systems; Hybrid Refueling Methods
Key Companies Mentioned: Lockheed Martin Corporation; Eaton Corporation; the Flofuel Group; Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group; General Electric Aviation systems
Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita.
Data Segmentation: Country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.
Companies Mentioned
Some of the major companies featured in this Refueling Aircraft market report include:- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Eaton Corporation
- The Flofuel Group
- Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group
- General Electric Aviation systems
- Cobham Limited
- Airbus SE
- The Boeing Company
- GE Aviation
- Refuel International Ltd.
- Garsite LLC
- BAE Systems plc
- Rostec State Corporation
- United Aircraft Corporation
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
- Safran SA
- Parker Hannifin Corporation
- Honeywell International Inc.
- Meggitt plc
- Dassault Aviation SA
- Embraer SA
- Bombardier Inc.
- Textron Inc.
- Leonardo SpA
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.
- Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
- General Dynamics Corp.
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 200 |
| Published | February 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 - 2029 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 12.21 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 15.32 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 5.8% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
| No. of Companies Mentioned | 30 |
