Aviation Fuel Market Overview, 2024-29

The global aviation fuel market is an essential component of the ever-expanding airline industry, serving as the lifeblood that propels millions of flights across the skies each year. With the relentless growth of air travel fueled by burgeoning passenger demand and increasing freight shipments, the demand for aviation fuel continues to soar. This demand is further propelled by economic expansion, fleet modernization efforts by airlines, and the relentless pursuit of efficiency and sustainability in aviation operations. However, the market is not immune to volatility, as it remains sensitive to geopolitical tensions, oil price fluctuations, and regulatory pressures aimed at reducing emissions.

The market for aviation fuel is heavily influenced by economic factors. The demand for air travel is strongly impacted by the ups and downs in the world economy, which in turn influences the patterns of aviation fuel use. While economic expansion promotes higher travel and fuel consumption, economic downturns can result in decreased passenger traffic and freight shipping. Furthermore, the aviation industry is expanding rapidly in emerging areas, especially in Asia and the Middle East, which is increasing fuel consumption and influencing market dynamics. The landscape of aviation fuel is changing as a result of technological advancements, with an increasing focus on efficiency and sustainability. In order to minimise operating expenses and lower emissions, airlines are making more and more investments in new, fuel-efficient aircraft. In addition, studies and development are being conducted to investigate alternative fuels that have the potential to minimise carbon emissions and dependency on conventional fossil fuels, such as hydrogen and biofuels. In addition to altering fuel consumption trends, these advancements provide market participants with chances to innovate and adjust to shifting industry standards.

According to the report “Global Aviation Fuel Market Overview, 2029,”, the market is anticipated to cross USD 320 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 210.81 Billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a 7.71% CAGR by 2024-29. Economic prosperity and growth lead to increased air travel demand, as individuals and businesses have more disposable income and engage in more trade and travel activities. Furthermore, airlines expanding their fleets or replacing older aircraft with newer, more fuel-efficient models can contribute to increased demand for aviation fuel.

Innovations in aircraft design, engine efficiency, and alternative fuel sources can affect the demand for aviation fuel by improving fuel efficiency and reducing overall consumption. The trends in global tourism, including factors such as travel preferences, destination popularity, and seasonal variations, can influence the demand for aviation fuel. Fluctuations in crude oil prices directly affect the cost of aviation fuel, which in turn can influence demand as airlines adjust their operations and pricing strategies in response to changing fuel costs. Over the next 20 years, more than 40,000 new aircraft are anticipated to replace the current fleet of commercial aircraft. By 2036, there will probably be 45,000 aircraft in the world's fleet.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that the growing need for air travel in emerging countries like the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America will result in a rise in the number of aircraft operating in these areas. Additionally, according to the FAA, by 2036, approximately 15,000 aircraft are expected to be delivered in North America and Europe. During the projected period, these factors are anticipated to boost the demand for aviation fuel.

Market Drivers

Demand for Multi-Mission Combat Helicopters: The global aviation fuel market experiences significant demand from the operation of multi-mission combat helicopters, driven by various military and defence requirements worldwide. These versatile rotary-wing aircraft are utilized for a wide range of missions, including combat operations, troop transport, search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), reconnaissance, and aerial fire support. As military forces modernise and expand their capabilities to address evolving security threats and geopolitical challenges, there is a growing need for advanced multi-mission combat helicopters equipped with state-of-the-art technology and weaponry. These helicopters require substantial amounts of aviation fuel to sustain their operations, whether deployed in combat zones, training exercises, or peacekeeping missions. The demand for multi-mission combat helicopters contributes significantly to the overall consumption of aviation fuel, stimulating growth in the global aviation fuel market and driving investments in fuel production, distribution, and infrastructure to support military aviation operations worldwide.

Growth and Development of the Economy: Demand for aviation fuel is mostly driven by the expansion and development of the world economy in a number of sectors, including general aviation, business aviation, and commercial aviation. Growth in the economy increases demand for air travel, which leads to a rise in passenger volume, cargo shipments, and flight operations. In response to the increasing demand from travellers, companies, and tourists, commercial airlines are enlarging their fleets, adding new routes, and raising their frequencies. In a similar vein, economic growth encourages corporate travel, executive jet operations, and business aviation, all of which increase aircraft utilisation and fuel consumption. Furthermore, economic growth increases investment in building projects, industrial sectors, and infrastructure, which in turn increases demand for air transport services, such as helicopters and other aircraft used for the movement of people, equipment, and materials.

Market Challenges

Fuel mixes must be increased by producing a large quantity of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Increasing the percentage of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in fuel mixtures is one of the major issues confronting the worldwide aviation fuel business. When compared to traditional jet fuel, synthetic aviation fuel (SAF), which is produced from renewable feedstocks including biomass, waste oils, and synthetic processes driven by renewable energy sources, has the potential to drastically lower aviation's carbon footprint. Nevertheless, there are significant obstacles in the way of increasing SAF production to keep up with the rising demand for aviation fuel. Because of feedstock prices and technological limitations, SAF production capacity is currently restricted, and its cost of production is greater than that of conventional jet fuel. Large-scale SAF sourcing, processing, and distribution can present logistical difficulties and regulatory obstacles pertaining to standards, certification, and incentives.

Environmental Concerns and Regulations: Environmental concerns and regulations pose significant challenges to the global aviation fuel market. The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Aviation fuel combustion accounts for a significant portion of the sector's carbon emissions, contributing to global warming and environmental degradation. In response, regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing stricter emission standards, carbon pricing mechanisms, and environmental regulations to mitigate aviation's environmental footprint. These regulations require airlines, airports, and fuel suppliers to invest in fuel-efficient technologies, emission reduction strategies, and carbon offset programs. However, compliance with environmental regulations often entails additional costs, operational complexities, and technological investments for aviation stakeholders. Furthermore, the transition to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) faces regulatory challenges related to certification, blending limits, taxation, and market incentives.

Based on the report, the fuel types are segmented into conventional fuel, sustainable fuel, and AVGAS. Furthermore, in terms of the report, end users are bifurcated into commercial, private, and military.

Sustainable fuel types are a growing market, and the effects of aviation on the environment, especially its role in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, are becoming better recognised. Air travel can potentially lessen its environmental impact and cut carbon emissions by using sustainable fuels like biofuels and synthetic fuels. Cleaner fuel alternatives are under growing pressure as sustainability becomes a top priority for governments, airlines, and consumers. Governments and international organisations are implementing regulations and policies to reduce carbon emissions from aviation.

For example, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has set targets for carbon-neutral growth in the industry and is encouraging the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) as part of its Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Regulatory mandates create a favourable environment for the growth of sustainable fuel types in the aviation market. Beyond regulatory requirements, many airlines and industry stakeholders are voluntarily committing to sustainability goals. Airlines are pledging to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve net-zero emissions, driving demand for sustainable fuel options.

Companies are also responding to consumer demand for environmentally responsible products and services, further incentivizing the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels. Furthermore, the military significantly contributes to the market. Military aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), require large quantities of aviation fuel to conduct various operations such as training exercises, reconnaissance missions, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, and combat missions. The scale and intensity of military operations worldwide contribute substantially to the demand for aviation fuel. Military forces conduct frequent training exercises and drills to ensure readiness and proficiency. These exercises involve extensive flight operations, consuming significant quantities of aviation fuel. Additionally, joint military exercises involving multiple countries further amplify demand on a global scale.

According to the report, the aircraft types are segmented into fixed wings, rotorcraft, and others.

Rotorcraft is a growing market; fixed-wing aircraft cannot match the special qualities that rotorcraft have to offer, such as vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), hovering, and manoeuvrability in tight places. Because of these qualities, helicopters may be used for a variety of tasks, such as executive transport, law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), and offshore oil and gas activities. The demand for aviation fuel is rising in tandem with the expansion of rotorcraft applications. The concept of UAM, which involves using rotorcraft and other vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft for short-distance urban transportation, is gaining momentum worldwide.

Companies are developing electric and hybrid-electric rotorcraft and autonomous air taxis for urban mobility solutions, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and provide efficient transportation options in urban areas. The emergence of UAM is driving innovation in rotorcraft technology and increasing demand for aviation fuel, albeit potentially with a shift towards alternative fuels as electrification progresses. Rotorcraft play critical roles in military operations, including troop transport, reconnaissance, surveillance, combat support, and special operations. Military organisations worldwide operate fleets of helicopters and tiltrotors, consuming significant amounts of aviation fuel during training exercises, deployments, and operational missions. As military rotorcraft fleets modernise and expand, their demand for aviation fuel grows accordingly.

Based on the report, the five regions covered in the report include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Middle East and Africa significantly contribute to the market; major airports, including Abu Dhabi International Airport, Hamad International Airport in Doha, and Dubai International Airport, function as important transit hubs for international air traffic, making the Middle East a strategically important geographic centre for aviation. Furthermore, Africa serves as a vital transit hub for international air travel due to its proximity to important markets in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The Middle East and Africa's advantageous locations enable more air travel, which in turn increases demand for aviation fuel.

The Middle East and Africa area is seeing a surge in corporate activity, tourism, and disposable income due to its fast economic expansion and urbanisation. Consequently, air travel to and from foreign locations as well as within the area is becoming more and more popular. The need for aviation fuel to power private planes, commercial flights, and cargo operations is fueled by this increase in air travel activities.

Airlines based in the Middle East, such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, have expanded their fleets and routes to connect major global cities. These airlines operate long-haul flights and offer premium services, attracting travellers from around the world. Similarly, African airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways are expanding their networks and enhancing their services to meet growing demand for air travel within the continent and beyond. The expansion of airline operations in the Middle East and Africa drives increased consumption of aviation fuel.

Recent Developments

• In January 2023, State Oil firm Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), United Arab Emirates renewable energy company Masdar, and a major oil company BP (BP.L) decided to carry out a joint study on the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This joint feasibility study would leverage the capabilities of all the involved partners for evaluating the commercial as well as technical viability of such a project. In case the results of this joint study are positive, the mentioned companies will plan to develop a commercial scale production capacity in Abu Dhabi.
• April 2023: Using domestically developed technology that utilizes cooking oil and oil-bearing plant seeds, a bio-jet fuel, commonly referred to as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), is anticipated to obtain international certification this year. This certification would enable the SAF to be utilized in commercial flights within India. To facilitate the production of SAF, the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), a laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has collaborated with prominent entities such as Boeing, Indigo, Spicejet, Air India, Vistara, Air Asia India.
• February 2023: Boeing has secured agreements to procure 5.6 million gallons (21.2 million liters) of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Neste, the foremost producer of SAF globally. This procurement is aimed at supporting Boeing's U.S. commercial operations until 2023. These agreements mark a significant increase, doubling the company's SAF procurement compared to the previous year.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Aviation Fuel market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Fuel Type

• Conventional Fuel
• Sustainable Fuel
• AVGAS

By End User

• Commercial
• Private
• Military

By Aircraft Type

• Fixed Wing
• Rotorcraft
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Aviation Fuel industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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