Market Insights
“The aircraft contactors market size was US$ 436 million in 2024 and is likely to grow at a decent CAGR of 3.4% in the long run to reach US$ 631 million in 2034.”
Market Dynamics
Introduction
In the aircraft industry, electrical systems play the most critical role as these systems ensure the smooth supply of power to the necessary aircraft systems. Electrical systems are broadly classified into power generation, power distribution, power conversion, and energy storage. Relays & contactors are part of power distribution systems. Contactors are the high-voltage relays that also help in controlling and operating electricity from one circuit to another. Contactors are parts of relays, but the difference between them is that contactors deal with high voltage applications, contrary to relays, which deal with low voltage applications.
As the aircraft flies better, faster, and grows larger, it demands more efficient electrical power devices to satisfy the growing needs of its systems. Power systems must not only accommodate the regular needs of flight but also offer redundant backup and emergency power. There are numerous different power sources on a plane to power the aircraft's electrical systems. These power sources consist of engine-driven AC generators, auxiliary power units (APU), external power, and ram air turbine (RAT). Different types of contactors are deployed in different application areas or sources of electrical power generation.
Increasing organic growth of the aerospace industry, a significant shift towards higher-voltage systems, a growing need for fault detection and rising focus towards passenger safety, and incessant electrification of aircraft systems are some of the key fueling factors behind the market’s consistent growth over the coming years.
Recent Market JVs and Acquisitions:
A considerable number of strategic alliances, including M&As, JVs, etc., have been performed over the past few years:
- Safran Electrical & Power acquired Thales' aeronautical electrical systems business, enhancing its capabilities in power generation, electric motors, and power conversion.
- Eaton acquired a 50% stake in HuanYu High Tech, a subsidiary of HuanYu Group specializing in low-voltage contactors and contactors across China and the Asia-Pacific region.
- TransDigm acquired LEACH Corporation in 2019. The latter now operates as the former’s wholly owned subsidiary. Transdigm also acquired Esterline Corporation in 2019, which is a leading worldwide supplier to the aerospace and defense industry, specializing in three core business segments: Advanced Materials, Avionics & Controls, and Sensors & Systems.
Recent Contracts and Agreements:
- In 2025, Safran Power USA, LLC secured a purchase order contract valued at US$ 44.3K by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for magnetic contactors.
- In 2023, FDH Aero announced a new distribution agreement with Leach International Corporation.
- In 2022, BJG Electronics signed a franchise distribution agreement with Leach International Corporation.
- In 2023, TE Connectivity secured a U.S. Coast Guard Contract for electrical control equipment.
- In 2022, Safran and AJW Group signed a 5-year contract to maintain electrical power generators, contactors, and ventilation systems equipment.
Market Segments' Analysis
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Segmentations
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List of Sub-Segments
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Segments with High-Growth Opportunity
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Aircraft-Type Analysis
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Commercial Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, Military Aircraft, Helicopter, General Aviation, and UAV
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Commercial aircraft are expected to be the leading demand generator for contactors and are also likely to grow at the fastest rate in the coming years.
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Region Analysis
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North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World
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North America is expected to maintain its reign over the forecast period, whereas Asia-Pacific is likely to grow at the fastest rate.
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By Aircraft Type
“Commercial aircraft are expected to remain dominant as well as the fastest-growing aircraft of the market during the forecast period.”
The aircraft contactors market is segmented into commercial aircraft, regional aircraft, military aircraft, helicopter, general aviation, and UAV. Commercial aircraft are expected to remain the most attractive aircraft type in the market during the forecast period.
The growth and modernization of global commercial aircraft fleets continue to drive the dominance of the commercial aviation industry. Increasing electrification in advanced programs such as the Airbus A350XWB and Boeing 787 has led to a rising demand for high-performance and reliable circuit breakers. This trend is further reinforced by the expected surge in production and deliveries of popular models like the Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A320neo, A350, and A220, along with the introduction of new variants including the A321XLR and COMAC C919. As airlines pursue fleet expansion and upgrades, the requirement for sophisticated electrical systems and components such as contactors and relays is set to remain a key market driver in the coming years. Airbus delivered 766 aircraft in 2024, whereas Boeing deliveries stood at 348 aircraft.
Regional Analysis
“North America is expected to remain the largest market for aircraft contactors during the forecast period.”
In terms of regions, North America is expected to remain the largest market during the forecast period, primarily driven by the USA. The USA's dominant position in the aviation industry is significantly bolstered by several key factors, including its expansive fleet size, robust aviation infrastructure, extensive network of airports, well-established maintenance facilities, and highly efficient logistics infrastructure.
In addition, the presence of a vast number of MRO providers and airlines in the country is expected to fuel the aftermarket demand during the forecast period. Mexico, mainly driven by growing investment projects by multinational aerospace companies, is also expected to offer healthy growth opportunities during the forecast period.
Asia-Pacific, fueled by China and India, is likely to mark the highest growth during 2025-2034. China’s ardent efforts towards indigenous production and India being the epicenter for new business and manufacturing are continually nudging the region’s demand upward and forward. For instance, in October 2024, Eaton Aerospace inaugurated a newly expanded electrical manufacturing facility in Puducherry, India, adding 120,000 square feet, including a 100,000 square foot shop floor dedicated to power distribution products. This expansion aims to double the production capacity of assembly lines manufacturing critical products such as Air Contactors (ACBs), Molded Case contactors (MCCBs), and fuses.
Key Players
The market is highly fragmented, with over <50 players. Most of the major players compete in some of the governing factors, including price, service offerings, regional presence, etc. The following are the key players in the aircraft contactors market:
Here is the list of the Top Players (Based on Dominance)
- Safran Group
- TransDigm Group
- TE Connectivity plc
- Sensata Technologies, Inc.
- Collins Aerospace
- Eaton Corporation plc
- Honeywell International Inc.
- AMETEK, Inc.
Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.
Are you the leading player in this market? We would love to include your name. Please write to us at [email protected]
Report Features
This report provides market intelligence most comprehensively. The report structure has been kept so that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:
- Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.
- Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.
- Market trend and forecast analysis.
- Market segment trend and forecast.
- Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Service portfolio, New Product Launches, etc.
- COVID-19 impact and its recovery curve
- Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.
- Emerging trends.
- Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.
- Key success factors.
The global aircraft contactors market is segmented into the following categories.
Aircraft Contactors Market, by Aircraft Type
- Commercial Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Regional Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Military Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- General Aviation (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Helicopter (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- UAV (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Aircraft Contactors Market by Region
- North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico)
- Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, The UK, Russia, and the Rest of Europe)
- Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: Japan, China, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific)
- Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Others)
Research Methodology
- This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s aircraft contactors market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period.
- The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner in order to provide a panoramic view of the market.
- The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants and investors in identifying the low-hanging fruit available in the market and formulating growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
- This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools.
- More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.
- We conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.
Report Customization Options
With this detailed report, Stratview Research offers one of the following free customization options to our respected clients:
Company Profiling
- Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players)
- SWOT analysis of key players (up to three players)
Competitive Benchmarking
- Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Service portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances
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