Air Data Indicator Market Size and Trends

The air data indicator market size is expected to reach US$ 2,139.0 million by 2030, from US$ 961.2 million in 2023, at a CAGR of 12.1% during the forecast period.

Air data Indicators are cockpit instruments that display critical flight parameters such as altitude, airspeed, and vertical speed to pilots. They play a vital role in maintaining flight safety and situational awareness. Key growth drivers include increasing aircraft deliveries, adoption of glass cockpits, and the need for improved flight instrumentation.

Figure 1. Global Air Data Indicator Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

Figure 2. Global Air Data Indicator Market Share (%), by Type, 2023

Air Data Indicator Market Trends:

Consolidation among manufacturers: The air data indicator market is witnessing some consolidation driven by mergers and acquisitions. Larger aviation companies are acquiring niche air data manufacturers to expand their avionics portfolio. For instance, Collins Aerospace acquired FlightAware’s ADS-B assets, Barfield acquired Ahlers Aerospace and Aircraft Spruce acquired Falcon Gauge. Such deals allow access to new technologies and regional expansion.
Adoption of glass cockpits: Modern commercial and business jets are transitioning traditional instrument clusters to integrated glass cockpits. This is driving the uptake of LCD- and LED-based digital air data indicators over conventional mechanical altimeters. Glass cockpits allow the consolidation of navigation, air data, and other flight parameters into a single multifunction display.
Integration with advanced navigation systems: Air data parameters are being combined with inertial reference systems, GPS navigation, air traffic control, and ground proximity warning systems through digital avionics buses. This enables superior flight instrumentation and situational awareness. Collins Aerospace’s Intertial Reference System and Thommen’s QUAD/Link system exemplifies this trend. For instance, in June 2022, Collins Aerospace is unveiling the NavHub -200M, a pioneering vehicular navigation system for global markets that is compatible with Military Code (M-Code) receiver technology and not subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Development of smart air data sensors: Conventional mechanical sensors for measuring pitot and static pressure are evolving into smart digital sensors. They incorporate microprocessors, MEMS technology, and connectivity for higher accuracy and real-time calibration. Smart sensors allow for continuous monitoring of air data reliability. UTC Aerospace’s SmartProbe is an example.