Adhesives are materials, which have the ability to join two surfaces using linkage and consistent mechanisms. Adhesives play a major role in aircraft interior manufacturing. Aerospace adhesives are strong and fire & chemical resistant with superior bond performance and elasticity. Aerospace adhesives help maintain the interior quality of the aircraft without adding any additional weight. Increasing number of aircrafts, rise in interior renovation, and leasing of aircrafts also contribute to the growth of aerospace interior adhesives market.

Decline in aviation fuel prices, growing demand for low cost carrier flights, and attainment of new aircrafts by airline operators are the key factors expected to drive the growth of aerospace interior adhesives market. Ecological regulations are also projected to confine the growth of aerospace interior adhesives market. Aircraft manufactures need to ensure passenger safety, weight management, and aesthetic appeal of the aircraft interior while selecting adhesives. Several regulations are issued pertaining to passenger safety, which greatly influences the market growth.

Aerospace Interior Adhesives Market Taxonomy

The global aerospace interior adhesives market is segmented as follows;

On the basis of resin type,

Epoxy Resin

Cyanoacrylate

Polyurethane

Acrylic

Others

On the basis of aircraft type,

Single Aisle

Small Wide Body

Medium Wide Body

Large Wide Body

Regional Jets

On the basis of product type,

Seating

Inflight Entertainment

Galley

Stowage Bins

Lavatory

Panel

Others

On the basis of distribution,

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

Aftermarket

Demand for medium wide body aircraft drives the growth of aerospace interior adhesives market. This growth can be attributed to the availability of a large number of seats in economy class, private space for increased luxury, and accessibility of extensive range of cabin interiors. Panel is the largest segment, which uses aerospace interior adhesives. A floor panel is an important part of the airplane interior. Floor panels are made of materials strong enough to resist heavy weights and offer high strength. Panels are usually made up of composites and plastic, which require adhesives for bonding. Due to the lightweight and thermal & pressure resistant properties, epoxy resins are the most preferred type of resins.

Market Outlook

North America is the largest market for aerospace interior adhesives due to high demand for commercial and military aircraft in the region. Aviation is the preferred mode of transport over rail and road. Moreover, high investments made in the aerospace sector drives the growth of the aerospace adhesives market in North America. Need for developments in military aviation due to tensed political conditions across the globe has resulted in an increasing use of aerospace interior adhesives. The region leads the global aerospace interior adhesives market, in terms of value & volume, owing to the presence of major aircraft manufacturers in the region

Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market for aerospace interior adhesives. The region has witnessed robust developments in the aerospace sector during the recent past. This has led to a significant increase in demand for aircrafts. However, high losses and debt incurred to the national aircraft carriers of India and Malaysia have resulted in a relatively slow growth of the aerospace interior adhesives in this region

The Middle East is swiftly growing as a transit hub due to low fuel prices. The rise of major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have led to a boom in demand for aerospace interior adhesives in the region

Europe is projected to be a major aviation hub since a large number of aircraft manufacturers have established their production bases in the region. Increased military spending by the EU countries and the growing demand for flights for improved connectivity boost the global aerospace interior adhesives market. Several planned and ongoing developments in the European countries are further expected to boost the market growth

Latin America has experienced a slowdown in the aviation sector due to the political turmoil existing in major markets of Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela. This has, in turn, affected the aerospace interior adhesives market in this region. Whereas, Africa is expected to witness strong market growth over the forecast period due to strong economic growth coupled with the presence of a large number of untapped markets

Key Developments

In June 2019, Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business unit started its new production plant for aerospace applications in Montornès, Spain. The new plant will increase production capacity of Henkel and will help the company to meet increasing demand for high performance solutions from aerospace industry.

In May 2019, Huntsman Corporation launched new adhesives and composites systems EPOCAST 1648 and EPOCAST 1649 for aircraft interior construction. The products offer low density, fast cure, and meet flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) requirements. The material will find application in ditch potting, insert potting, edge filling, and reinforcement of honeycomb structures.

In 2017, Hexcel Corporation acquired Structil SA, French based manufacturer of high performance composites for aerospace, defense and industrial markets. Company’s product portfolio includes prepregs, structural adhesives and pultruded profiles used in aerospace interiors, engine nacelles, military jets etc.

In 2017, DELO Industrial Adhesives launched new two component adhesive DELO-DUOPOX AB8390 for aircraft interiors. The new adhesive can be used for bonding of lightweight sandwich panels and fulfills FST requirements.

Some of the key players in the aerospace interior adhesives market include Henkel AG & Co.KGaA (Germany), Solvay S.A. (Belgium), Huntsman Corporation (U.S), Avery Dennison (U.S.), (France), Hexcel Corporation (U.S.), Arkema S.A., The 3M Company (U.S.), Delo Industrial Adhesives (Germany), Master Bond Inc. (U.S.), and Permabond LLC (U.K.).