Market Overview
Aircraft generators convert mechanical energy from engines or APUs into electrical power for avionics, lighting, environmental control, and increasingly for electric propulsion subsystems. The global market stands at approximately $7.5 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow at a 5.2% CAGR, reaching around $9.7 billion by 2030. Steady growth reflects a combination of expanding commercial fleets, military modernization programs, and rising per-aircraft electrical power demand.
- •Global market size estimated at $7.5 billion in 2025, growing to roughly $9.7 billion by 2030.
- •Forecast CAGR of 5.2% during 2025-2030.
- •Demand spans OEM fitment and a large aftermarket MRO base.
Growth Drivers
The transition toward more-electric aircraft (MEA) is significantly increasing onboard power requirements, driving demand for higher-capacity and more efficient generators. Rising commercial aircraft deliveries, expansion of low-cost carrier fleets, and modernization of military platforms are also contributing to sustained growth. Additionally, aging fleets are creating a robust replacement and retrofit cycle for power generation components.
- •More-electric aircraft architectures are raising per-aircraft power demand.
- •Rising commercial and military aircraft production volumes.
- •Large installed base generating steady MRO and replacement demand.
Segmentation and Regional Analysis
The market is segmented by current type (AC and DC), generator type (VSCF, IDG, APU, starter-generators), power rating, aircraft technology, and platform (fixed-wing and rotary-wing). North America leads due to major OEMs and a large defense sector, while Europe holds a strong position driven by Airbus and advanced MEA programs. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, supported by expanding commercial fleets in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
- •AC generators dominate, with DC units serving specific legacy and military applications.
- •North America leads in revenue; Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region.
- •OEM and aftermarket segments both represent substantial share.
Trends and Outlook
What are the recent trends and outlook?
The outlook through 2030 points to continued growth driven by electrification, hybridization, and rising electrical power budgets per aircraft. Key trends include adoption of higher-voltage DC systems, integration of power electronics with generators, and growing demand for condition-based maintenance enabled by embedded sensors. Suppliers that can deliver lighter, more efficient, and more intelligent power generation systems are positioned to capture disproportionate share.
- •Shift toward higher-voltage and DC-based architectures to support MEA and hybrid-electric platforms.
- •Growing use of built-in sensors for predictive maintenance and improved dispatch reliability.
- •Aftermarket digital services and power-density improvements are key differentiators going forward.
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Connect to an analyst →Market size and forecast are Claight Analysis, informed by public research and industry data. Historical years before 2025 and all forecast years are Claight estimates at the stated CAGR. Retrieved 2026.