The hybrid aircraft market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• In the recent past, the hybrid aircraft market has seen a significant surge in value. Predictions indicate a growth from $1.59 billion in 2024 to $1.94 billion in 2025, reflecting an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.1%.
Factors contributing to such growth during the historic period include an increased emphasis on carbon emission reduction, escalating fuel prices, enhancing demand for sustainable aviation practices, government regulations in favor of green aviation, advancements in battery storage capacity, and the necessity for cost-effective long-distance air transportation alternatives.
The hybrid aircraft market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• The size of the hybrid aircraft market is projected to experience a significant upswing in the coming years, reaching $4.28 billion by 2029 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.8%.
This anticipated growth during the forecast period can be ascribed to the progressing enhancements in hydrogen fuel cells, the growing adoption of urban air mobility (UAM), heightened investments in aerospace research and development, escalating geopolitical tensions, and a greater emphasis on ecologically friendly aviation solutions. Integrating hydrogen fuel cells, advances in electric propulsion technology, adoption of electric propulsion methodologies, increased collaboratives, and integration of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) are among the major trends predicted for the forecast period.
The rise in air travel needs is anticipated to boost the hybrid aircraft market's growth in the future. The term air travel represents the method of moving individuals or cargo through the atmosphere by aircraft. This term includes a variety of transportation modes, such as commercial airlines, private jets, helicopters, and freight planes. The increase in air travel is being fuelled by a growing middle class, the expansion of budget airlines, enhanced connectivity, technological developments, urbanization, improved airport infrastructure, and a robust rebound in business and leisure travel post-pandemic. Hybrid aircraft, which merge conventional fuel engines with electric propulsion, are advantageous for air travel as they facilitate decreased emissions, minimized fuel expenses, and enhanced operational efficiency in various applications, such as regional flights, urban air mobility, and cargo transport. For example, as reported by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a US governmental body, airline traffic in the US grew by 8.4% YoY in August 2023, carrying 83.1 million passengers, which included 71.5 million domestic and 11.6 million international. Furthermore, in March 2022, as reported by the International Air Transport Association, a Canadian trade association, the total number of air travelers reached 83% in 2022, which further increased to 94% in 2023. Thus, the escalating demand for air travel is accelerating the expansion of the hybrid aircraft market.
The hybrid aircraft market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Aircraft Type: Business Jets And Light Aircrafts, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) And Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Regional Transport Aircraft
2) By Lift Technology: Conventional Takeoff And Landing, Short Takeoff And Landing, Vertical Takeoff And Landing
3) By Mode Of Operation: Piloted, Autonomous
4) By Application: Commercial Tours, Surveillance, Research, Cargo Transport, Other Applications
Subsegments:
1) By Business Jets and Light Aircrafts: Hybrid Light Jets, Hybrid Very Light Jets, Hybrid Piston Aircraft, Hybrid Turboprop Aircraft
2) By Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Hybrid Fixed-Wing UAVs, Hybrid Rotary-Wing UAVs, Hybrid eVTOL Aircraft, Hybrid Cargo Drones
3) By Regional Transport Aircraft: Hybrid Regional Jets, Hybrid Turboprop Regional Aircraft, Hybrid Short-Haul Aircraft, Hybrid Commuter Aircraft
Major companies operating in the hybrid aircraft market are focused on forming strategic partnerships to gain a competitive edge in the market. Strategic partnerships in hybrid aircraft accelerate innovation, enhance technological capabilities, reduce development costs, and improve market adoption. For instance, in September 2024, Loganair, a UK-based regional airline, partnered with Heart Aerospace, a Europe-based electric aircraft development company, to advance hybrid-electric aviation. This collaboration allows Loganair to access innovative technology and benefit from Heart Aerospace’s expertise in electric aviation, potentially improving operational efficiency and flight performance. By pioneering the use of electric aircraft on regional routes, Loganair can enhance its competitive edge, attract new customers, and expand its market presence while contributing to the broader transition towards sustainable aviation solutions.
Major companies operating in the hybrid aircraft market are:
• The Boeing Company
• Airbus SE
• RTX Corporation
• GE Aerospace
• Honeywell International Inc.
• BAE Systems plc
• Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
• Amptek Inc.
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Embraer S.A.
• GKN Aerospace Services Limited
• Bell Textron Inc.
• Bristow Group Inc.
• Yuneec International
• Terrafugia Inc.
• Dornier Sea wings GmbH
• Unum Aero
• Ampere Inc.
• Joby Aviation Inc.
• Pipistrel doo Adesina
Europe was the largest region in the hybrid aircraft market in 2024. The regions covered in the hybrid aircraft market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.