Narrow-Body Aircraft Market Highlights

• The global narrow-body aircraft market is projected to reach USD 163.2 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2032
• According to the Airbus and Boeing Report 2023, Airbus delivered up to 112 jets in December, including 11 A220s, 81 A320s (all NEO), six A330s, and 14 A350s.
• As of October 2024, Boeing announced that a total of 16,705 Boeing 737s have been ordered, with 11,898 delivered
• In 2023, North America's narrow-body aircraft market was valued at approximately USD 44.02 billion
• The Asia-Pacific narrow-body aircraft market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6% from 2024 to 2032
• Short range accounted for 62% of the total market share in 2023
• Airlines increasingly prioritize fuel-efficient models like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 is a popular narrow-body aircraft market trend that fuels the industry demand

An aircraft with a narrow body is an airliner configured along a single all-way, allowing for a cabin with up to six seats that is less than four metres wide. In comparison, large-body aircraft are designed to accommodate at least seven passengers abreast and typically more classes. It often has many aisles and a fuselage diameter of greater than 5 meters (16 feet). The Boeing 757-300 has the most seating capacity of any narrow-body aircraft, accommodating around 295 passengers, whereas wide-body jets may handle up to 250 to 600 passengers. A number of corporate airliners are also using narrow body aircraft, such as the Airbus A318 and the Boeing BBJ.

Global Narrow-Body Aircraft Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

• Rising air passenger traffic, especially in emerging markets
• Demand for fuel-efficient and low-emission aircraft
• Expansion of low-cost carriers (LCCs) globally

Market Restraints

• High initial investment and operational costs
• Stringent regulatory and certification requirements
• Supply chain disruptions affecting production timelines

Market Opportunities

• Increasing replacement demand for aging narrow-body fleets
• Adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and hybrid technologies
• Growing demand for regional connectivity in underserved markets

Narrow-Body Aircraft Market Report Coverage

Narrow-Body Aircraft Market Insights

Rising air passenger traffic, especially in emerging markets drives significant growth in narrow-body aircraft industry. For instance, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), total traffic in 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) increased 36.9% compared to 2022. This surge increases demand for narrow-body aircraft, which are suited for cost-effective operations on short to medium-haul routes, making them a popular choice for airlines in these regions. However, supply chain problems, particularly shortages of crucial components such as engines and avionics, cause major delays in aircraft production. These challenges limit manufacturers' capacity to meet rising market demand, eventually hindering the expansion of the narrow-body aircraft market.

Adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and hybrid technologies represent possibility for the narrow-body aircraft sector by resolving environmental concerns and regulatory challenges. The US Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) enables energy firms and aviation stakeholders by funding advancements in research, development, and demonstration to remove barriers to widespread deployment of low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAFs can dramatically reduce carbon emissions, making narrow-body aircraft more environmentally friendly for airlines aiming to meet green aviation goals. Furthermore, the integration of hybrid propulsion technology improves fuel efficiency, allowing manufacturers to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly aircraft solutions.

Additionally, the increasing replacement need for aging narrow-body fleets is a major driver of growth in the narrow-body aircraft market. As airlines strive to improve fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and comply with new environmental rules, they are replacing older models with contemporary, fuel-efficient planes. This tendency is further fueled by rising air travel demand, particularly in emerging economies, which encourages fleet modernization and expansion. For instance, International Air Transport Association (IATA), as per North American carriers reported a 28.3% yearly traffic increase in 2023 over 2022. Capacity increased by 22.4%, while load factor jumped 3.9 percentage points to 84.6%.

Narrow-Body Aircraft Market Segmentation

The worldwide market for narrow-body aircraft is split based on type, range, engine type, application, end-user, and geography.

Narrow-Body Aircraft Types

• Six-Abreast Cabin
• Five-Abreast Cabin
• Four-Abreast Cabin
• Three-Abreast Cabin
• Two-Abreast Cabin

According to narrow-body aircraft industry analysis, the six-abreast cabin segment will dominate industry. Reduced boarding and de-boarding time, which allows for more utilization in a short range, is a fundamental factor that distinguishes the six-abreast cabin from other cabins. The B737 and A320 are the most popular models for large aircraft carriers. The growth of this market is expected to drive increased tourism activity worldwide, as well as service suppliers' strategy of providing better services at lower operating costs.

Five-abreast cabin airplanes typically have a capacity of 85-130 passengers. Providers of services typically desire uncomplicated passenger services with high ability. Rapid urbanization and industrialization in the periphery, combined with government initiatives, are driving up demand for five-abreast passenger aircraft.

Narrow-Body Aircraft Range

• Short
• Medium
• Long

According to narrow-body aircraft industry analysis, the short-range sector leads market because it is more cost-effective for regional and domestic flights. These aircraft are commonly utilized for shorter distances, making them excellent for high-frequency routes with minimal operating expenses. Airlines prefer short-range narrow-body aircraft because they are more fuel efficient and have faster turnaround times. Short-haul flights are also becoming more popular as urbanization and air travel accessibility expand, particularly in emerging markets.

Narrow-Body Aircraft Engine Types

• Turbofan
• Turboprop

According to narrow-body aircraft market analysis, turbofan engines leads in 2023 due to their greater fuel efficiency, low noise levels, and increased performance. These engines are designed for short to medium-haul flights, delivering the thrust and efficiency required by narrow-body aircraft. Advances in turbofan technology, such as high bypass ratios and lightweight materials, have enhanced performance and reduced emissions. Their extensive usage by manufacturers and airlines demonstrates their importance in satisfying modern aviation standards.

Narrow-Body Aircraft Applications

• Self-Support
• Aircraft Lease

According to narrow-body aircraft market forecast, aircraft leasing leads industry in forecast year because it provides airlines with a cost-effective and flexible option for fleet expansion and refurbishment. Leasing decreases the large upfront capital investment associated with owning new aircraft, allowing carriers to conserve cash flow and respond rapidly to market demand. The advent of low-cost carriers, as well as rising air travel demand in emerging nations, have accelerated leasing acceptance. Lessors also provide contemporary, fuel-efficient narrow body aircraft, which assist airlines in meeting regulatory and operational efficiency standards.

Narrow-Body Aircraft End-Users

• Commercial
• Military

According to narrow-body aircraft market forecast, the commercial end-user segment is the primary driver of industry, owing to its widespread use in short- and medium-haul flights. Airlines choose narrow-body aircraft due to their cost-effectiveness, fuel efficiency, and versatility in running domestic and international routes. The demand for air travel, particularly after the epidemic, has hastened the need for low-cost, high-capacity aircraft. As air traffic increases, commercial operators are spending extensively in these aircraft to accommodate rising passenger demand.

Narrow-Body Aircraft Market Regional Outlook

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• India
• Japan
• China
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

The Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• GCC Countries
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa (ME&A)

Narrow-Body Aircraft Market Regional Analysis

Regional analysis of narrow-body aircraft market, rising consumer preference for air travel for domestic and international purposes in order to save time, combined with a push for the adoption of easy, reliable, and rapid modes of air transportation, is driving up demand for narrow-body aircraft in North America.

Low-cost fairs, convenient modes of transportation, and a growing demand for compact carrier plans are all likely to drive the expansion of the target market in China. Additionally, at the Paris Air Show, Indian carriers IndiGo and Air India signed orders with Airbus and Boeing for 500 and 470 aircraft, respectively. This is indicating expansion in India's narrow-body aircraft industry because both airlines specialize in operating narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, which are generally utilized for domestic and regional flights.

Rising tourism activities in the region's countries, the availability of low-cost airlines, and increased government spending on air transportation facility construction are some of the primary drivers predicted to drive market expansion in Europe.

Narrow-Body Aircraft Market Players

Some of the top narrow-body aircraft companies offered in our report include Bombardier, Irkut Corporation, Boeing, Airbus, Yakovlev, COMAC, Tupolev, Sukhoi, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, and Embraer.