Hybrid Aircraft Market Expected to Reach $10.7 Billion by 2033

The hybrid aircraft market is experiencing notable growth, driven by growing concerns regarding emissions from the aviation industry, technological advancements in electric propulsion technology, and operational cost savings for the airline industry. Hybrid electric aircraft offer substantial fuel savings as compared to conventional aircraft through the combined use of operation of the gas turbine and electric power. During the descent phases, electric motors power the aircraft completely, avoiding fuel usage. During cruising, the load can be distributed optimally between the fuel engine and electric propulsion based on efficiency and power requirements. With the growing volatility in jet fuel prices and growing regulatory measures toward high emissions from jet fuels, these operational cost savings are a major incentive for airlines to adopt hybrid aircraft as they become available. The incorporation of electric propulsion systems, often supplemented by advanced energy storage solutions such as high-capacity batteries, facilitates the optimization of power output, and reduces fuel consumption.  

Countries primarily located in the Asia-Pacific include such as China, Japan, India, and South Korea,. Large drone manufacturing ecosystem in China, battery/motor leadership in Japan and software talent in India are projected to individually spur niche hybrid aircraft advancements leveraging the respective strengths of each country. High urban congestion makes a compelling case for hybrid eVTOL air taxis across megapolis. In May 2023, Kawasaki Motors, a Japanese light-engine manufacturer, became a strategic investor in VoltAero, participating in Series B funding aimed at supporting the development, production, and certification of VoltAero's Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family. The Cassio aircraft incorporates a hybrid design, utilizing an internal combustion engine as a range extender to recharge the batteries during flight. Such developments propel the hybrid aircraft market growth in the region. 

Major market players have undertaken various strategies to increase the competition and offer enhanced services to their customers. For instance, On ?November 2022, Ampaire Inc. launched Eco Caravan, a hybrid-electric regional aircraft, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions.?In December 2022, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, launched a Hybrid-electric flight demonstrator, which fully integrates a 1 MW electric motor to assist the industry to get zero CO2 emissions. Furthermore, In?December 2022, Embraer S.A. launched hybrid electric propulsion Energia Hybrid E19-HE is realistic and economically feasible way to net-zero, get up to 90% CO2 emissions reduction. 

On the basis of aircraft type, the business jets and light aircraft segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023, due to the growing strengthening of laws and regulations towards reducing emissions from the aviation industry, which has resulted in growing demand for aircraft with lower carbon footprints. Moreover, hybrid aircraft are quieter than conventional engines, which is particularly desirable for business jets and light aircraft operating in urban areas or airports with noise restrictions.  

On the basis of lift technology conventional takeoff and landing accounted for the largest market share in 2023, owning to the majority of airports globally are specifically designed for conventional takeoff and landing operations utilizing using conventional takeoff and landing technology reduces the need for costly upgradations and investments in new facilities. Moreover, conventional landing and takeoff enables in higher load capacity and does not require additional equipment, such as vertical lift fans or thrust vectoring mechanisms. 

On the basis of mode of operations, the piloted segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023, owning to safety regulations the autonomous technology is still in its development phase current aviation regulations prioritize safety and require stringent certification processes for piloted aircraft. Developing similar regulations for autonomous aircraft involves addressing complex issues related to technology, safety, and air traffic management.   

Key Findings of the Study 

• On the basis of aircraft type, the business jets and light aircraft segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the near future. 
• On the basis of lift technology, the conventional take-off and landing segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in future. 
• On the basis of mode of operation, the autonomous segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in future. 

Key players operating in the global hybrid aircraft market include Faradair Aerospace, Ampaire Inc., Embraer S.A, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc., Safran S.A., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, General Electric Company, Airbus, Pipistrel and Heart Aerospace. They have adopted strategies such as contracts, agreements, acquisitions, product launches, and others to improve their market positioning.