Air Starter Market

Market Definition

The market refers to the industry involved in the production and supply of pneumatic starting systems used to initiate large diesel or gas turbine engines. These systems rely on compressed air to generate the torque needed to start engines in applications such as marine vessels, oil and gas rigs, locomotives, and mining equipment.

Air starters are favored for their reliability, spark-free operation, and suitability in hazardous or remote environments. The market includes various product types, including turbine and vane air starters, along with supporting components like air reservoirs, valves, and control systems.

The report outlines the primary drivers of market growth, along with an in-depth analysis of emerging trends and evolving regulatory frameworks shaping the industry's trajectory.

Air Starter Market Overview

Global Air Starter Market size was valued at USD 402.3 million in 2023, which is estimated to be valued at USD 422.8 million in 2024 and reach USD 629.3 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.85% from 2024 to 2031.

Rising investments in commercial and military aircraft fleets are fueling the demand for air start units, as reliable engine starting systems are essential for fleet readiness, operational efficiency, and safety.

Major companies operating in the Air Starter industry are Ingersoll Rand, Maradyne Corporation, Caterpillar, KH Equipment, Rheinmetall AG, Honeywell International Inc., TDI, Galí, Powerstart UK, MASCO, MAK Controls & Systems Pvt. Limited, and General Electric Company.

The market is experiencing significant demand, driven largely by the increasing demand for retrofit and upgrade solutions. Airlines and industrial sectors are replacing outdated, less efficient starter systems with modern, high-performance units to enhance reliability and energy efficiency. These factors are contributing to the increased adoption of air starters across both commercial and military aviation sectors globally.

 Key Highlights

1. The air starter industry size was recorded at USD 402.3 million in 2023.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.85% from 2024 to 2031.
3. North America held a market share of 38.12% in 2023, with a valuation of USD 153.4 million.
4. The diesel engines segment garnered USD 261.9 million in revenue in 2023.
5. The turbine starters segment is expected to reach USD 334.0 million by 2031.
6. The OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) segment held a market of 75.09% in 2023.
7. The marine segment is anticipated to have a CAGR of 6.87% during the forecast period.
8. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.80% during the forecast period.

Market Driver

"Expansion in Aerospace & Defense"

The air starter market is primarily driven by the ongoing expansion of aerospace and defense sectors worldwide. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), total air traffic in 2024 rose by 10.4% compared to 2023. International traffic rose by 13.6%, while overall capacity grew by 8.7% and international capacity by 12.8%.

As nations invest in upgrading and expanding their aircraft fleets the need for reliable, high-performance air start systems is increasing. These units play a critical role in ensuring rapid, dependable engine startups in mission-critical scenarios.

Additionally, growing global air traffic and defense modernization programs are further accelerating the demand for advanced air start technologies across ground support and onboard applications.

Market Challenge

"Availability of Alternative Technologies"

One of the key challenges in the air starter market is the growing availability of alternative technologies such as battery-powered and fully electric starters. These systems offer quieter operation, lower emissions, and simpler maintenance, making them an  attractive choice for industries prioritizing sustainability and operational cost-efficiency.

To address this challenge, traditional air starter manufacturers are investing in hybrid systems, improving energy efficiency, and incorporating noise-reduction technologies to stay competitive.

Market Trend

"Data-Enabled Diagnostics"

A key trend shaping the air starter market is the integration of data-enabled diagnostics and smart technologies. Modern air start units feature built-in health monitoring systems that enable predictive maintenance, reducing unexpected downtime and extending equipment life.

These smart units collect real-time performance data, allowing operators to identify wear, inefficiencies, or potential failures before they occur. This shift toward intelligent diagnostics improves operational reliability and also supports cost-effective maintenance planning, making it a valuable for aviation and industrial sectors.

Air Starter Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Engine Type	Diesel Engines (High-Speed Diesel Engines, Medium-Speed Diesel Engines), Gas Turbines (Heavy-Duty Turbines, Aero-Derivative Turbines)
By Type	Turbine Starters (Helical Turbine Starters, Axial Turbine Starters), Vane Starters (Lubricated Vane Starters, Non-lubricated Vane Starters), Geared Air Starters (Planetary Gear Starters, Spur Gear Starters)
By Sales Channel	OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), Aftermarket
By End-Use Industry	Oil & Gas, Marine, Mining, Aviation, Others
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation

• By Engine Type (Diesel Engines, Gas Turbines): The diesel engines segment earned USD 261.9 million in 2023 due to the growing demand for reliable starting systems in heavy-duty engines, particularly in industrial applications and energy generation sectors.
• By Type (Turbine Starters, Vane Starters, Geared Air Starters): The turbine starters segment held 54.09% of the market in 2023, due to their essential role in starting aircraft engines and increasing demand in both commercial and military aviation sectors.
• By Sales Channel [OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), Aftermarket]: The OEMs segment is projected to reach USD 473.1 million by 2031, owing to continued fleet expansion, technological advancements, and a rising focus on high-efficiency and low-maintenance air starter solutions in aviation.
• By End-Use Industry (Oil & Gas, Marine, Mining, Aviation, Others): The marine segment is anticipated to have a CAGR of 6.87% during the forecast period, driven by increasing demand for reliable air starters in marine engines and growing international trade activities.

Air Starter Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

North America air starter market share stood around 38.12% in 2023 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 153.4 million. North America is expected to remain the dominant region in the market due to its strong aerospace and defense sectors. The U.S. is a major hub for both commercial and military aviation, driving the demand for advanced air starter systems.

Additionally, significant investments in fleet expansions, defense modernization programs, and stringent operational safety standards contribute to the region's market leadership. The region’s robust infrastructure, technological advancements, and high air traffic further strengthen its position as a market leader.

Asia Pacific air starter industry is poised for significant growth at a robust CAGR of 6.80% over the forecast period. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the market, fueled by rapid industrialization, infrastructure development, and expanding aviation sectors in countries like India and Southeast Asia.

• According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India is projected to become the world's third-largest air passenger market by 2030. The country’s aviation sector is poised for significant growth, with the number of airplanes expected to reach 1,100 by 2027.

In addition, increased investments in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and marine are driving the demand for efficient and reliable air starter systems. The region’s focus on modernizing defense fleets and boosting air traffic further accelerates market growth.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the regulatory authority responsible for enforcing civil aviation regulations, air safety, and airworthiness standards. It also oversees aviation safety regulations, including those governing air starter systems for aircraft.
• In the EU, EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) is responsible for establishing and enforcing safety standards for aviation equipment, including air starter units, while ensuring safety and environmental protection in civil aviation.
• In the US, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) governs aviation safety and ensures that air starter systems comply with regulations for commercial aviation, maintaining high standards of safety and performance.

Competitive Landscape

Companies in the air starter industry are increasingly focusing on expanding their product portfolios and enhancing customer service. Key players are investing in advanced technologies like data-enabled diagnostics and predictive maintenance for air starter systems.

Strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and restructuring efforts are also common as companies aim to provide more specialized, efficient solutions to meet growing global demand and regulatory requirements across industries such as aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors.

List of Key Companies in Air Starter Market:

• Ingersoll Rand
• Maradyne Corporation
• Caterpillar
• KH Equipment
• Rheinmetall AG
• Honeywell International Inc.
• TDI
• Galí
• Powerstart UK
• MASCO
• MAK Controls & Systems Pvt. Limited
• General Electric Company

Recent Developments (Testing)

• In September 2024, Rheinmetall successfully completed operational testing of its electric air start unit (eMSU) with Air Canada. The eMSU, featuring a lithium-ion battery system and electrically driven turbine compressor, demonstrated its ability to efficiently start aircraft engines, including the Airbus A220 with Pratt & Whitney PW1524G engines.