Aircraft Seat Upholstery Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Seat Type (Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, Business Class, First Class), By Material (Fabric, Leather, Vinyl), By Aircraft Type, By Seat Component, By End User and Regional Analysis, 2025-2032

Market Definition

The market focuses on the design, manufacturing, and integration of materials used to cover and protect passenger seating systems in commercial, business, and rotary-wing aircraft. These upholstery solutions enhance comfort, durability, fire resistance, and cabin aesthetics while complying with aviation safety and performance standards. 

The report covers segmentation by seat type, material, aircraft type, seat component, end user, and region. The upholstery finds applications across various aircraft types, including narrow-body, wide-body, business jets, very large aircraft, and helicopters.

Aircraft Seat Upholstery Market Overview

The global aircraft seat upholstery market size was valued at USD 2,105.0 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 2,174.9 million in 2025 to USD 2,812.6 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.74% over the forecast period. 

The growth is driven by the increasing volume of aircraft passengers. Growing passenger numbers are prompting fleet expansions and upgrades of existing seating systems to accommodate higher travel demand. The market is also influenced by the trend towards premium class travel, as passengers increasingly prefer enhanced comfort, luxury, and high-quality seating experiences in business and first-class cabins.

Key Highlights

1. The aircraft seat upholstery industry size was recorded at USD 2,105.0 million in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.74% from 2025 to 2032.
3. North America held a market share of 30.59% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 643.9 million.
4. The economy Class segment garnered USD 1,026.8 million in revenue in 2024.
5. The fabric segment is expected to reach USD 1,185.3 million by 2032.
6. The narrow-body aircraft segment is expected to reach USD 1,195.1 million by 2032.
7. The bottom cover segment is expected to reach USD 835.1 million by 2032.
8. The OEM segment garnered USD 1,235.6 million in revenue in 2024.
9. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.57% over the forecast period.

Major companies operating in the aircraft seat upholstery market are STELIA Aerospace (Airbus), Thompson Aero, RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG, Safran, Collins Aerospace, JAMCO Corporation, ZIM Aircraft Seating GmbH, Sabeti Wain Aerospace, Tapis Corporation, HAECO Group, Elevate Aircraft Seating LLC, Acro Aircraft Seating, Aviointeriors s.p.a., The Boeing Company, and LANTAL.

Companies are developing solutions that use superior leathers and coordinated color schemes for helicopter seats, providing enhanced comfort, durability, and an aesthetically cohesive cabin interior. These developments are supporting the growing demand for customized, visually cohesive cabin environments.

• In March 2025, Bell Textron Inc. launched new luxury interiors for the Bell 407GXi as part of its Designer Series. The interiors feature superior leathers, coordinated color schemes, custom-stitched seats, color-matched armrests and headliner inserts, and branded details.

What are the major factors driving market growth?

The aircraft seat upholstery market is primarily driven by the growing number of aircraft passengers globally. Rising passenger traffic has led airlines to increase fleet capacities and modernize existing aircraft to accommodate higher demand. 

This is increasing the requirement for seat upholstery solutions, including fabrics, leather, and vinyl, across different seat types and classes, thereby driving market growth. According to The Air Transport Action Group, airlines carried 4.4 billion passengers in 2023.

How is the high production cost of advanced materials slowing market growth?

 The high production cost of advanced materials, such as leather, high-grade fabrics, and lightweight composites, poses a significant challenge to the aircraft seat upholstery market. These premium materials are essential for meeting safety regulations, durability requirements, and passenger comfort expectations, but they substantially increase manufacturing expenses. 

As a result, manufacturers struggle to offer competitively priced seating solutions, which can limit adoption and slow overall market growth. To address this, companies are investing in cost-efficient manufacturing technologies and optimizing material usage. Market players are also exploring alternative high-performance materials and strengthening supplier partnerships to achieve better cost control.

What are the major trends in this market?

The aircraft seat upholstery market is witnessing a notable trend towards premium-class travel, driven by the growing number of premium-class travelers globally. According to the International Air Transport Association, international premium-class travel in business and first class grew by 11.8% in 2024. 

The total number of international premium-class travelers reached 116.9 million in 2024, representing 6% of total international passengers. As a result, airlines are increasingly adopting high-quality materials, advanced cushioning systems, and aesthetically refined seat designs, thereby accelerating innovation and product development.        

• In August 2025, Eurowings launched its Premium BIZ seat for the Airbus A320neo, offering a 2x2 seating configuration with eight exclusive seats per aircraft. The seats feature adjustable leg rests, integrated cocktail tables, USB ports, and ergonomic designs for enhanced passenger comfort.

Aircraft Seat Upholstery Market Report Snapshot

Market Segmentation:

• By Seat Type (Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, Business Class, and First Class): The economy class segment earned USD 1,026.8 million in 2024 due to high passenger volume and demand for cost-effective seating solutions
• By Material (Fabric, Leather, and Vinyl): The fabric segment held 40.60% of the market in 2024, due to its durability, comfort, and lower maintenance costs compared to other materials.
• By Aircraft Type (Narrow-Body Aircraft, Wide-Body Aircraft, Business Jets, Very Large Aircraft, Helicopters, and Others): The narrow-body aircraft segment is projected to reach USD 1,195.1 million by 2032, owing to the increasing production of short-haul commercial jets.
• By Seat Component (Bottom Cover, Backrest, Armrest, Headrest, and Seat Rear Pocket): The bottom cover segment is projected to reach USD 835.1 million by 2032, owing to its critical role in passenger comfort and seat durability.
• By End User (OEM and Aftermarket): The OEM segment earned USD 1,235.6 million in 2024 due to continuous aircraft production and demand for factory-installed seat upholstery solutions.

What is the market scenario in North America and Asia-Pacific region?

Based on region, the global aircraft seat upholstery market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

North America aircraft seat upholstery market share stood around 30.59% in 2024 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 643.9 million. This dominance is attributed to the region’s robust aviation industry and rising passenger volumes, fueling ongoing demand for new aircraft and seat retrofits. 

Countries such as the U.S. and Canada lead in airline operations, fleet expansions, and domestic and international air travel, creating consistent demand for advanced seat upholstery solutions. The increasing passenger traffic and fleet growth have significantly contributed to the regional market’s expansion. Rising airline operations and fleet upgrades are further expected to sustain North America’s leading position in the market.

• According to the International Air Transport Association, the U.S. continues to lead global air travel, transporting 876 million passengers in 2024. This increase was mainly supported by a 5.2% annual growth in domestic flights.

Asia Pacific is poised to grow at a significant CAGR of 4.57% over the forecast period. The growth is driven by the rapid expansion of the commercial aviation sector in emerging economies, where rising passenger demand is prompting airlines to expand and modernize their fleets. 

Countries such as China, India, and Japan are increasing airline fleet sizes through government-supported airport expansion programs and private airline initiatives that enhance domestic and international connectivity. These investments in fleet growth and airport infrastructure is increasing the demand for advanced seat upholstery solutions in this region.

• In December 2023, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation reported that India’s commercial aircraft fleet increased from 400 in 2014 to 644 in 2023.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates aircraft seat upholstery under Advisory Circular AC 20-146A, which outlines certification requirements for dynamic seat systems, including seat structure, cushions, upholstery, safety belts, shoulder harnesses, and attachment devices.
• In Europe, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) governs aircraft seating systems through ETSO-C127c, specifying minimum performance standards for equipment intended for use as aircraft seating systems in various aircraft categories
• In Japan, the Civil Aviation Bureau (CAB) enforces regulations on aircraft seat upholstery through the Aircraft Equipment Regulations, which set standards for materials and construction of seating systems to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the aircraft seat upholstery industry are forming strategic partnerships to establish local seat production facilities and strengthen their presence in regional markets. They are collaborating with regional manufacturers and suppliers to set up assembly lines, optimize production workflows, and reduce lead times for customized seating solutions. 

Companies are also forming strategic joint ventures, sharing design expertise, advanced technologies, and material sourcing capabilities, enabling them to meet diverse airline requirements efficiently.

• In November 2024, British Airways unveiled its new First Class seat, featuring a wider and longer seat, a 32-inch 4K display, a multi-purpose ottoman, adjustable lighting, and personal luggage storage. The seat incorporates updated design elements and materials, providing privacy through a cocoon-style structure and offering buddy-dining capability.

Key Companies in Aircraft Seat Upholstery Market:

• STELIA Aerospace (Airbus)
• Thompson Aero
• RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
• Safran
• Collins Aerospace
• JAMCO Corporation
• ZIM Aircraft Seating GmbH
• Sabeti Wain Aerospace
• Tapis Corporation
• HAECO Group
• Elevate Aircraft Seating LLC
• Acro Aircraft Seating
• Aviointeriors s.p.a.
• The Boeing Company
• LANTAL

Recent Developments

• In February 2024, RECARO Aircraft Seating was selected by Southwest Airlines to equip new Boeing 737 MAX 8 deliveries with the BL3710 Economy Class seat. The seat includes a multi-adjustable headrest, an ergonomic seat bottom, a lumbar-support backrest, redesigned armrests, a lightweight structure, and artificial leather dress covers.