Aircraft Heat Exchanger Market - By Heat Exchanger Type, By Material Type, By Cooling Medium, By Application, By Aircraft Type, By End Use, Growth Forecast, 2026 - 2035

Aircraft Heat Exchanger Market Size

The global aircraft heat exchangers market was valued at USD 4.9 billion in 2025 with a volume of 3,30,620 units. The market is expected to grow from USD 5.1 billion in 2026 to USD 6.1 billion by 2031 and USD 7.4 billion by 2035 with a volume of 4,85,711 units, growing at a value CAGR of 4.3% and volume CAGR of 4% during the forecast period of 2026-2035.

• The demand for aircraft heat exchangers is being influenced by increased air passenger traffic, the increasing emphasis on fuel efficiency, the development of advanced air mobility, and the growing applications of UAVs and military aircraft.
   
• The rising air passenger traffic is a major driver for the aircraft heat exchanger market. A joint ACI-ICAO report, global passenger traffic is projected to be 9.5 billion in 2024, representing a 104% increase from 2019, thus reflecting a full recovery post-pandemic. ACI also projected that the international passenger traffic would reach 12 billion by 2030. This demand is leading the airlines to modernize and expand their fleets. Subsequently, the demand for thermal management systems is increasing. Heat exchangers improve the overall safety of vehicles while providing engine performance and fuel savings. With the fleet expansion and modernization, the use of heat exchangers will rise and drive the overall market growth.
   
• The development of advanced air mobility and electric propulsion is indicative of the growing demand for heat exchangers in the aviation sector. In October 2025, Airbus collaborated with Conflux Technology to produce 3D heat exchangers for the ZEROe hydrogen-electric aircraft program. The component managed substantial heat from megawatt-class fuel cell systems, addressing a major challenge in sustainable aviation. The increasing focus on hydrogen-electric propulsion systems and the demand for lightweight, high-performance thermal solutions drives the adoption of heat exchangers. Heat exchangers support and sustain functional effectiveness of all operational aircraft system components. Their continued implementation in electrically propelled aircraft assists in satisfying the expectations within the targeted low emissions aviation industry.
   
• As of 2025, North America held a 36.6% share of the aircraft heat exchangers market. The growing number of air passengers and modernized airline fleets are driving steady growth in North America's aircraft heat exchanger market. To enhance passenger experience and operational efficiencies, regional airlines are integrating advanced aircraft and upgrading their existing fleets
   

Aircraft Heat Exchanger Market Trends

• Recent advancements in additive manufacturing technologies enable the production of lighter, smaller, and more thermally efficient designs of aircraft heat exchangers. From 2025 onwards, the 3D printing and modularization of heat exchangers and other aircraft components is expected to greatly influence the aviation industry, both in the commercial and defense sectors, by reducing lead times and improving thermal performance.
   
• The aircraft heat exchanger industry is undergoing a transformation with the integration of high-performing materials that include titanium alloys and ceramic composites. By 2030, it is anticipated that heat exchangers will become the industry standard in the next generation engines and hybrid propulsion systems, enhancing durability, corrosion resistance, and heat transfer efficiency.
   
• The demand for special heat exchangers is rapidly increasing due to the electrification of aircraft systems and hybrid-electric propulsion. It is anticipated that by 2029, efficient thermal management systems for battery packs, fuel cells and power electronics will be necessary for regional and urban air mobility aircraft.
   
• The demand for compact and ultra-high efficient heat exchangers for unmanned aerial vehicles and small aircraft is rapidly rising. These systems are expected to have balanced weight, space and performance and to become standard around the year 2027 in commercial drone operations and electric aircraft.
   

Aircraft Heat Exchanger Market Analysis

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On the basis of heat exchanger type, the market is segmented into plate-fin heat exchangers and tube-fin heat exchangers.
 

• The plate-fin heat exchangers segment is anticipated to reach USD 5.1 billion by 2035. Due to their compact design, thermal efficiency, and comfort with the construction of new light and advanced aircraft, the adoption of plate-fin heat exchangers has shown extreme growth and is expected to continue. Growth is attributed to integration of advanced engines, UAVs, and electric aircraft requiring heat exchangers with the ability to rapidly dissipate heat within a confined space.
   
• To enhance heat exchanger performance, manufacturers should focus on the development of lightweight alloys, advanced brazing techniques, and the optimization of fin geometries.
   
• The tube-fin heat exchangers segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period 2025 - 2036. Tube-fin heat exchangers are still utilized in applications that require quick and inexpensive thermal control, as well as overall system durability and ease of service. Their demand is linked to legacy aircraft, regional jets, and military aircraft, which focus on operational reliability and robustness over modern design and compactness.
   
• Manufacturers need to improve their tube-fin designs to incorporate better corrosion resistance and to stay competitive.
   

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On the basis of material type, the aircraft heat exchanger market is divided into aluminum alloys, stainless steel, titanium, copper, and others.
 

• The aluminum alloys segment dominated the market with a market share of 47.8% in 2025. Aluminum alloy-based heat exchangers are becoming a standard  because of their properties such as their strength-to-weight ratio, manufacturability, and cost efficiency. They are particularly preferred on narrow-body, wide-body, and UAV platforms since airlines are trying to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency.
   
• Manufacturers should invest in high-strength, high-thermal-conductivity aluminum grades to support next-gen designs.
   
• The titanium segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period 2025 - 2036. The corrosion resistance, heat tolerance, and longevity of titanium heat exchangers make them preferable in military and other high-performance aircraft. The demand for titanium exchangers in high-heat engine systems is also increasing.
   
• Manufacturers should explore cost-efficient titanium processing methods and additive manufacturing to reduce production complexity.
   

On the basis of application, the aircraft heat exchanger market is segmented into engine cooling, cabin heating and cooling (ECS), avionics cooling, hydraulic cooling, fuel heating and cooling, and others.
 

• The engine cooling segment is anticipated to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2035. Engine cooling heat exchangers are evolving to support higher engine core temperatures and greater thermal loads associated with next-generation propulsion systems. Growth is fueled by modern turbofan upgrades, hybrid-electric concepts, and increasing thrust-class demands.
   
• Manufacturers should focus on advanced materials and multi-channel architectures to handle elevated thermal stress.
   
• The cabin heating and cooling (ECS) market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2025 - 2036. ECS heat exchangers are seeing steady growth driven by rising aircraft production, improved passenger comfort requirements, and stricter thermal management regulations. Increasing adoption of electric environmental control systems in newer platforms further strengthens demand.
   
• To adapt to changing cabin climate system evolution, manufacturers must provide lightweight ECS exchangers and improved heat transfer efficiency.
   

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North America held a market share of 36.6% in 2025 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2026 - 2035. The North American aircraft heat exchanger market is growing due to factors such as an increasing demand for regional and urban air mobility, fleet modernization, and the incorporation of hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion systems.
 

• U.S. dominated the aircraft heat exchangers market, accounting for USD 1.6 billion in the year 2025. Statista reports that the US aircraft market is expected to surpass USD 47.22 billion in 2025. The growth of the US aircraft heat exchanger market is due to the increase in the modernization of the fleet, expanding commercial and regional air traffic, and the growing use of hybrid-electric and UAVs
• Manufacturers should focus on modular, thermally optimized heat exchangers for hybrid-electric and next-generation aircraft. They should also invest in technologies supporting UAV and regional aviation growth.
   
• Canada is anticipated to grow at a 3.1% CAGR during the forecast period 2026 - 2035. The market in Canada is being driven by the upgrade of regional aircraft, the adoption of sustainable aviation and the growing urban air mobility initiatives. The demand for lightweight highly efficient heat exchangers as well as for additive manufacturing technologies to meet both performance and regulatory requirements is growing.
   
• Manufacturers should invest in collaborative R&D and local production to meet the environmental compliance requirements and support the regional aviation market demands.
   

Europe accounted for 24% of the global aircraft heat exchanger market in 2025 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period 2026 - 2035. The European market for aircraft heat exchangers is growing with the modernization of the fleet, the move to hybrid-electric, hydrogen propulsion, and the greater need for UAVs and regional aircraft. New materials, weight reductions, and additive manufacturing continue to advance commercial and defense thermal management, durability, and compliance.
 

• Germany is anticipated to grow at a 3.1% CAGR during the forecast period 2026 - 2035. The aircraft heat exchanger market in Germany is advancing due to the strong aerospace manufacturing base, the emphasis on thermal efficiency of modern propulsion systems, and the continuous R&D spent by local Tier-1s. The market is also benefitting from the greater focus on thermal management of aircraft, and the growing emphasis on the operational reliability and lifecycle of the advanced thermal systems in commercial, regional, and defense aircraft.
   
• To capitalize on potentially lucrative market opportunities, manufacturers ought to focus on forming business partnerships with German aerospace companies, with a principal focus on developing lightweight, energy-efficient heat exchangers.
   
• UK's aircraft heat exchangers market is anticipated to grow at a 4% CAGR during the forecast period. In April 2025, Conflux Technologies announced its expansion into Europe, establishing a new UK Hub concentrating on the UK’s Aerospace and Defence R&D, materials certification, and local customer support. The UK market is also forward driven by urban air mobility and the adoption of electrified propulsion.
   
• Aerospace and defense manufacturers should consider increasing R&D partnerships and localized production to meet the demand in the UK. Additionally, manufacturers should focus on developing heat exchangers tailored to hybrid-electric and UAV platforms.
   

Asia-Pacific held a share of 29.2% in the global aircraft heat exchanger market and is the fastest-growing region with a 5.6% CAGR during the forecast period. As airlines in the region continue expanding their fleets, the international aviation heat exchangers business in the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow as well. Manufacturing capacity in the region is growing, along with OEM's developing next generation engines and airframe systems. There is an increasing emphasis on localized production with the region's integration of advanced and efficient thermal systems. This is fostering sustained operational resilience, enhanced reliability, and optimization of performance across commercial, defense, and new aviation systems.
 

• The aircraft heat exchangers market in China is anticipated to reach USD 931.5 million by the year 2035. The market is growing due to increased demand for domestically built platforms, accelerated aircraft production, and ongoing investments in cutting-edge propulsion technologies. As China focuses on enhancing performance and long-term aviation sustainability, the adoption of thermally efficient, space-saving heat exchangers is increasing.
   
• Manufacturers need to form strategic alliances with local OEMs and to provide lightweight, high-capacity thermal management products to align with the increasing number of commercial and defence aviation programs in China.
   
• Japan's aircraft heat exchangers market was valued at USD 235.1 million in 2025. The growth is supported by a strong engineering ecosystem in the country, along with a heightened focus on next-generation air mobility systems and compact propulsion architectures. There is strong emphasis on reliability, precision engineering, and lifecycle optimization, encouraging deployment of durable, high-performance heat exchanger technologies.
   
• Manufacturers should pursue co-development initiatives and tailor heat exchanger solutions for Japan’s evolving hybrid-electric, regional aviation, and autonomous aircraft platforms.
   
• India's aircraft heat exchangers market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 7% during the forecast period. The increase in the purchase of commercial aircraft, fast-tracked in the manufacturing of national aerospace, and adoption of UAV and electrified engine propulsion systems accelerates growth. Interest in the purchase of more efficient and modular heat exchangers, adaptable to the different operating conditions and altitudes, are increasing.
   
• Manufacturers should enhance local production presence and introduce cost-optimized, lightweight thermal management systems to meet India’s expanding commercial and defense aviation needs.
   

Latin America held 4.9% market share in 2025 and is projected to grow with a 3.1% CAGR during the forecast period 2026 - 2035. Growing international and commercial aviation, fleet modernization, and the addition of small and regional planes are driving the market of aircraft heat exchangers in Latin America.
 

In 2025, the Middle East and Africa held a share of 5.3% and is anticipated to grow at a 2.7% CAGR during the forecast period 2026 - 2035. The growth in the Middle East and Africa markets for aircraft heat exchangers is fueled by the incorporation of defense UAVs and the growth of urban air mobility and regional air mobility initiatives.
 

• Saudi Arabia accounted for an 30.2% market share in 2025. Ongoing programs for the modernization of the defense sector and the increasing use of UAVs in conjunction with the developing infrastructure of global commercial aviation will continue to stimulate industry advancement. There is a market gap for heat exchangers with a high degree of thermal efficiency and resilience, which can operate in extremely adverse environmental conditions.
   
• To meet the growing requirements of defense and commercial fleets, manufacturers must offer rugged and thermally optimized solutions and offer local maintenance and support.
   
• The South Africa market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 1.6% during the forecast period. Regional aircraft upgrades, broader adoption of UAVs, and expanded commercial aviation activity continue to drive growth. As a result, there will be an increased implementation of lightweight, compact, and corrosion-resistant aerospace heat exchangers for both defense and civil applications.
   
• Manufacturers must develop low-cost durable thermal management systems and sign business partnerships with companies in the aerospace and defense industry in the relevant geographic regions.
   
• The UAE accounted for a share of 30.9% in the market in 2025. The introduction of new hybrid electric, and regional aircraft, defense programs for UAVs, and modernization of the existing fleet is driving advancement. To improve operational and environmental efficiencies, effective high-performance lightweight heat exchangers are needed to meet the planned operational goals.
   
• Manufacturers should prioritize thermally efficient, high-performance designs and develop localized service capabilities to meet the growing commercial and defense aviation demand.
   

Aircraft Heat Exchanger Market Share

The key players in the aircraft heat exchangers market are Honeywell International Inc., RTX, Liebherr Group, Parker Hannifin Corp., and Safran S.A. These companies occupied more than 49% of the market share in 2025.
 

• In 2025, Honeywell International Inc. held 14.2% of the market share. Honeywell is the leading supplier of aircraft thermal management systems, providing very efficient heat exchanger systems for aircraft engines, avionics, as well as environmental control systems. Honeywell's solutions emphasize efficiency, light weight and advanced thermal management for the next-generation designs of aircraft platforms.
   
• RTX held 10.4% of the market share in 2025. In the aircraft heat exchanger market, RTX maintains a significant position in the aircraft heat exchangers sector, largely due to its portfolio of engine, avionics, and environmental system components. The company is committed to thermal efficiency, durability, and applying modern aircraft defense materials to contemporary commercial and defense aircraft.
   
• Liebherr Group held a market share of 9.8% in 2025. Liebherr is a major supplier of aircraft environmental control and cooling systems. Liebherr products are highly reliable and are also recognized for their precision engineering and strong system integration on a variety of aircraft.
   
• Parker Hannifin Corp held 8.5% of the market share in 2025. Parker Hannifin provides special heat exchangers for engine cooling, fuel systems, and hydraulics. The company focuses on high-efficiency thermal designs, advanced alloy development, and modular architectures that support a wide range of commercial and military aircraft.
   
• Safran S.A held a market share of 6.9% in 2025. Safran is a key player in aircraft thermal management and provides heat exchangers for propulsion, ECS, and high-temperature subsystems. It puts the emphasis on lightweight metal solutions, optimized thermal pathways, and integration with advanced propulsion technologies to further improve aircraft performance.  
   

Aircraft Heat Exchanger Market Companies

Major players operating in the aircraft heat exchangers market are:

• 3D Systems, Inc
• AMETEK.Inc
• Boyd Corporation
• Conflux Technology
• Essex Industries, Inc.
• ETP Thermal Dynamics
• Honeywell International Inc.
• HS-Nauka
• JAMCO Corporation
• Liebherr Group
• Meggitt PLC.
   

• Honeywell International Inc., RTX, Liebherr Group, Parker Hannifin Corp., and Safran S.A. are considered as leaders in the aircraft heat exchangers market. These companies have established advanced thermal management systems for engines, avionics, and ECS, and have developed solid partnerships with commercial and defense aircraft manufacturers. With their technological competence and reliable systems, they are the leaders of the aircraft heat exchanger ecosystem.
   
• 3D Systems, Inc., AMETEK Inc., Boyd Corporation, Conflux Technology, and Essex Industries, Inc. are considered as challengers in this market.  These companies are diversifying their offerings to include even more efficient and lighter heat exchangers and are targeting commercial and military aircraft. Although they are not as big as the leaders, they have considerable engineering capacity and coupled with their tailored offerings and key partnerships, this gives them an edge as solid competitors.
   
• ETP Thermal Dynamics, HS-Nauka, JAMCO Corporation, Meggitt PLC, and TAT Technologies Ltd. are considered as followers in this market. These companies offer thermal management solutions for specific applications engine cooling, ECS, or avionics, and support regional aircraft programs.  Their role in the market is to fulfill specialized functions to assist larger players in the market.
   
• 3D Systems, Inc., THERMOVAC Aerospace, Triumph Group, and Wall Colmonoy are considered as niche players in this market.  These companies specialize in new technologies, innovative materials, and tailored heat exchanger solutions for a variety of applications with a focus on high-temperature, lightweight, and high-efficiency design. Their niche expertise allows them to cater to specialized and emerging needs in the heat exchanger segment of the aircraft market.
   

Aircraft Heat Exchanger Industry News

• In June 2023, Safran Aero Boosters developed HIPEX, an aircraft engine component that utilizes cutting edge aerodynamics, engine design, and 3D structural metal printing to improve fuel efficiency and decrease environmental impact.
   
• In February 2022, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) received an order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of compact heat exchanger sets for 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A jets.
   

The aircraft heat exchanger market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Million) & volume (Units) from 2022 to 2035, for the following segments:

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Market, By Heat Exchanger Type       

• Plate-fin heat exchangers
• Tube-fin heat exchangers   

Market, By Material Type

• Aluminum alloys
• Stainless steel
• Titanium
• Copper
• Others

Market, By Cooling Medium      

• Air-to-air
• Air-to-liquid
• Liquid-to-liquid
• Liquid-to-air

Market, By Application   

• Engine cooling
• Cabin heating & cooling (ECS)
• Avionics cooling
• Hydraulic cooling
• Fuel heating & cooling
• Others

Market, By Aircraft Type

• Commercial aircraft 
  • Narrow-body aircraft
  • Wide-body aircraft
  • Regional jets
• Military aircraft        
  • Fighter jets
  • Transport aircraft
• Business aviation     
• General aviation      
• Helicopters & rotorcraft      

Market, By End Use         

• OEM (Line-Fit)
• Aftermarket (MRO)  

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Netherlands
  • Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
• South Korea
  • Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE