Global Commercial Aviation Looks to MEA for Effective and Environment-friendly Aircraft

The aircraft industry is developing the More Electric Aircraft (MEA), with the ultimate goal of distributing only electrical power across the airframe. The replacement of existing systems with electric equivalents will continue to significantly increase the electrical power requirement.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Commercial Aviation Electrical Power Systems and Infrastructure Market Assessment estimates the market to reach more than $24.0 billion by 2017.

A brochure, which provides manufacturers, endusers and other industry participants with an overview of the global commercial aviation electrical power systems and infrastructure market, can be obtained by sending an email to Anna Anlauft, corporate communications, at: anna.anlauft@frost.com, with full name, company name, title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent by email.

"The use of More Electric architecture on aircraft offers significant cost benefits with lower recurring costs, due to fewer parts, integration of key sub-systems and multi-use of components," observes Frost & Sullivan Consulting Analyst Balaji Srimoolanathan. "It also reduces the overall cost of operation and ownership, because its architecture helps contain fuel consumption and increase overall aircraft performance and energy usage. Reduced maintenance and ground support also help lower the cost of ownership and operation."

Conventional aircraft employ a number of systems dependent on hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic and electrical sources. Due to the ineffectiveness of these systems and their weight contribution, novel technologies have to evolve to generate, distribute and utilize electrical power as an alternative to conventional systems to drive components.

"Regulations urging manufacturers to develop more environmentally-friendly and greener aircraft has led to the increased use of electric systems that reduce fuel consumptions and lower emission levels," Srimoolanathan states. "Addressing eco-friendly, emission-free and highly efficient systems development to reduce carbon emissions remains a key challenge for the industry in its bid to achieve sustainable growth."

Competition exists within the market for aircraft electrical power systems at sub-system levels. With the design and manufacturing capacity limited to sub-systems between a few Tier 2 suppliers, others compete on all the sub-systems and associated products. The overall market is consolidated to the extent of 70%, which makes it a very niche market with a few dominant participants. With increasing applications, this market is set to expand significantly over the next decade. frost.com