Post banner image

Among the clouds: Aircraft import export data and analysis

Most countries around the world have had soaring dreams of building bilateral exchanges, import export trade, and cultural cohesion with other countries. While some have had these dreams for centuries, others are just starting to see the possibilities of a unified world. Though, there is no doubt that globalization has bound all of us together. Market movements in one country can have a great impact on multiple countries or even the global economy. It is this cohesion that has pushed humankind to the fastest rate of growth that we’ve ever seen. Although many innovations and endeavors have made this possible, one among them stands out as a shining beacon from the sky. 

That beacon is an aircraft. For us to find endless trade opportunities, aircraft have allowed transportation at lightning speeds, enabling business operations to spread across continents and newer markets to be established. This has allowed income to be distributed among lesser developed countries and for more people to contribute to the building of civilization.

Exploring new trade possibilities

Not only this, the increased speed of cargo transportation has allowed freight to reach its destination overnight. This has helped us cut lead times and losses due to waste, spillage, breakage, and other perils usually associated with sea and road transport. Aircraft import export trade data informs us of the countries that manufacture aircraft and the countries that are now buying the most to build their fleets.   

The growth in aircraft manufacturing and air travel itself was growing from strength to strength until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. According to World Bank data, aircraft passenger numbers stood at 4.56 billion in 2019. A year later, this number dropped by more than 60%.    

Aircraft Export Data

Two countries corner close to 40% of the global aircraft and spacecraft export market according to aircraft import export data. These countries are France and the United States of America. This is mainly due to the presence of the world’s two largest passenger aircraft manufacturers namely Boeing (USA) and Airbus (France) that together control 90% production. The battle between these behemoths has pushed aircraft manufacturing to high levels of sophistication. Any change in the trade dynamics of one company affects the other immensely. For instance, America’s trade war with China has cost Boeing billions, as China has had an increased demand for France originating Airbus-manufactured aircraft in recent years.   

Aircraft and spacecraft: Top exporters

1. United States ($35.5 billion)

2. France ($31.5 billion)

3. Germany ($28.8 billion)

4. United Kingdom ($12.4 billion)

5. Canada ($9.85 billion)

Aircraft Import Data

While aircraft manufacturing is a two-horse race, commercial aviation is a whole other story. While the aircraft manufacturing market size is limited to under $200 billion, the aviation industry records a whopping market size of $841 billion. China is among the leaders of commercial aircraft importers, owing to its burgeoning domestic aviation industry. Airline operators in Ireland, Malta, and Fiji are also putting major investments in increasing their fleet sizes.

Aircraft and spacecraft: Top importers

1. United States ($27.4 billion)

2. France ($16.1 billion)

3. Germany ($13.6 billion)

4. China ($10.3 billion)

5. United Kingdom ($8.05 billion)

Where the future is headed

The most exciting development in aviation is the billionaire race to get to Mars. With several of the world’s richest people pumping enormous resources into their space missions, the aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing industry is sitting with rapt attention as  to what the future brings. If life on Mars becomes a reality in the next fifty years, it will be interesting to see how existing aircraft manufacturers pivot to new demands.

Enquiry