Docking Systems Market Research Report: By Platform (Commercial, Military, General Aviation), By Type (Nose Docks, Complete, Engine Docks, Fuselage Docks, Tail Docks), By Aircraft-Type (Fixed-Wing, Rotary-Wing) and By Operation (Automatic, Manual) – Forecast to 2030

Docking Systems Market Scenario

Aircraft docking systems boost an MRO’s profitability. Globally MRO spending is expected to rise from USD 81.9 Billion in 2019 to USD 116 Billion by 2029. Apart from the growing fleet size, the market will be driven by more expensive maintenance visits and technological enhancements.

The average Y-o-Y growth for the global MRO market is expected to be 3.5% from 2019 to 2029; the in-service fleet is anticipated to grow at 3.9% annually between 2019 to 2024 as compared to 3.3% for the next five years.

The growth in aviation, both military and commercial, is driving the docking systems market.

Aircraft maintenance is a critical and complex process which must be rigidly adhered to in order to maintain aircraft operability. The greatest stimulus to commercial aviation has been the high safety standards that are implemented. The decrease in the number of aviation accidents is achieved only by strict adherence to the safety standards, which is only possible by timely and detailed maintenance. This is directly driving the docking systems market.

Due to the numerous types of aircraft built and the detailed nature of their complete maintenance, the docking systems market is divided into multiple specialized categories catering not only to specific aircraft components but also to specific aircraft types.   

Market USP

The specialized and critical nature of aircraft maintenance.

Docking Systems Market Drivers

• Increasing air passenger traffic


• Increasing use of existing aircraft


• Requirement for short turnaround times


• Increased safety regulations

Docking Systems Market Segmentation

Docking Systems Market By Platform

• Commercial: The largest and fastest-growing market within this segment, commercial aviation is a growing market, with over 4 billion fliers and more than 213,590 million ton-km of cargo transported in 2017. The increase in the number of fliers and in the amount of cargo transported by air requires timely maintenance of the aircraft, which is driving the global docking systems market as well as fueling innovations within the market.


• Military: Military aircraft always need to be maintained at peak performance. Regular maintenance is critical in ensuring that. Certain military aircraft require specialized docking systems owing to their unique designs.


• General Aviation: General aviation comprises all aircraft not covered in the commercial or military segments. Usually smaller than commercial aircraft and comprising propeller type aircraft, single seaters, etc. they do not have specialized maintenance requirements and simpler docking systems are good enough.

By Type

• Nose Docks: Nose docks ensure fast, sustainable maintenance which can be performed on the nose of the aircraft. Most nose docking systems cater to a wide range of aircraft. They reduce ground times and cater to narrow as well as wide-body aircraft.


• Complete/Combination Docks: Complete/combination docks are excellent for the full and heavy maintenance of an aircraft. They are automated and height-adjustable, thereby catering to a wide range of aircraft. Some of the more advanced models come equipped with 3D aircraft scanners.


• Engine Docks: Specifically dedicated to engine maintenance, these docks can bear tremendous weight and come with a complete array of diagnostic tools to help with engine maintenance. These are usually incorporated in complete/combination docks due to the time-consuming nature of engine maintenance. This is the largest market within this segment.


• Fuselage Docks: Designed specifically with the intention of easing access to the fuselage, these docks have specially developed modules. This is the fastest-growing market within this segment.


• Wing Docks: Wing docks are usually movable docks designed to keep their weight at a minimum to facilitate easy movement. They are height adjustable to facilitate easier maintenance.


• Tail Docks: Designed for the maintenance of aircraft tails, tail docks are height adjustable with various levels designed to ensure complete access to the very tip of the tail.

By Aircraft-Type

• Fixed-Wing: This is the larger market within the segment due to the sheer number of fixed-wing aircraft. Approximately 37,400 aircraft units will be required by 2037 totaling aircraft value of USD 5.8 trillion.


• Rotary-Wing: The segment with the higher CAGR, rotary-wing aircraft require specialized docking systems that usually cater to the complete aircraft and not its components.

By Operation

• Automatic: Demand for automated and self-propelled docking systems is rising mainly in Asia.


• Manual: European MROs prefer manually moved, traditional designs.

By Region

• North America: The largest regional market for docking systems, North America is home to the largest aviation industry as well as the largest number of aircraft in the world. Most docking system companies are also based out of North America.


• Europe: Europe has a robust commercial aviation industry with very high safety standards rigidly enforced by the EASA. The organization stresses regular and routine aircraft maintenance which is driving the docking systems market in the region.


• Asia-Pacific: The fastest-growing regional market for docking systems, Asia-Pacific is home to some of the busiest passenger air routes. The Asia-Pacific aviation industry is taking cognizance of aircraft mishaps which occurr due to faulty maintenance by investing heavily in aircraft maintenance infrastructure.


• Middle East & Africa: A growing market, there is an increase in air traffic with several older model aircraft in service which is acting as a driver for the docking systems market.


• Latin America: A small market, the Latin American aviation sector is also serviced by old model aircraft, which is driving the market.

Key Players

• Metaltech: Customer references - Bombardier, Boeing, British Aerospace, British Airways, Delta Airline, US Air Force, Ministry of Defense.


• NIJL Aircraft Docking: Client base includes KLM, Lufthansa Technik, Finnair, Turkish Technic, Asiana Airlines, SR Technics, Qantas, Airbus, Bombardier, Air Liver.


• CTI Systems: The CTI design is aimed at minimizing the docking/undocking procedure and thus ensures the short aircraft downtimes


• Kawasaki Heavy Industries: First delivery of docking system at Narita airport in 1978.


• Zarges: Docking projects for civil and military, narrow- and wide-bodied, multi or single aircraft.


• Aircraft Support Industries: Facilitate aircraft maintenance operations through the provision of ergonomic work platforms.


• Turner Access Ltd: Provided scaffolding systems for a Boeing 747 aircraft maintenance in contract with Support Air (UK).


• REEL SAS: A worldwide manufacturing partners’ network: France, Germany, Canada, Eastern Europe, Russia, UAE and Bahrain, China, Taiwan.


• Altech: Customers include Airbus Defense & Space, Airbus Helicopters, Luftwaffe, RUAG Aerospace.


• Instant UpRight: Use 3D modeling and design software to develop a prototype design ensuring the right fit to the aircraft.


• Kern Steel Fabrication, Inc.: Believes in the Lean Manufacturing Technique; eliminate unnecessary steps, improve quality, reduce production time and reduce the cost.