Air Sports Equipment Market Analysis Europe, APAC, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, Germany, France, UK, Japan - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Air Sports Equipment Market Size 2024-2028

The Air Sports Equipment Market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.60 billion at a CAGR of 8.8% between 2023 and 2028. The market's expansion is driven by several key factors, including the rising prominence of competitive air sports, such as aerobatics and air racing, which attract a growing audience and participants. Additionally, the increasing popularity of extreme adventure activities, including skydiving and paragliding, contributes to market growth. Furthermore, air sports offer various health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular fitness and stress relief, which appeal to health-conscious individuals and further drive market demand.

Moreover, the media coverage and sponsorship associated with competitive air sports, including wakeboarding equipment, are boosting their visibility and attracting more enthusiasts. The thrill and adrenaline rush offered by extreme air sports are appealing to a younger demographic, driving market expansion. Additionally, the health benefits, including enhanced mental well-being and a sense of accomplishment, are attracting a wider audience looking for unique and fulfilling experiences, further fueling market growth. As interest in outdoor and adventurous activities continues to rise, wakeboarding equipment and other air sports gear are poised to capitalize on this trend, benefiting from increased participation and consumer interest in recreational sports that offer both excitement and physical challenge.

What will be the Market Size During the Forecast Period?

To learn more about this report, Request Free Sample

Market Segmentation

By Product

The market share growth by the paraglider/ canopy/ reserve parachute segment will be significant during the forecast period. Paragliders,  also known as wings, are one of the most important product segments of paragliding equipment. Consumers want lightweight paragliders because the equipment is easy to handle. Manufacturers use raw materials that lighten their wings. Modern paragliders and wings are mostly made of non-absorbent materials such as ripstop polyester and nylon fabrics. Nitinol, a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, is one of the raw materials for manufacturing paragliders in the future. Paragliding has a relatively high exchange rate compared to other products. Also, many people start paragliding as an adventure sport. In addition, factors such as the increasing number of training institutions for paragliding courses and product innovation are expected to contribute to the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Get a glance at the market contribution of various segments View the PDF Sample

The paraglider/canopy/reserve parachute segment was valued at USD 1.03 billion in 2018. A canopy also called a parachute, is deployed with a container system to ensure a safe landing during skydiving. The main competitors develop products with technologically advanced features that attract most skydivers. Lightweight canopies are also in great demand among consumers. A spare parachute is attached to the harness as a precaution in case of a failed takeoff or landing. Designed for ease of use. Since most operations are at low altitudes, the ease of use of this equipment allows the harness to be opened quickly. These devices can last up to 10 years with proper care. Therefore, the paraglider, canopy, and reserve parachute segment is expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.  

By Region

For more insights on the market share of various regions Download PDF Sample now!

Europe is estimated to contribute 51% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The market in Europe is largely determined by a large number of up-and-coming tourist destinations. Tourists are more likely to arrive in Northern Europe, but Western Europe has the most developed adventure travel, including air sports. Such factors are expected to increase revenue and this region will continue to dominate the market during the forecast period. 

Market Dynamics

The market is experiencing a surge in popularity among millennials and youngsters who are increasingly engaging in outdoor recreational activities such as wingsuit flying and ziplining. This trend is not limited to the younger generation, as college grads, working professionals, and even older adults are also participating. Social media and movies have played a role in popularizing these sports. Organizations like the Outdoor Industry Association and the United States Parachute Association (USPA) are actively promoting these activities. The market is also benefiting from the rise of extreme sports and the growth of the fast-moving consumer goods industry in developing economies. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Key Market Drivers

The increasing popularity of extreme adventure activities is notably driving the market growth. The growing popularity of extreme adventure sports has attracted more and more people to participate. Over the past decade, many adventure activities such as paragliding, skydiving, bungee jumping, base jumping, surfing, rock or mountain climbing, caving, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding have become popular. Participating in these activities, which demand rigorous physical activity, offers numerous long-term mental and physical health benefits, particularly for youngsters in developing economies, through outdoor recreational activities and sports Governments and tour operators in many countries run several advertising campaigns to raise awareness of adventure activities.

Moreover, a significant increase in health-conscious consumers is expected to accelerate the demand for adventure activities such as alternative physical activities. The increasing popularity of adventure sports among the American public is likely to become a major growth driver for the adventure tourism industry and will also accelerate sales.  Therefore, all these factors are expected to drive the market growth and trends during the forecast period. 

Significant Market Trends

An increase in technological innovations to enhance product performance is a key trend influencing market growth. Technological innovation is one of the most important factors in attracting customers and increasing sales of this equipment. Therefore, major competitors are constantly updating their equipment to make air sports safer, more protective, and more comfortable. These innovations are based on several factors, including fabric design, systems engineering, mechanical design, control systems, and rigging and packaging. For example, one of the biggest innovations in air sports equipment is the Automatic Activation Device (AAD). This is an electronic pyrotechnic or mechanical device used to automatically deploy a rescue parachute if the jumper is unable to deploy his parachute on time. 

In addition, many competitors focus on manufacturing this equipment from recycled materials and fabrics. Factors such as intense competition among major competitors keep most of the manufacturing in-house. These competitors partner with members who are experts in engineering, chemistry, industrial design, and related fields to increase the production of innovative products. Hence, the rise of technological innovations to improve product performance is one of the key trends driving the market during the forecast period. 

Major Market Challenges

The risk of fatal falls and severe injuries associated with air sports is challenging the market growth. The high level of injury and fatalities associated with adventure sports like air sports has emerged as a significant factor hindering the growth of the market. People affected by a fear of heights may be a major impediment to market growth as fear of heights hinders the pursuit of adventure activities such as air sports. Additionally, excessive fatigue can be another factor that can discourage people from participating in such activities. These include hypoglycemia, muscle spasms, microtrauma, and central fatigue.

Canopy collisions are another major type of hazard associated with air sports. Bungee jumping has a relatively high rate of serious injuries and accidents compared to other air sports. After a free fall, it bounces back with a sudden and large force not normally found in nature. Squeezing with extreme force or hanging from cords can cause serious eye, spine, and neck injuries and can even result in death. Improper jumps can also lead to multiple accidents, and long bungee cords can also lead to death.  Therefore, all these factors are expected to harm the adventure sports industry, slowing down the growth of the market during the forecast period.  

Key Market Customer Landscape

The report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.

Global Market Customer Landscape

Who are the Major Market Companies?

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Adrenalin Base: The company offers wingsuits, pilot chutes, canopies, and others. It also offers different types of air sports equipment.

The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including:

• Aerodyne Research LLC
• Apco Aviation Ltd.
• APEX BASE
• Atair d.o.o.
• BIRDMAN Ltd.
• Bonehead Composites
• Dudek Paragliders s.j.
• Eric Roussel NEO SAS
• GLH Systems Pty Ltd.
• ICARO Paragliders
• Intrudair Ltd.
• OZONE GLIDERS LTD.
• Phoenix Fly d.o.o.
• Skylark

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Segment Overview

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Billion" for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2022 for the following segments.

• Product Outlook 
  • Paraglider/ canopy/ reserve parachute
  • Container and harness
  • Protective gear
  • Others

• Application Outlook 
  • Skydiving
  • Paragliding
  • BASE jumping
  • Bungee jumping

• Region Outlook
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • South America
    • Chile
    • Brazil
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

You may also interested in below market reports:

• In-The-Water Sports Equipment Market - In-The-Water Sports Equipment Market Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, UK, China, France, Canada - Size and Forecast
• Skydiving Equipment Market - Skydiving Equipment Market Analysis Europe, North America, APAC, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, Australia, UK, Germany, France - Size and Forecast 
• Bungee Jumping Equipment Market - Bungee Jumping Equipment Market Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, China, UK, Italy, Germany - Size and Forecast 

Market Analyst Overview

The market is driven by a growing interest in activities like parachuting, zip lining, and wing suiting among Generation X and adventure travelers. Factors such as personal disposable income and a desire for unique vacation experiences are fueling this trend. The market is witnessing advancements in flight gear, including skywalks, variometers, and fly masters, all designed for enhanced safety and performance. E-commerce platforms are playing a crucial role in expanding the market reach, although pricing pressure and operational costs remain challenges. Innovations in lightweight materials, smart aerodynamics, and environmentally conscious designs are shaping the future of air sports equipment. The market is experiencing growth driven by various factors, such as mountains and hills being attractive locations for air sports, and the increasing popularity of travel and tourism activities, including vacations to beaches.

In addition, research and development activities and advancements in modern manufacturing processes and technology have led to the development of innovative equipment like powered parachutes, hang gliders, skydiving equipment, and paramotors, along with a range of accessories and professional equipment. These products prioritize durability, stability, ergonomics, and comfort, often incorporating carbon fiber and ultra-light textiles for safety and portability. The market also reflects a growing trend towards environmentally conscious consumer choices, with an emphasis on eco-friendly products and sustainable practices. Advanced technologies such as GPS tracking, real-time data monitoring, collision avoidance systems, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) are also making their way into air sports equipment to enhance the user experience.

Request free sample

What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting of the market between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the market size and its contribution to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market trends and analysis and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market across Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough market growth analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive market analysis and report on the factors that will challenge the market research and growth of market companies

We can help! Our analysts can customize this market research report to meet your requirements. Get in touch