A key factor contributing to growth in the composites market is the increased adoption of composites in aircraft design, according to Research and Markets’ new “Global Aerospace Composites Market 2012-2016” report. The market has also been witnessing strong demand in general aviation. However, complex regulatory requirements pose the biggest challenge in the market.

“The global general aviation market is expected to exhibit steady growth in the coming years,” according to an analyst from TechNavio’s Automotive team. “The vendors in the global aerospace composites market will benefit from the increasing use of composites in new-generation aircraft. Also, the expanding use of composites in helicopters and other rotary-wing aircraft will increases vendors’ average sales per aircraft over time. Composite applications have expanded rapidly in general aviation design (i.e., from small secondary structures to more demanding flight-control surfaces, empennage assemblies, fuselage, and wings). It is estimated that over the next several years, the general aviation markets in Europe and North America will slowly improve. However, most of the forecast growth will come from the emerging markets in China, Brazil, and India.”