The global autonomous aircraft market size was US$ 6.2 billion in 2021. The global autonomous aircraft market size is estimated to reach US$ 30.3 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2030.
An autonomous aircraft is an upgraded aircraft that can fly using automated control systems without human pilot intervention in the cockpit. This grade of autonomy needs implanted software, sensors, and artificial intelligence systems that constantly sense difficult conditions, prepare a secure way of motion and perform those actions. Presently, several independent airplanes are unmanned aerial vehicles used as drones for delivery vehicles, military operations, space exploration, agriculture, emergency rescue, and film production.

Factors Affecting Market Growth

The rise in autonomy to decrease human errors, the increase in the adoption of the automatic cargo plane, and the growth in the adoption of AI in autonomous aircraft propel the growth of the global market.
The rise in security problems and cyber threats and lack of standard infrastructure for complex design and operation and increased initial acquisition are the factors anticipated to hinder the growth of the global market.
Bold government initiatives and support and an increase in the need for enhanced surveillance are anticipated to drive the growth of the global market.

Impact of COVID-19 Analysis

COVID-19 impacted negatively on the growth of the global market. Governments of various areas have declared a complete lockdown and interim closure of industries, which had severely impacted all-around sales and production. It also resulted in travel restrictions, flight cancellations, and quarantines, which directed to a huge reduction in logistics activities and supply chains across the globe. Furthermore, the aviation industry is facing financial failures in the maintenance of airports and airlines without any rise in revenue. Thus, hindering the growth of the global market.

Regional Analysis

North America had the highest market share in the global market, due to the increased number of procurements of tactical autonomous UAVs in the region. Also, different expansions in the region, in terms of autonomous aircraft, may direct the region to become the fastest-growing area. Presently, the US is concentrating on the growth of autonomous aircraft. The US hit a roadblock in the use of such aircraft for commercial purposes, owing to governmental restrictions, but the growing scale of autonomous aircraft expansion may direct its growth in the future.

Leading Competitors
The prominent players in the global autonomous aircraft market are:
Karem Aircraft Inc.
Joby Aviation
Volocopter GmbH
Northrop Grumman
Lockheed Martin
Kitty Hawk
Raytheon
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Airbus
Aeronautics
Others
Segmentation Analysis
The global autonomous aircraft market segmentation focuses on Aircraft Size, Maximum Take-off Weight, Application, End User, and Region.
Segmentation on the basis of Aircraft Size
Wide Body
Narrow Body
Others

Segmentation on the basis of Maximum Take-off Weight
Less Than 2500 Kg
More Than 2500 Kg

Segmentation on the basis of Application
Civil & Commercial
Military & Defence
Others

Segmentation on the basis of End User
Passenger
Cargo & Industrial

Segmentation on the basis of Region
North America
The U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Western Europe
The UK
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Poland
Russia
Rest of Eastern Europe
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia & New Zealand
ASEAN
Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East & Africa (MEA)
UAE
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of MEA
South America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America