Low-Altitude Economy Illuminates the Navigation Lighting Market, Opening New Growth Opportunities for LED Lighting Companies

The "2023 China Lighting Industry Report" released by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that since 2019, the market size of aviation navigation lighting fixtures in China has grown from 45 billion RMB to 76 billion RMB, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%. It is expected to exceed 100 billion RMB in 2024. Industry experts indicate that with the rapid development of the low-altitude economy, the aviation lighting market has ushered in new growth opportunities, and domestic LED lighting companies will significantly benefit.

The low-altitude economy drives the expansion of the aviation navigation lighting market

The aviation navigation special lighting market has a wide range of application scenarios, including runway-type general airport network construction, helicopter takeoff and landing site construction, urban vertical takeoff and landing site layout, temporary takeoff and landing sites for enterprises and individuals, obstacle lighting for high-rise buildings and transmission towers, and emergency aviation lighting for remote factories and mines.

Airport special lighting is a critical infrastructure that ensures the safe and efficient operation of airport flight zones and related areas in various complex environments and time periods. It covers aspects such as runway lighting systems, taxiway lighting systems, apron lighting, and approach lighting systems, all of which have high requirements for product safety, reliability, and compliance with standards.

According to data from the National Airspace Management Center, as of the end of 2023, China has 449 registered general aviation airports, compared to over 20,000 in the United States, highlighting that the number of general aviation airports in China is far from meeting the growing demand. In the future, China plans to increase investment in the construction of general aviation airports, with advanced planning and the gradual development of a general aviation airport network that supports the growth of the low-altitude economy. The development of related infrastructure is expected to create significant market opportunities.

Lighting companies are ushering in new growth opportunities

With the development of the low-altitude economy, the aviation lighting market is poised for new growth opportunities. In the field of aviation lighting, the advantages of LED technology are becoming increasingly evident. Its high brightness and stability ensure clear and uniform illumination for aviation infrastructure such as general airports, helicopters, and drones, even under extreme weather conditions and complex flight scenarios, thereby significantly enhancing flight safety.

Additionally, the long lifespan and low maintenance costs of LEDs substantially reduce the operational burden on airlines. Industry experts analyze that domestic LED lighting companies should seize this historic opportunity by increasing R&D investments, enhancing product quality and reliability, in order to meet the growing market demand and make a positive contribution to the development of China’s low-altitude economy.

Currently, the main suppliers in the global airport lighting industry include ADB Airfield Solutions (Safegate), Honeywell, Vosla, Eaton, and OSRAM, with the top five manufacturers accounting for over 60% of the market share. North America dominates the global market, holding around 39% of the market share. However, with emerging markets such as China becoming significant players in the aviation infrastructure market, China is expected to produce leading companies capable of challenging traditional players and entering the top tier of the market.