Verified Market Research의 애널리스트에 따르면, 공중 진화 전술의 산불 진압 효율성에 대한 지식이 증가함에 따라 공중 진화 시장은 2024년 32억 2,642만 달러에서 예측 기간 동안 46억 7,043만 달러에 달할 것으로 예측됩니다.
세계적으로 산불 발생 빈도와 강도가 증가함에 따라 공중 소방 시장 확대에 박차를 가하고 있습니다. 이로 인해 시장은 2024-2032년간 연평균 5.22%의 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다.
공중 소방 시장 정의/개요
공중 진화는 산불과 싸우고 진압하기 위해 항공기를 사용하는 것을 말합니다. 이 항공기에는 물탱크, 거품 시스템, 화학 분산제 등 다양한 소방 장비가 장착되어 있어 화재를 성공적으로 진압하고 산림, 재산, 사람을 보호할 수 있습니다.
또한, 공중진화에는 크게 세 가지 용도가 있습니다. 불길에 직접 물이나 소화제를 투하하여 진화하는 '직접 공격', 화재 주변을 따라 소화제나 물을 투하하여 방화대를 만들어 연소를 막는 '간접 공격', 항공기를 이용하여 상공에서 화재 상황을 관찰하고 지상 작업자를 유도하는 '정찰'이 그것입니다. 공중진화는 산불관리에서 매우 중요하며, 어려운 지형이나 접근이 어려운 곳에서의 지상진화 활동에 신속한 대응능력과 전략적 지원을 담고 있습니다.
공중 소방 시장은 신기술의 개발과 기존 기술의 강화에 의해 주도되고 있습니다. 보다 효율적이고 고성능의 소방 시스템 개발, 항공기 조종성 향상, 정찰 및 직접 화재 진압을 위한 무인 항공기(UAV)의 통합 등 항공기의 기술 혁신은 모두 공중 화재 진압의 효과와 효율성을 향상시키고 있습니다. 첨단 통신기술과 데이터 분석 기술을 통해 공중진화팀과 지상진화팀의 협업을 강화하여 보다 효과적인 산불진압을 실현할 수 있습니다.
기후 변화는 지구상에서 점점 더 빈번하고 치명적인 피해를 가져오는 산불을 유발하고 있습니다. 기온 상승, 가뭄의 장기화, 강수 패턴의 변화는 모두 특히 산림 지역과 야생 지역과 도시가 접해 있는 지역에서 더 심한 화재 시즌을 가져옵니다. 이러한 산불 증가는 사람, 재산 및 천연자원을 보호하기 위해 소방 능력, 특히 공중 소방 서비스의 향상을 요구하고 있습니다.
또한, 정부 정책과 재정 배분은 공중 소방 시장의 주요 촉진요인으로 작용하고 있습니다. 산불의 위험에 대한 인식이 높아짐에 따라 소방 인프라와 역량, 특히 공중 소방대에 대한 투자가 증가했습니다. 공중 소방 서비스를 위한 정부 계약, 소방 기술 연구 및 개발에 대한 지출, 훈련 및 준비 활동을 위한 자금 조달은 모두 시장 성장에 매우 중요합니다. 또한, 소방 활동의 국제 협력과 원조는 국경을 초월한 자원과 경험의 공유를 가능하게 하여 시장 성장을 가속합니다.
공중진화 활동에는 항공기 구입 및 유지비, 연료비, 전문 인력 훈련 및 보수 등 많은 비용이 소요됩니다. 특히 산불이 많이 발생하는 해에는 공중진화 자원을 투입하는 비용이 높기 때문에 기관과 정부의 예산이 압박을 받게 됩니다. 이러한 비용 문제는 대형 화재 발생 시 공중진화 서비스의 이용을 제한하거나 자원 배분 결정을 강요하기도 합니다.
또한, 기술 발전에도 불구하고 항공 소방 활동은 항공기 능력, 통신 시스템, 실시간 데이터 액세스 측면에서 여전히 한계가 있습니다. 물과 소화약제 용량의 한계, 연기로 가득 찬 공역 항해의 어려움, 지상 소방대원과의 협력 문제 등은 모두 활동의 효율성을 저해하는 요인입니다. 또한, 외딴 지역이나 접근이 어려운 화재 지역에 신속하고 효율적으로 항공 소방 자원을 배치하기 위한 물류의 복잡성이 큰 걸림돌로 작용하고 있어 시장 확대를 제한하고 있습니다.
The growing knowledge of the efficiency of aerial firefighting tactics in rapidly confining and extinguishing wildfires is a major driver of the aerial firefighting market. According to the analyst from Verified Market Research, the aerial firefighting market is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 4670.43 Million over the forecast subjugating around USD 3226.42 Million in 2024.
The rising frequency and intensity of wildfires globally fuel the expansion of the aerial firefighting market. It enables the market to grow at a CAGR of 5.22% from 2024 to 2032.
Aerial Firefighting Market: Definition/ Overview
Aerial firefighting refers to the employment of airplanes to combat and suppress wildfires. These aircraft are outfitted with a variety of firefighting gear, including water tanks, foam systems, and chemical dispersants, to successfully put out fires and safeguard forests, property, and people.
Furthermore, aerial firefighting has three primary applications: direct attack, which involves dropping water or fire retardant directly onto the flames to extinguish them; indirect attack, which involves creating firebreaks by dropping retardant or water along the fire's perimeter to contain its spread; and reconnaissance, which involves using aircraft for aerial observation to assess fire behavior and guide ground crews. Aerial firefighting is critical in wildfire management, providing rapid reaction capabilities and strategic assistance to ground-based firefighting efforts in difficult terrain and inaccessible places.
The aerial firefighting market is driven by the development of new technologies as well as the enhancement of current ones. Aircraft innovations, such as the development of more efficient and capable water or retardant delivery systems, improvements in aircraft maneuverability, and the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance and direct firefighting efforts, all improve the effectiveness and efficiency of aerial firefighting operations. Advanced communication and data analysis technologies increase coordination between airborne and ground firefighting teams, resulting in more effective wildfire suppression efforts.
Climate change has resulted in increasingly frequent and devastating wildfires around the planet. Rising temperatures, extended droughts, and shifting precipitation patterns all lead to more intense fire seasons, especially in wooded and wildland-urban interface areas. This increase in wildfire activity demands increased firefighting capabilities, particularly aerial firefighting services, to protect people, property, and natural resources.
Furthermore, government policy and financial allocations are major drivers of the aerial firefighting market. Increased awareness of the dangers presented by wildfires has resulted in increased investment in firefighting infrastructure and capabilities, notably aerial firefighting fleets. Government contracts for aerial firefighting services, expenditures in firefighting technology R&D, and financing for training and readiness activities are all crucial to the market's growth. Also, international cooperation and aid in firefighting operations can boost market growth by allowing for the cross-border sharing of resources and experience.
Aerial firefighting operations are especially expensive, including aircraft acquisition and maintenance costs, fuel charges, and specialist staff training and compensation. The high cost of deploying aerial firefighting resources puts a strain on agency and government budgets, particularly during years of heavy wildfire activity. This cost challenge limits the availability of aerial firefighting services or forces challenging resource allocation decisions during large-scale fire situations.
Furthermore, despite technological developments, aerial firefighting still has limitations in terms of aircraft capability, communication systems, and real-time data access. Limited water or retardant capacity, difficulties navigating smoke-filled airspace, and coordination challenges with ground-based firefighting personnel all impede operational effectiveness. Also, the logistical complexity of rapidly and efficiently deploying aerial firefighting resources to remote or inaccessible fire zones presents substantial obstacles, limiting market expansion.
According to VMR Analysis, the military aircraft segment is estimated to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. Military aircraft are intended to operate in a variety of environments and may transport heavy cargo. This makes them ideal for aerial firefighting, where the capacity to transport large amounts of water, retardant, or gel over great distances and under varying conditions is critical. Military aircraft's versatility and robustness allow for upgrades to improve firefighting capabilities, such as the installation of tanks and dispersal systems built expressly for firefighting chemicals.
Military aircraft are designed to resist extreme circumstances, which is a huge advantage in the tough situations found in wildfires. Their resilience allows them to work safely in locations with smoke, heat, and turbulent air conditions. Furthermore, the dependability of military aircraft allows them to be quickly deployed and relied on for long-term operations, which is crucial during protracted firefighting missions where downtime can result in the rapid spread of fire.
Furthermore, military aircraft's operational range and speed allow for speedy reaction to fires, even in remote regions. This capability is critical for initial attack and containment operations, where time is of the essence. Being able to quickly reach and suppress fires before they spread can save enormous tracts of land from destruction while also drastically lowering the overall cost and time of firefighting efforts.
The hydraulic actuator segment is estimated to exhibit the highest growth within the aerial firefighting market during the forecast period. Hydraulic actuators can create significant force with a compact footprint, making them excellent for situations where space is restricted but force is required, such as in aircraft. This is especially critical for aerial firefighting aircraft, which must optimize the area available for transporting water or retardant. The ability of hydraulic actuators to deliver forceful actuation without taking up too much space is a significant advantage.
Hydraulic systems are renowned for their dependability and longevity, particularly in harsh or demanding conditions. Aerial firefighting operations sometimes require flying in adverse weather conditions, exposure to smoke and particles, and abrupt temperature and pressure fluctuations. Hydraulic actuators' ability to survive harsh circumstances and retain consistent performance is an important factor for their widespread use in this market.
Furthermore, hydraulic actuators provide superior control and reactivity, which is critical for the precise operations required in aerial firefighting. Whether altering the aircraft's flight route or managing the flow of fire retardants, the ability to make fine modifications quickly and correctly is required. Hydraulic systems' intrinsic qualities, such as their quick reaction to control inputs and capacity to maintain constant pressures, make them ideal for these vital jobs.
According to VMR Analyst, Asia Pacific is estimated to exhibit the highest growth within the aerial firefighting market during the forecast period. The region is experiencing strong economic growth and significant investment in infrastructural development. This growth necessitates additional investments in emergency services, such as firefighting capabilities, to protect these new assets and communities. As economies grow, governments and private groups will have more resources to invest in sophisticated firefighting equipment, especially aerial assets, to ensure full disaster response systems are in place.
Furthermore, forest fires have increased in the Asia-Pacific region, which can be attributed to climate change, deforestation, and land-use patterns. Severe wildfires rage over Australia, Indonesia, and portions of China, wreaking havoc on the environment, economy, and human health. Furthermore, growing urbanization raises the risk and potential severity of fires, particularly in urban-wildland interface zones. These considerations highlight the urgent need for strong aerial firefighting capabilities to manage and mitigate wildfires.
As per VMR, North America is estimated to dominate the market during the forecast period. North America, particularly the western United States and certain portions of Canada, has a high frequency of wildfires, which are caused by its extensive forests, changing climate conditions, and an increase in human activities that contribute to fire danger. The ongoing demand for aerial firefighting services to efficiently control and mitigate wildfires drives market development, deployment, and innovation. The necessity for swift, effective response mechanisms to safeguard lives, property, and natural resources emphasizes the significance of aerial firefighting capabilities in these regions.
Furthermore, this region, particularly the United States, receives substantial government assistance for wildfire management and suppression activities, including aircraft operations. Federal, state, and local governments have set policies and budgets to improve firefighting capabilities, fund research and development projects, and promote public-private collaborations. This government assistance not only provides the financial resources required to maintain and expand aerial firefighting fleets, but it also stimulates the adoption of innovative methods and technology through rules, standards, and R&D funding.
The competitive landscape of the aerial firefighting market is defined by a complex interaction of elements such as technological breakthroughs, regulatory frameworks, and shifting customer preferences. Partnerships and collaborations within the industry are becoming more common, allowing for the exchange of knowledge and resources to overcome the complex difficulties associated with aircraft technology.
Some of the prominent players operating in the aerial firefighting market include:
Airbus
Viking Air Limited
Textron Inc.
Leonardo S.p.A.
Bombardier Inc.
Embraer S.A.
AeroFlite
Coulson Aviation
Air Tractor
Neptune Aviation Services
Conair Group Inc.
Brajda-Air International
Phos-Chek
RXR Global
ICL
Slurry Bomber
Kenn Borek Air Ltd.
Erickson Inc.