Connectors are used in various systems throughout commercial and military aeroplanes as well as in unmanned aerial vehicles, electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, where the different types are optimised for power, lighting and communications systems. They are also an integral component of navigation and, in private and commercial planes, in-cabin infotainment systems.
Last year the global aviation connector market was valued at around $5.7bn, rising to $6.14bn in 2025. According to Precedence Research, the market will experience a healthy 7.14% CAGR between 2025 and 2034 and be worth $11.42bn by 2034.
North America dominates the market, with a 36% share in 2024, but Asia-Pacific is expected to see a CAGR of 10% in the next few years, says the market analyst.
The international aviation connector industry is benefitting from the return of air travel after the Covid pandemic. Investment by commercial airlines means large-scale upgrades to their fleets and governments are investing in military aircraft fleets, which demand the highest standards of durable connectors in order to perform reliably in the most extreme conditions.
Commercial aviation
One of the main reasons for the increase in connectors in aviation design is the adoption of fly-by-wire systems in cockpits. The main impetus for increased adoption is to improve fuel efficiency and increase payload capacity.
These systems increase data and signal transmission demands because they replace mechanical components, such as a pedal, to control elevators or rudders. An interface converts the input command into electronic signals that are processed by the onboard computer. The computer then sends electrical signals to the actuators controlling the equipment.
Advocates say that fly-by-wire reduces operational expense without jeopardising flight security, although it does require sophisticated connectors for high-speed data transmission and power delivery.
Connector criteria
For all aircraft, two dominating design principles are miniaturisation and the use of lightweight materials to reduce aircraft weight and thereby improve fuel efficiency.
In both commercial and military systems, signal integrity and mechanical stability have to be maintained in extreme conditions, with consideration for effective thermal dissipation to prevent localised heating.
Fibre optic connectors
Of the various connector types used in aviation, fibre optic connectors and PCB connectors are expected to show the highest rates of growth over the next decade.
Fibre optic connectors account for nearly a third of all aviation connectors, according to Grand View Research, with a 29.6% market share. They have greater bandwidth compared to cable connectors, they are lightweight and EMI-resistant. These characteristics mean they are suited to high-speed data transmission that is essential in electronic equipment throughout the aeroplane, propulsion systems, in-flight entertainment systems and communications. All of these functions require connectors that overcome bandwidth and distance limitations to manage today’s high data transmission rates.
PCB connectors meet the demand for miniaturisation in modern aircraft design. These compact, high-density connectors can securely connect board-to-board and board-to-cable assemblies in confined spaces. As a result they are increasingly being deployed in unmanned aerial vehicles.
Circular connectors
Circular connectors are the most commonly used, with a 42% share of the aviation connector market. Within this sub-set there has been an increase in the use of miniature circular connectors. Their appeal is that they are compact and lightweight to accommodate the limited space available in aviation systems. They are suitable for high-density connections.
Entertaining growth
Engine systems have traditionally been the dominant application in the aviation connector market. These require high-performance connectors for the many electrical connections throughout the aircraft. They typically have metal or plastic housings surrounded by insulation.
Their dominance may be eclipsed by in-flight entertainment systems. This segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the immediate future.
Connectors used in in-flight entertainment systems are expected to see significant growth in the next five to 10 years. Airlines are competing furiously to offer passengers the optimum in-flight experience, particularly on long-haul flights. As the next-generation of in-flight entertainment systems are introduced, connectors will need to meet high-speed data transmission to support touchscreen displays, internet access and multimedia streaming to meet passenger expectations.
High-power connectors
Another area of growth is expected to be high-power connectors. These are needed for power distribution around the aircraft to support engines, propulsion systems, avionics and lighting. Part of the design consideration for high-power connectors has to be the need to withstand and operate in extreme environmental conditions.
Aircraft systems will be exposed to extreme temperature changes, as well as high levels of vibration, moisture, high altitudes and EMI.
Military aircraft
While most interconnect systems are static, in some applications, particularly in military use, connectors are required to be coupled and uncoupled. In these applications bayonet and snap-lock connector types are preferred because they maintain sealing and vibration resistance while being quick to use. They can be connected/disconnected reliably in low-light conditions, which is typical in many military scenarios. Their low profile contributes to their popularity in low-clearance or confined spaces.
The worldwide military connector market is projected to achieve a CAGR of 6.3% from 2025-2032 to reach $3.2bn (Source: Market Future Research).
While it is arguably one of the most international markets, many aircraft manufacturers and defence connector companies are based in the US, growing the aviation connectors market. There is also a strong aerospace manufacturing base in Europe, particularly Germany, France and the UK, and a strong ethos of collaboration between industry and research, driving connector advances.
Asia-Pacific countries, particularly Japan, India and China, are investing in aircraft infrastructure and increasing military acquisitions to create a significant market, and in the Middle East and Africa governments are modernising commercial and military aviation sectors, which will also grow this market. Saudi Arabia, for example, has plans to be an aviation hub, aiming to increase air passenger traffic to 300 million by 2030.
