Introduction: Navigating the Future of Aircraft Cockpit Displays
The cockpit display market is in a state of transformation. It is being transformed by the introduction of new technology, by changes in regulations, and by a higher level of safety and comfort demanded by the public. The market is dominated by a number of players, including aircraft manufacturers, system integration companies, and young AI companies. These players are competing fiercely for leadership by deploying advanced technology such as data analytics, automation, and IoT. These players are also integrating biometrics and green ICT to meet the requirements of sustainable development. System integration companies are improving interoperability and data management. The strategic trend in Asia-Pacific and North America is to deploy a more modular and scalable system. By 2024–25, the focus will be on real-time data processing and the design of a cockpit that is more centered on the crew.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
These suppliers provide integrated systems integrating all cockpit display systems.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Honeywell International Inc. (US) |
Broad portfolio and global reach |
Integrated cockpit systems |
Global |
| Collins Aerospace Inc. (US) |
Advanced avionics and connectivity |
Cockpit display systems |
Global |
| Thales Group (France) |
Innovative technology and design |
Avionics and cockpit displays |
Europe, Asia, Americas |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These companies focus on niche technologies and innovations within the cockpit display market.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Garmin Ltd (US) |
User-friendly interfaces and reliability |
Avionics and display solutions |
Global |
| Avidyne Corporation (US) |
Cutting-edge avionics for general aviation |
Cockpit display systems |
North America |
| Dynon Avionics (US) |
Affordable and innovative solutions |
Glass cockpit displays |
North America |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These vendors supply essential components and systems that support cockpit display functionalities.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Northrop Grumman Corporation (US) |
Advanced defense and aerospace technology |
Cockpit systems and displays |
Global |
| L-3 Communication Holdings Inc. (US) |
Strong focus on communication systems |
Avionics and display technologies |
Global |
| Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel) |
Military-grade technology and innovation |
Cockpit display systems |
Global |
| Esterline Technologies Corporation (US) |
Specialized in cockpit display solutions |
Avionics displays and controls |
Global |
| Universal Avionics Display Type Corporation (US) |
Customizable avionics solutions |
Cockpit display systems |
Global |
| Aspen Avionics Inc. (US) |
Innovative retrofit solutions |
Cockpit display systems |
North America |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- Avidyne (USA): Avidyne, a specialist in cockpit instruments for general aviation, recently won a contract to supply displays for a new line of light aircraft. Avidyne's solutions are cost-effective and easy to use.
- The American company Garmin has specialized in avionics and cockpit displays. Recently, the company has launched a touch-screen system for commercial aircraft, which complements the offerings of larger manufacturers and puts the emphasis on the human factor and the integration of the equipment.
- Thales Group, France, is a supplier of advanced avionics, specializing in military equipment. It recently provided a new avionics system to a European contractor, thereby establishing itself as a major competitor to the big American and European aeronautical companies.
- A system for a new fighter aircraft. Elbit Systems (Israel): provides advanced cockpit displays for military aircraft, recently won a contract for a new fighter program, and is now competing with the established suppliers by integrating augmented reality into their displays.
- Cockpit solutions provider Collins Aerospace (US) has launched a new range of displays for regional aircraft, designed to complement existing systems and enhance their interoperability and customisation options.
Regional Trends: By 2023, a notable trend is the adoption of advanced cockpit display systems in the Asia-Pacific and European regions, driven by the growing need for modernization of aircraft and the need to enhance the pilots' environment. In the future, the cockpit display systems will increasingly integrate artificial intelligence and augmented reality. In the military and commercial fields, the trend will be to establish a regional champion in India and France.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- Honeywell and Garmin have formed a partnership to develop new cockpit display systems. The aim is to improve the safety of commercial aircraft by enhancing the situational awareness of the pilots.
- Among the products acquired by Rockwell Collins was the cockpit display technology of a small aircraft company.
- Today, Boeing and Airbus have announced their intention to work together on a standard cockpit layout for all their aircraft models.
Competitive Summary Table
| Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
|---|
| Biometric Self-Boarding |
Thales, Rockwell Collins |
Thales has already installed in many airports, to increase both security and speed, biometric terminals. And the cockpit displays of the Rockwell-Collins company are now provided with a biometric reader, enabling the pilot to be identified and authorized to enter. |
| AI-Powered Ops Mgmt |
Honeywell, General Electric |
Artificial intelligence solutions from Honeywell optimize flight operations, reduce delays, and reduce fuel consumption. Artificial intelligence solutions from General Electric analyze the cockpit data in real time and provide the pilot with a useful view of the data. |
| Border Control |
L3Harris, Northrop Grumman |
l3 The L3 has been equipped with a highly developed border control system, which is integrated into the cockpit display, enabling the crew to monitor the border in real time. Northrop Grumman solutions enhance the pilots' situational awareness during cross-border operations. |
| Sustainability |
Airbus, Boeing |
Airbus is a leader in the field of sustainable cockpits, reducing the carbon footprint of its aircraft by means of new display systems. But it is not the only manufacturer. Boeing is also a pioneer in this field, with its ‘green’ cockpits, which focus on energy efficiency and the management of resources. |
| Passenger Experience |
Panasonic Avionics, Lufthansa Systems |
The Panasonic Avionics Avionics System is a system for displaying information about the plane and its flight. The cockpit systems of the German Airline, LH Systeme, have been designed to help make the passengers' experience in the cockpit more enjoyable. |
Conclusion: Navigating Competitive Dynamics in Cockpit Displays
The Aircraft Cockpit Display Market is characterized by high fragmentation and intense competition. The market is dominated by both new and established players. Regional trends are mainly characterized by the development of advanced technology, especially in North America and Europe, where the regulatory framework is characterized by an increasingly pronounced innovation bias. Strategic positioning is characterized by a combination of artificial intelligence, automation and sustainable development to enhance the user experience and operational efficiency. Strategic leadership will be determined by the ability to offer flexible solutions that are compatible with existing systems. The company that can offer these features will not only meet the current needs of the market, but will also be able to anticipate future needs, thus ensuring its competitive advantage in the face of rapid changes in the market.
