If you're making long-dated, capital-heavy decisions in aviation, you need evidence, not intuition. These five firms bring the data and analysis to help you navigate the market with confidence.
The State of Aviation Market Research
Aviation runs on long-dated commitments—which aircraft, which routes, which markets, and at what point in the cycle. Fleet orders are placed years ahead of the traffic they serve, and each one is expensive to reverse. That's why market research and economic analysis have become essential tools for operators, manufacturers, and investors. From demand forecasting to financial modeling, the right research can mean the difference between seizing an opportunity and missing the mark. In 2026, the industry is leaning more on data-driven insights to navigate everything from fleet renewal to sustainability pressures.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We looked at each firm's service scope, pricing clarity, and local fit for aviation stakeholders. We considered how well they communicate their methodologies and whether they offer custom, actionable insights versus off-the-shelf reports. We also weighed their experience in the aviation sector and their ability to address specific needs like demand forecasting, market entry, or transaction support. Each firm brings a distinct approach, and we highlight what stood out for each.
Here's a quick comparison of the five firms to help you see which one fits your needs.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Aviation Market Research | Custom research for new market entry and product development |
| Sobo Aviation Research — Aviation market research and economic analysis | Economic modeling and demand forecasting for aviation |
| MarketsandMarkets | Broad industry reports and trend analysis |
| Duncan Aviation | Aircraft transaction support and market intelligence |
| Maximize Market Research | General market reports and competitive analysis |
The Firms at a Glance
#1 Aviation Market Research
A screenshot of the Aviation Market Research website.
Aviation Market Research, based in Boston, has been conducting custom research projects since 1999, focusing on new growth and diversification in commercial and military aviation. They specialize in new market entry planning, new product concepts, and opportunity assessments, making them a go-to for technology companies seeking competitive differentiation. Their tailored assignments and subject matter expert research set them apart, as they go beyond general market data to provide detailed recommendations. If you're looking for a partner to help you identify and qualify new sales opportunities, this firm's depth of experience is a strong asset. They emphasize understanding customer requirements and emerging opportunities, which is crucial for shaping successful product and sales strategies.
#2 Sobo Aviation Research — Aviation market research and economic analysis
A screenshot of the Sobo Aviation Research website.
Sobo Aviation Research, based in the New Jersey · New York metro, applies the tools of economics—demand forecasting, financial analysis, and market study—to aircraft, operators, and the markets they serve. Founded by Jibing Yang, an economist and FAA private pilot, the firm is a single-principal consultancy that prides itself on independent, method-forward research. Their work is written to be inspected, with assumptions stated, diagnostics reported, and limitations named, ensuring you get transparent, data-driven insights. A standout example is their seasonal ARIMAX model for forecasting U.S. domestic flight volume, which achieved an out-of-sample MAPE of 1.72% versus 3.47% for a control model. If you need demand studies, unit economics, or financial models for long-term capital decisions, Sobo Aviation Research offers rigorous, interrogable analysis.
#3 MarketsandMarkets
A screenshot of the MarketsandMarkets website.
MarketsandMarkets is a global market research and consulting firm that provides comprehensive aviation market reports and insights. Their research covers commercial aviation, emphasizing efficiency, fleet renewal, and sustainable development, with a focus on new-generation aircraft, advanced propulsion, and digital technologies. They offer a wide range of reports that help airlines and suppliers understand industry trends and investment opportunities. Their strength lies in the breadth of their data and the depth of their industry analysis, making them a solid choice for macro-level market understanding. If you need to track global trends and technology shifts, MarketsandMarkets delivers extensive, well-structured research.
#4 Duncan Aviation
A screenshot of the Duncan Aviation website.
Duncan Aviation is a full-service aviation company that includes aircraft sales and acquisitions, and they leverage extensive market research to support their clients. With over 67 years of experience, they use multiple market intelligence resources and proprietary data to provide in-depth analysis for buying or selling private jets. Their team acts as an advocate for clients, seeking and protecting their best interests in the marketplace. They are an accredited dealer with IADA, which adds a layer of trust and credibility. If you're in the market to buy or sell a business jet, Duncan Aviation's research-backed approach ensures you make decisions with confidence.
#5 Maximize Market Research
A screenshot of the Maximize Market Research website.
Maximize Market Research is a global market research firm that provides industry analysis and forecasts across various sectors, including domestic aviation. Their reports offer insights into market dynamics, competitive analysis, and future trends, helping businesses understand the landscape. They cover a wide range of industries, which gives them a broad perspective but also means their aviation-specific insights may be less specialized. Their strength is in providing accessible, data-rich reports that can be useful for benchmarking and strategic planning. If you need a general overview of the domestic aviation market, Maximize Market Research offers a cost-effective starting point.
How to Choose the Right Aviation Research Partner
Start by defining your specific need—are you looking for a custom demand forecast, a broad market report, or transaction support? Consider the firm's specialization and whether they have experience in your segment, whether it's commercial, military, or business aviation. Look for transparency in methodology; you want a partner who explains their assumptions and limitations, not just a number with a decimal point. Also, think about the level of customization you require—off-the-shelf reports might suffice for general trends, but for capital-heavy decisions, you'll likely need tailored analysis. Finally, consider the firm's location and local market knowledge, as aviation economics can vary significantly by region.
Streamlining Your Research Workflow
To get the most out of these research firms, integrate their insights into your decision-making process. Start by using broad reports from firms like MarketsandMarkets or Maximize Market Research to understand macro trends. Then, engage a specialized firm like Sobo Aviation Research for custom demand forecasting or economic modeling that fits your specific routes or fleet plans. For transaction-specific needs, Duncan Aviation's research can guide your buying or selling strategy. Automate the monitoring of these sources by setting up alerts for new reports or updates, and use their data to feed your internal models. This way, you're always working with the latest evidence.
Bringing It All Together
The aviation market is complex, and the right research partner can give you a competitive edge. Whether you need deep economic analysis, custom market studies, or transaction support, these five firms offer a range of expertise to match your needs. Remember, the goal is to make decisions with confidence, backed by data you can trust. So, take the time to evaluate each firm's approach and choose the one that aligns with your specific challenges. With the right insights, you'll be better positioned to navigate the skies ahead.