New Engine Builds and Legacy Parts Fuel Robust Titanium Demand in Aerospace and Defense Markets

Demand for titanium is on an upward trajectory, driven primarily by the aerospace sector’s ongoing need for current-generation engines and a growing demand for spare parts in legacy aircraft programs, delegates at the International Titanium Association (ITA) conference learned Monday. The aerospace sector’s consumption of titanium is set to expand at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5 percent over the next five years, according to Marty Pike, president of ATI’s specialty materials unit. This growth reflects a convergence of factors, including new engine builds, heightened maintenance needs, and strategic defense applications.

Driving Forces Behind Aerospace Demand

Increasing build rates among airframe manufacturers and a rise in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services are key forces behind titanium’s expected growth, particularly as Airbus and Boeing face backlogs totaling over 14,000 aircraft through 2034. CFM International's LEAP engines and Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan engines remain the primary drivers for current-gen engine demand, with production of these platforms expected to increase by 53 percent over the next two years.

"This creates significant opportunity for not only standard-quality titanium but also premium-quality titanium," Pike noted. Titanium is essential in engine applications, including compressor discs, turbine blades, and fasteners, and plays a crucial role in optimizing aircraft performance.

Another notable shift is the doubling effect seen in the demand for spares and new builds, as airlines keep older fleets in operation longer and maintenance cycles accelerate. Historically, spares represented 25 percent of material demand, but this figure could increase to 30-50 percent, driven by intensified MRO cycles.

Titanium's Strategic Role in Defense Markets

Titanium's utility extends into the defense sector, where geopolitical factors continue to fuel demand. As defense budgets surge—reaching a record $2.44 trillion globally in 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute—the metal is increasingly utilized in fighter jets, drones, and other high-performance military equipment. Sam Stiller, Howmet Aerospace's vice president of engineered structures, emphasized that titanium's lightweight and high-temperature resilience make it ideal for stealth applications and advanced drone programs. The F-35 fighter jet, a prime example, comprises 20 percent titanium by weight.

Challenges and Prospects Amid Global Supply Constraints

While titanium demand in aerospace and defense remains robust, panelists cautioned that constrained production rates and supply chain bottlenecks present challenges for manufacturers. Nonetheless, the defense industry’s demand, along with increased aerospace production rates, continues to underscore titanium’s long-term growth prospects in critical sectors.