Editor's Note

2014 Outlook Panel

By Mark Holmes | January 1, 2014
Send Feedback


The start of a new year always brings fresh optimism as companies look to the future, embrace new technologies, and roll out new products. We seem to be on a cautious economic upswing, with recovery in progress. However, challenges remain and it could still be some years before we see an accelerated level of economic growth in markets such as North America and Western Europe.

For the avionics market, there are some interesting dynamics at play as companies look to sell their technology to commercial, business and even military customers.

Operators are looking to embrace new technologies for their operations, and data demands continue to spiral upwards as passengers/airlines want more information at their fingertips. This is putting pressure on technology providers to come up with correct technical infrastructure to meet the expanding needs of airline staff and passengers.

To start the year, we questioned some key companies in the sector about the five most significant issues they anticipate will impact their businesses over the next 12 months. It is fair to say there are a lot common issues, such as the ability to handle the expanding amounts of information and data, as well as the need to mitigate and prevent the impact of electrical interference. Glass cockpits with complex electronics and software was also highlighted.

Another area to potentially watch is the military market, and whether we will see any pick-up in activity. Also, we look to see what opportunities emerge in dynamic regional markets such as Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

All in all the year ahead promises to be an exciting one, with the avionics market showcasing some fantastic new technologies and products. This outlook will give some indications of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Receive the latest avionics news right to your inbox