Aircraft Manufacturers

Aircraft manufacturers

This category covers companies that design and build complete aircraft: airliners, regional turboprops, business jets, helicopters, light piston aircraft, military aircraft and unmanned aerial systems. Their customers are airlines, lessors, air forces, charter and corporate flight departments, flight schools and private owners. Most also run a support business, supplying spare parts, technical publications and training for the aircraft they have delivered.

Before buying, check that the type holds a type certificate from the FAA, EASA or the relevant national authority for the way you plan to operate it, and look at the size of the manufacturer's service and parts network in your region. For newer companies still developing their first aircraft, certification progress matters more than the brochure.

We list 91 aircraft manufacturers, most in the United States (34), followed by China (9), France (8) and Russia (6).

They include Airbus and ATR in commercial and regional aviation; Bombardier, which builds the Challenger and Global business jet families; Beechcraft (Textron Aviation); BAE Systems, working on Typhoon, F-35, Hawk and the GCAP fighter; and AeroVironment in unmanned systems.

Companies that supply components rather than whole aircraft are listed under aircraft parts suppliers and avionics manufacturers, and used aircraft are listed under aircraft sales. Our global directory of aircraft manufacturers, the ranking of top defence aircraft manufacturers and the guide to the largest aircraft engine manufacturers give more detail.