In 2008, the escalator market is estimated to have had a total global market size of EUR 2 billion per annum excluding services; it can be segmented by value into transit escalators (45 percent of total annual demand), commercial escalators (40 percent) and moving walks (15 percent). The former tend to be heavier duty and designed to withstand frequent use.
Airports and public transportation terminals are believed to account for approximately 50 percent of the market. The remaining units are delivered for retail facility needs, hotels and leisure facilities, public spaces, office spaces and residential buildings.
Escalators in operation (%)
Total units in 2008: 500,000
| Europe |
19 % |
| Americas |
11 % |
| Japan and Korea |
20 % |
| China |
40 % |
New escalator market (%)
Total units in 2008: 42,000
| China |
52 % |
| Europe |
13 % |
| Japan and Korea |
11 % |
| Americas |
5 % |
In terms of units installed in 2007, more than half of the present global escalator market is in China; a growth trend is expected to continue.
The escalator market shares many characteristics with the market for elevators. Services are the more lucrative segment, consolidation is steadily progressing and growth is the highest in Asia.
Growth Drivers
As in the elevator market, growth is primarily driven by construction activity, although the public transportation sector is also an important source of demand. The improvement in standards of living/lifestyle in conjunction with the rapid rise of low budget air travel suggests that airports, as well as other mass transit media, will continue to invest in efficient infrastructure. This is expected to lead to increased investment in escalators.
Following 2004/2005, the industry is forecast to return to mid single-digit growth. This growth trend is not uniform but varies significantly across different geographic regions but is symptomatic of the general recovery in the industry and is expected to have a positive effect on the demand for escalators.