Top 10 Companies in the Engineered Material Arresting Systems (EMAS) Industry (2026): Market Leaders in Runway Safety

In Business Insights
February 06, 2026


The Global Engineered Material Arresting Systems (EMAS) Market was valued at USD 278.9 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 423.5 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This growth is being driven by increasing global air traffic, stringent aviation safety regulations, and the expansion and modernization of airport infrastructure worldwide, particularly in emerging economies.

As the aviation industry prioritizes the mitigation of runway overrun incidents, the demand for advanced safety systems like EMAS has intensified. These systems provide a crucial safety net at the end of runways, decelerating aircraft that overshoot through controlled material displacement. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Engineered Material Arresting Systems Industry—specialized engineering firms and aerospace leaders shaping the future of global aviation safety.

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🔟 1. Runway Safe (Zodiac Aerospace / Safran)

Headquarters: Plaisir, France
Key Offering: EMASMAX® Arrestor Beds

Runway Safe, a part of Safran Landing Systems (following the Safran-Zodiac Aerospace merger), is a global pioneer and one of the most recognized names in EMAS technology. Its EMASMAX® system, using lightweight, crushable cellular concrete, is installed at numerous major airports worldwide and has a proven track record of successfully arresting aircraft.

Key Innovations & Projects:

  • Proven efficacy with multiple real-world successful arrests
  • Compliance with FAA AC 150/5220-22B and ICAO standards
  • Global installations including major hubs in the US, Europe, and Asia

9️⃣ 2. Curtiss-Wright Corporation

Headquarters: Davidson, North Carolina, USA
Key Offering: FAAC Inc. EMAS Solutions

Through its FAAC Inc. subsidiary, Curtiss-Wright is a significant player in the airport safety and simulation market. The company offers advanced engineering services and technologies for EMAS, leveraging its deep expertise in mission-critical systems for defense and aerospace sectors to deliver robust runway safety solutions.

Key Innovations & Projects:

  • Integration of EMAS design with advanced airport modeling software
  • Focus on tailored solutions for complex airport geometries
  • Strong presence in North American and Middle Eastern markets

8️⃣ 3. Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. (CMT)

Headquarters: Springfield, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Engineering Design and Consulting for EMAS

CMT is a leading engineering consulting firm with extensive experience in aviation infrastructure. The company provides comprehensive services for EMAS projects, from initial feasibility studies and design to construction administration, serving a wide range of commercial and general aviation airports.

Key Innovations & Projects:

  • Specialization in cost-effective EMAS designs for regional airports
  • Expertise in navigating FAA funding and approval processes
  • Proven track record with numerous EMAS installations across the US

7️⃣ 4. Hangke Tech

Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Domestic EMAS Solutions

Hangke Tech is a prominent Chinese company focused on developing and supplying EMAS for the rapidly expanding aviation market in China and across Asia. The company is actively involved in the localization of EMAS technology to meet specific regional requirements and support the massive airport construction underway in the region.

Key Innovations & Projects:

  • R&D focused on adapting EMAS for local environmental conditions
  • Strategic partnerships with Chinese airport authorities
  • Contributing to aviation safety standards within the Asian market

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6️⃣ 5. ESCO-ZODIAC (Now part of Safran)

Historical Significance: Developed the original EMAS technology in collaboration with the FAA.
Key Contribution: Pioneered the use of crushable cellular cement blocks.

ESCO-ZODIAC was instrumental in the invention and early commercialization of EMAS. Its collaboration with the FAA at the William J. Hughes Technical Center led to the development of the foundational technology that has become the industry standard. While its operations are now integrated into Safran, its legacy underpins modern EMAS solutions.

Key Historical Innovations:

  • Co-development of the first FAA-certified EMAS
  • Establishment of critical performance criteria for arresting materials
  • First installation at John F. Kennedy International Airport (2005)

5️⃣ 6. Engineering & Aerospace Firms (AECOM, Jacobs, etc.)

Role: System Design, Integration, and Project Management
Key Offering: Full-scale airport infrastructure development including EMAS.

Major global engineering firms like AECOM and Jacobs play a crucial role in the EMAS ecosystem. They are often the lead consultants on airport expansion projects, responsible for specifying, designing, and managing the installation of EMAS as part of broader runway safety area (RSA) improvements.

Key Contributions:

  • Integration of EMAS into master plans for new and existing airports
  • Expertise in large-scale, complex infrastructure projects
  • Global reach, bringing EMAS solutions to emerging markets

4️⃣ 7. Specialized Material Suppliers

Role: Manufacturers of specialized, low-density, high-strength materials.
Key Offering: Custom-engineered foamed concrete and composite blocks.

The performance of an EMAS hinges on its core material. A niche segment of companies specializes in producing the precise cellular concrete or specialized foam blocks required. These suppliers work closely with EMAS designers to create materials with the exact crushable properties needed to safely decelerate an aircraft.

Key Contributions:

  • Development of consistent, high-quality crushable materials
  • Innovation in material composition for enhanced durability and performance
  • Critical link in the EMAS supply chain

3️⃣ 8. Aviation Safety Regulatory Bodies (FAA, EASA, ICAO)

Role: Standard Setting, Certification, and Promotion.
Key Influence: Driving adoption through regulations and advisory circulars.

While not commercial entities, regulatory bodies like the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are pivotal market shapers. Their stringent safety directives and promotion of EMAS as a solution for runways with limited RSA have been the primary drivers of market growth.

Key Influences:

  • FAA Advisory Circular 150/5220-22B governing EMAS design and installation
  • ICAO standards and recommended practices (SARPs) for runway safety areas
  • Funding programs and incentives for airport safety upgrades

2️⃣ 9. Airport Authorities and Operators

Role: End-users and project sponsors.
Key Influence: Market demand creation through capital investment programs.

Major airport authorities across the globe are key players by virtue of their procurement decisions. Airports in congested urban areas or with challenging terrain, such as San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, have been early adopters, demonstrating the system’s value and creating a blueprint for others.

Key Influences:

  • Investment in safety infrastructure as a top priority
  • Public demonstration of EMAS effectiveness, boosting industry confidence
  • Driving innovation by requesting solutions for specific site challenges

1️⃣ 10. Research Institutions & Universities

Role: Technology Development and Validation.
Key Contribution: Fundamental research on material science and impact dynamics.

Academic and research institutions, often in partnership with government agencies and industry, are at the forefront of advancing EMAS technology. They conduct critical research on new materials, computer modeling of aircraft arrests, and analysis of real-world incidents to continuously improve system design and efficacy.

Key Contributions:

  • Development of advanced finite element analysis models
  • Testing and validation of next-generation arrestor materials
  • Training the next generation of aerospace safety engineers

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Runway Safety Is Intelligent and Accessible

The EMAS market is evolving from a niche safety product to a standard consideration for runway end safety areas. While established technologies dominate current installations, the industry is exploring smarter, more durable, and more cost-effective solutions to broaden adoption.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Regulatory Push: Increasingly stringent global safety standards are mandating RSA improvements, with EMAS being the preferred solution where land is limited.
  • Technological Advancements: R&D into new materials like polymer foams and composites that offer longer lifespan and better performance in diverse climates.
  • Cost Optimization: Development of more affordable systems to make EMAS feasible for smaller regional airports and general aviation facilities.
  • Data Integration: Future systems may incorporate sensors to provide real-time data on material integrity and performance during an event.

Get Full Report Here:
Engineered Material Arresting Systems (EMAS) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The entities listed above are not merely suppliers—they are integral partners in a global ecosystem dedicated to safeguarding passengers, crew, and aircraft,

making every runway departure and arrival safer.