Aircraft MRO Market Report: Size, Share and Outlook by 2031

The aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector was valued at approximately US$ 91,158.12 million in 2022 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 134,072.28 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2022 to 2030.

Increasing Adoption of Digital Technologies in the Aircraft MRO Sector

In light of the intensifying global competition, the adoption of digital technologies has become essential for the advancement of MRO companies. This integration fosters a continuous flow of data across various levels of the supply chain, enhancing communication among stakeholders and promoting innovation in numerous operational areas. The digital transformation within the aviation sector profoundly influences all segments of the aviation supply chain, encompassing aircraft operations, air traffic management, as well as the manufacturing and servicing of aircraft and components. Technologies driven by data, such as analytics, enable real-time tracking of MRO activities, thereby improving the air travel experience for both crew and passengers. Furthermore, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning empower airline personnel and management to assess the airworthiness of aircraft effectively. For example, in March 2020, the US Air Force's Air Education and Training Command (AETC) initiated the development of a new competency-based training solution utilizing virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) for aircraft maintenance.
Additionally, MRO service providers are leveraging AI technologies to enhance their operations, allowing for efficient visual inspections and a better understanding of the maintenance and repair needs of aircraft. Consequently, the rising integration of digital technologies, including AI and machine learning, is propelling the growth of the aircraft MRO market.
The global aircraft MRO market is categorized based on components, aircraft types, and end-users. In terms of components, the market is divided into engine MRO, avionics MRO, airframe MRO, cabin MRO, landing gear MRO, and others. By aircraft type, it is segmented into fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Furthermore, the end-user classification includes commercial and military sectors. The analysis of the global aircraft MRO market also encompasses five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and South America (SAM).
The United States stands out as a leader in the global aviation industry, boasting a significantly larger passenger volume, aircraft fleet, and investment in sector development. However, the US aircraft MRO market has seen sluggish growth in recent years, primarily due to elevated labor costs, which have led to the outsourcing of many heavy maintenance checks. The high density of air travel in the US results in increased flying hours for each aircraft, necessitating more frequent maintenance. The presence of numerous independent MRO service providers allows airlines to conduct regular A-checks, B-checks, and C-checks, thereby stimulating the growth of the aircraft MRO market in the country. Moreover, the US Department of Defense (DoD) is consistently engaged in acquiring new aircraft, although the existing fleet remains significantly larger than that of other nations. For instance, in January 2023, SupplyCore secured a US$ 375 million contract from the Defense Logistics Agency for the maintenance, repair, and operation of US military facilities. The substantial defense budget and expenditures from the US DoD enable the military to perform frequent MRO activities on their aircraft fleet, ensuring they remain mission-ready. Thus, the ongoing investment by the US DoD is a critical factor in the growth of the aircraft MRO market.

Key players in the aircraft MRO market include AAR, Barnes Group Inc, Collins Aerospace, Delta TechOps, FLTechnics, UAB, GE Aviation, Lufthansa Technik, Rolls-Royce plc, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd, and Turkish Technic Inc. Additionally, several other significant players in the aircraft MRO market have been examined to provide a comprehensive overview of the market and its ecosystem.