Air Transport MRO Market Forecasts to 2032 - Global Analysis By Aircraft Type (Commercial Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, Business & General Aviation Aircraft and Military Aircraft), Component, Service Type, Service Provider and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Air Transport MRO Market is accounted for $91.7 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $139.8 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. Air Transport MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) refers to the comprehensive services provided to ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of commercial aircraft and related systems. It encompasses routine maintenance checks, urgent repairs, component overhauls, and structural inspections, all performed to meet stringent aviation safety standards. Airlines, third-party service providers, and specialized MRO companies deliver these services, focusing on engines, avionics, airframes, and other critical components. As air travel demand grows, the MRO sector plays a vital role in minimizing aircraft downtime, reducing operational costs, and enhancing reliability. It stands as a pillar of modern aviation's operational integrity.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Surging Air Travel Demand

The global surge in air travel-driven by rising middle-class populations, tourism, and business connectivity-is fueling demand for aircraft maintenance services. Airlines are expanding fleets and increasing flight frequencies, intensifying the need for reliable MRO operations. This growth directly boosts the air transport MRO market, as operators prioritize safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. With aging aircraft requiring more frequent servicing, the sector is poised for sustained expansion, anchored by the aviation industry's relentless upward trajectory.

Restraint:

High Operating Costs

High operating costs cast a long shadow over the Air Transport MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) market, burdening companies with escalating expenses in labor, energy, and specialized equipment. These rising costs erode profit margins, discourage smaller players, and hinder investment in advanced technologies. As a result, competitiveness diminishes, especially for firms in regions with higher wage structures. Ultimately, this slows market growth, limits innovation, and strains overall industry sustainability.

Opportunity:

Technological Advancements

Technological innovation is reshaping the MRO landscape, unlocking new efficiencies and capabilities. Predictive maintenance powered by AI, digital twins, and IoT sensors enables real-time diagnostics and proactive servicing. Robotics and automation streamline inspection and repair workflows, reducing turnaround times. Blockchain enhances traceability of parts and compliance documentation. These advancements not only lower costs but also improve reliability and safety. As digital transformation accelerates, MRO providers embracing smart technologies will gain competitive advantage and drive market growth.

Threat:

Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain disruptions cast a dark shadow over the Air Transport MRO market, delaying critical spare parts, tools, and components needed for maintenance and repair operations. This causes longer aircraft downtimes, missed flight schedules, and increased operational costs. With dependencies on global suppliers, any logistical bottleneck or shortage halts timely service delivery, eroding customer trust and reducing market efficiency. Ultimately, it stifles growth and weakens industry resilience.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the market, as grounded fleets and reduced flight hours slashed maintenance demand. Airlines deferred non-essential servicing and retired older aircraft, shrinking MRO volumes. However, the crisis also accelerated digital adoption and remote diagnostics. As air travel rebounds, pent-up demand for inspections and overhauls is revitalizing the sector. The pandemic highlighted the need for flexible, tech-enabled MRO models that can adapt to future disruptions and ensure operational resilience.

The military aircraft segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The military aircraft segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to sustained defense spending and fleet modernization programs. Governments worldwide are investing in advanced fighter jets and surveillance platforms, all requiring rigorous maintenance protocols. Unlike commercial aviation, military MRO demands specialized capabilities, secure infrastructure, and compliance with defense standards. Long lifecycle support and mission-critical reliability further drive demand. Strategic partnerships between defense agencies and MRO providers will reinforce this segment's leadership.

The landing gear segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the landing gear segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to its critical role in aircraft safety and frequent wear-and-tear. Landing gear systems endure immense stress during takeoff and landing, necessitating regular inspections, replacements, and overhauls. Innovations in lightweight materials and sensor integration are enhancing performance and maintenance predictability. As global flight volumes rise, the demand for landing gear MRO services will surge, supported by regulatory mandates and the need for operational reliability.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to es aggressive fleet expansion, and the proliferation of low-cost carriers. Strategic investments in aviation infrastructure across China, India, and ASEAN nations are fostering regional MRO ecosystems, supported by skilled labor and favorable regulatory frameworks. Emerging hubs in Singapore, Hyderabad, and Guangzhou are attracting global operators seeking cost-effective, high-quality services. With its demographic momentum and economic vitality, Asia Pacific is becoming aviation's most dynamic maintenance frontier.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to technological leadership, robust defense spending, and a mature aviation ecosystem. The region's emphasis on digital MRO solutions, predictive analytics, and sustainability is transforming service delivery. OEMs and third-party providers are investing in automation and AI to enhance efficiency. Additionally, the resurgence of domestic travel and fleet upgrades post-COVID are fueling demand. North America's innovation-driven approach and regulatory rigor will propel rapid market expansion.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Air Transport MRO Market include Lufthansa Technik, GE Aviation, ST Engineering Aerospace, Safran, Delta TechOps, AFI KLM E&M, Turkish Technic, HAECO Group, MTU Aero Engines, StandardAero, AAR Corp, Rolls-Royce MRO Services, Emirates Engineering, Honeywell Aerospace and China MRO Corporation.

Key Developments:

In September 2025, GE Aerospace and BETA Technologies have announced a strategic partnership to advance hybrid electric aviation. They plan to co-develop a hybrid electric turbogenerator aimed at enhancing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) applications, including long-range Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft.

In May 2025, Vertical Aerospace and Honeywell have expanded their partnership to accelerate the development of the VX4 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Under this enhanced collaboration, Honeywell will provide critical systems, including the Anthem flight deck and a compact fly-by-wire system, to support the VX4's certification process.

Aircraft Types Covered:

• Commercial Aircraft
• Regional Aircraft
• Business & General Aviation Aircraft
• Military Aircraft

Components Covered:

• Airframe MRO
• Engine MRO
• Line Maintenance
• Component Maintenance
• Avionics & Electrical Systems
• Landing Gear
• Other Components

Service Types Covered:

• Line Maintenance
• Base Maintenance
• Engine Maintenance
• Modifications & Upgrades
• Other Service Types

Service Providers Covered:

• OEM MRO Services
• Independent MRO Providers
• Airline-Owned MRO Facilities
• Other Service Providers

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances