PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1773625
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1773625
Aircraft refurbishing encompasses the comprehensive process of maintaining and upgrading an aircraft, involving a thorough examination, overhaul, replacement, correction of flaws, and various adjustments. The interior refurbishment of an aircraft involves the modernization, replacement, and upgrading of its internal components. Owners frequently opt for aircraft refurbishment to enhance comfort, aesthetics, functionality, and ultimately, the resale value of the aircraft.
The primary types of aircraft for refurbishing include very light aircraft, wide-body aircraft, narrow-body aircraft, large-body aircraft, and VIP aircraft. A very light aircraft is defined by meeting JAR-VLA criteria, featuring no more than two seats, weighing no more than 750 kilograms, and stalling at no more than 45 knots in the landing configuration. Various fitting types within the refurbishment process include retrofit, IFEC (in-flight entertainment and connectivity), and passenger seats. The refurbishing services cover both interior and exterior aspects and cater to diverse end-users, including government and commercial entities.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The sharp increase in U.S. tariffs and resulting trade disputes in spring 2025 are significantly affecting the aerospace and defense sector. Prices for key materials such as titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics primarily sourced from international suppliers have surged. Defense contractors, constrained by fixed-price government contracts, are forced to absorb these rising costs. Meanwhile, commercial aerospace companies are encountering resistance from airlines over increased aircraft prices. In addition, customs delays are disrupting already tight production timelines for jets and satellites. In response, the industry is stockpiling essential materials, pursuing import waivers for defense-related goods, and working with allied nations to diversify supply chains.
The aircraft refurbishing market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides aircraft refurbishing market statistics, including aircraft refurbishing industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an aircraft refurbishing market share, detailed aircraft refurbishing market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the aircraft refurbishing industry. This aircraft refurbishing market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The aircraft refurbishing market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.26 billion in 2024 to $6.65 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to aging aircraft fleets, retrofitting for regulatory compliance, advancements in avionics, cabin comfort and passenger experience, fuel efficiency improvements, and rising air travel demand.
The aircraft refurbishing market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.5 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to demand for sustainable practices, integration of connectivity solutions, adoption of new seating configurations, enhanced safety features, economic factors, and cost-effective solutions. Major trends in the forecast period include digitalization of cockpit and cabin, integration of sustainable materials, adoption of advanced cabin technologies, customization and personalization, and digitalization in design and planning.
The forecast of 6.3% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.5% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US through supply chain disruptions for premium cabin materials, sourced from key regions such as Europe and the US, which could lead to delays in aircraft interior upgrades.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.
The increasing volume of air passenger traffic is anticipated to drive the growth of the aircraft refurbishing market in the future. Air passenger traffic encompasses the total number of passengers traveling by air, including both domestic and international flights operated by airlines registered in the country. Refurbishing aircraft is essential for maintaining their operational capability and ensuring the safety of the crew, passengers, and all personnel involved. Consequently, as air passenger traffic rises, so does the demand for aircraft refurbishment services. For example, in June 2024, the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat), based in Luxembourg, reported that the European Union recorded 198 million air passengers in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting an 11.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Thus, the growth in air passenger traffic is fueling the aircraft refurbishing market.
The growing demand for in-flight Wi-Fi is anticipated to contribute significantly to the expansion of the aircraft refurbishing market. In-flight Wi-Fi services enable passengers to connect to the internet during flights, facilitated by air-to-ground (ATG) towers or satellite connections. Aircraft refurbishing involves the replacement of aging components, including wiring and avionics, providing an opportunity to integrate modern Wi-Fi systems. The importance of in-flight Wi-Fi is underscored by a 2022 survey conducted by Inmarsat, a UK-based satellite telecommunications company, revealing that around 40% of respondents consider Wi-Fi crucial for a positive flying experience, and 82% are willing to rebook with an airline offering a positive Wi-Fi experience. This growing demand for in-flight connectivity contributes to the overall growth trajectory of the aircraft refurbishing market.
The aircraft refurbishing market is experiencing a notable trend with a focus on investments in the refurbishment of aircraft fleet interiors. Leading companies in the aircraft refurbishing market are actively engaging in refurbishment initiatives to strengthen their market positions. In August 2022, Emirates, a UAE-based airline, made a substantial investment of $2 billion in the refurbishment of aircraft fleet interiors. This investment is aimed at upgrading cabin interiors across all classes, enhancing the overall in-flight customer experience for Emirates passengers.
Collaborations and partnerships are key strategic approaches adopted by major companies in the aircraft refurbishing market to provide reliable services to customers. A strategic partnership involves a structured affiliation between two or more commercial enterprises, typically established through one or more business agreements or contracts. For example, in November 2023, Global Airlines, a UK-based aircraft wet lease specialist, announced a partnership with JETMS Completions, a UK-based provider of end-to-end capacity solutions for a comprehensive aircraft refurbishment and overhaul program. This collaborative effort is set to elevate the onboard experience for Global's passengers across all cabins, including First, Business, and Economy. The project will be implemented in two phases, involving the refurbishment of the first aircraft's interior to the highest standards and a complete overhaul of the remaining A380 interiors to align them with Global's new high-spec vision.
In February 2023, Flexjet, a US-based airline company, acquired Constant Aviation for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition allows Flexjet to expand its aviation maintenance support infrastructure in business aviation and includes plans to build new facilities in Sanford, expanding its maintenance footprint in the heart of Florida. The acquisition enhances Flexjet's capabilities in delivering comprehensive aviation maintenance support. Constant Aviation, based in the US, specializes in providing aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
Major companies operating in the aircraft refurbishing market include Autotrade Aviation Private Limited, Diehl Stiftung & Co KG, Duncan Aviation Inc., Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited, Jamco America Inc., Jet Aviation AG, MAC Aero Interiors Inc., Rose Aircraft Services Inc., Intech Aerospace Inc., Greenpoint Technologies LLC, Nextant Aerospace Inc., The Boeing Company, Bombardier Inc., Pemco Conversions Inc., Lufthansa Technik AG, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd, AAR Corp., SR Technics Switzerland Ltd, Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, RUAG Holding AG, HAECO Group, Comlux Aviation Services LLC, Flying Colours Corporation, StandardAero Inc., Textron Aviation Inc., Deer Jet Co Ltd., Constant Aviation LLC, JCB Aerospace LLC, JET MS LLC, VIP Completions Ltd., Associated Air Center, Basel Aero AG, SIA Engineering Company, Jet Support Services Inc., AMAC Aerospace Inc., Elliott Aviation, Midcoast Aviation Inc., West Star Aviation Inc.
North America was the largest region in the aircraft refurbishing market in 2024. The regions covered in the aircraft refurbishing market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the aircraft refurbishing market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain
The aircraft refurbishing market includes revenues earned by entities by providing engine, cabin interior, and airframe refurbishing services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Aircraft Refurbishing Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on aircraft refurbishing market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for aircraft refurbishing? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The aircraft refurbishing market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.