Global air transport maintenance, repair, and overhaul spending is projected at about 88.2 billion dollars in 2026, with engine maintenance standing as the largest cost category, according to a market outlook from Future Market Insights. The figure tracks the aftermarket tied specifically to scheduled airline operations and reflects steady demand as carriers fly aging fleets at high utilization.

The segment breakdown concentrates spend in two areas. Engine overhauls account for the biggest share of airline maintenance budgets, followed by airframe heavy checks at roughly a third of the total. Component repair, line maintenance, and modifications make up the balance. The mix has shifted toward engines as new-generation powerplants enter their first major shop visits and legacy engines accumulate more cycles before retirement.

Demand drivers mirror the broader aftermarket. Delivery backlogs at airframe manufacturers keep older aircraft in service longer, while a shortage of certified technicians limits how quickly shops can clear work. Supply chain constraints on parts and materials add further pressure to turnaround times and costs.

For airlines, maintenance is one of the larger controllable operating expenses after fuel and labor, and rising MRO costs factor into fleet planning decisions. Operators are weighing whether to extend the life of existing aircraft, invest in additional repair capability, or accelerate retirements as new deliveries arrive. The outlook points to continued growth in air transport MRO spend through the second half of the decade as fleet size expands and aftermarket capacity stays tight.

Source: Future Market Insights - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/global-air-transport-mro-market