A long-range forecast from Aviation Week Intelligence Network projects the global aviation aftermarket maintenance, repair, and overhaul market will generate $848 billion in cumulative spending over the 2026-2035 decade, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%.

North America accounts for the largest regional share, projected at approximately $159 billion over the same period, roughly one-fifth of the global total. Engine MRO represents the fastest-growing segment, driven by an aging in-service fleet and continued delays in new aircraft deliveries that are extending the service lives of older platforms.

The active commercial aircraft fleet is expected to grow at a 3% CAGR through 2035, reaching approximately 45,000 aircraft by the end of the decade from a base of just over 34,600 in 2026. The sustained fleet expansion creates a durable maintenance demand base, as each additional aircraft requires scheduled and unscheduled maintenance throughout its operational life.

Supply chain constraints continue to pressure the industry's ability to capture this demand. Parts shortages, casting and forging lead times, and OEM shop visit backlogs are extending aircraft-on-ground situations and driving airline operators toward independent MRO providers.

AI adoption within MRO operations is advancing quickly, with predictive maintenance systems reducing unscheduled maintenance events and improving aircraft utilization for operators who have deployed them. MRO providers seeking to reach commercial aviation decision-makers with technical video content can explore aviation maintenance video production resources at relyoncontent.com.

Source: Aviation Week Intelligence Network -- https://aviationweek.com/mro/2026-commercial-fleet-mro-forecast