Global commercial aviation aftermarket revenue is projected to reach $139 billion in 2026, with the engine maintenance segment claiming its highest-ever share of total spending at 53 percent, according to the Aviation Week MRO Forecast. Engine spending's share has expanded from 46 percent of total commercial aftermarket revenue in 2024 to 49 percent in 2025 and is now at 53 percent for 2026, reflecting continued supply chain constraints on new engine availability.

The active commercial aircraft fleet stood at approximately 34,600 in-service aircraft in 2026, a figure projected to grow to 45,000 units by the end of 2035. Over the same 10-year period, the industry expects more than 21,000 new aircraft deliveries, alongside retirements and freighter conversions.

Total aftermarket MRO requirements over the 2026-2035 decade are projected to exceed $1.6 trillion. North America will account for approximately one-fifth of the global engine maintenance market for the period, representing an estimated $159 billion out of $848 billion in global commercial engine MRO demand.

The elevated engine segment share reflects how older aircraft staying in service longer, combined with ongoing production rate limitations at engine original equipment manufacturers, has channeled spending toward independent MRO providers and used serviceable material markets rather than new powerplant purchases.

Sustained aftermarket demand has also supported strong utilization rates at engine shop facilities in North America, with lead times for shop visits remaining elevated compared to pre-2020 norms.

Source: Aviation Week Network -- https://aviationweek.com/mro/supply-chain/early-2026-outlook-shows-mro-market-momentum-increasing