The global aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul market is projected to reach approximately $97 billion in 2026, up from $91 billion in 2025, according to industry analysts tracking fleet size, utilization rates, and aging aircraft trends. The 6.6 percent year-over-year growth reflects continued expansion of both the commercial and business aviation fleets operating worldwide, with the United States representing the largest single national market for MRO services.
Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook projects the global commercial fleet will require more than $3 trillion in cumulative MRO spending over the next 20 years, with airframe and engine maintenance representing the two largest spending categories. Narrowbody aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, account for the largest share of maintenance demand by volume given their dominance in global commercial fleets.
Technician shortages continue to affect US MRO providers. The aviation industry faces a projected shortfall of more than 18,000 maintenance technicians in North America by 2030, according to Boeing workforce forecasts. This shortfall has accelerated mergers, acquisitions, and workforce training partnerships as providers compete for skilled labor. Average wages for licensed aircraft mechanics rose approximately 12 percent between 2024 and 2026 in the United States, according to industry wage surveys.
Used serviceable material, including components harvested from retired aircraft, represents a growing segment of the MRO supply chain as operators seek cost alternatives to new parts. Aircraft teardown activity has increased across North American providers in 2025 and 2026 as older narrowbody fleets continue to be retired.
Source: Precision Aviation Group -- https://www.precisionaviationgroup.com/publications/aviation-mro-growth/