Merger and acquisition activity in the aviation MRO sector is trending higher in 2026, according to tracking by ePlaneAI. Analysts point to three converging forces: rising compliance costs associated with new FAA oversight initiatives, a tightening technician labor market, and the need for independent MRO providers to reach scale to compete with large airline-affiliated maintenance operations.

The FlyHouse acquisition of JetsMRO in Dallas, Texas in March 2026 exemplifies the pattern. By integrating a Part 145-certificated repair station into its charter and aircraft management business, FlyHouse gained direct control over maintenance turnaround times and costs, reducing dependence on third-party providers whose capacity is increasingly constrained.

The US business aviation MRO segment is characterized by hundreds of smaller independent operators, many of whom are struggling with the cost of maintaining FAA certification, hiring and retaining licensed technicians, and staying current with evolving airworthiness directives. Consolidation through acquisition provides a path to shared infrastructure and compliance overhead.

At the same time, the global MRO market reached an estimated $91 billion in 2025, and is projected at $97 billion for 2026. Valuations for certificated repair stations have risen as buyers recognize the premium attached to established FAA approvals, trained technician rosters, and long-term airline and charter operator contracts.

The FAA's February 2026 announcement of a repair station certification audit is expected to raise baseline compliance standards across the sector, potentially accelerating consolidation among operators who cannot afford the associated overhead.

Source: ePlaneAI -- https://www.eplaneai.com/news/trends-point-to-a-strong-year-for-ma-in-the-mro-sector-in-2026