The US aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector continues to grow in 2026, but parts shortages, labor constraints, and supply chain volatility are limiting how quickly shops can add capacity. Industry assessments describe demand outpacing the available workforce and materials, which lengthens turnaround times and raises costs across the maintenance base.
Analysts peg the global MRO market near 97 billion dollars in 2026, up from about 91 billion dollars in 2025, with the United States accounting for the largest single share of activity. Aging fleets and delivery backlogs for new aircraft are keeping older planes in service longer, which increases the volume of heavy maintenance and parts replacement that shops must absorb.
Regulatory compliance remains a central factor for US providers, with the Federal Aviation Administration enforcing safety standards that maintenance organizations must meet to keep aircraft airworthy. A 2026 international safety conference held in the United States placed heavy emphasis on digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence in maintenance planning and records. Operators are responding with strategic alliances and investment in shop capacity, but the assessments caution that workforce development is the binding constraint on faster expansion. Companies across the sector are competing for the same pool of certified technicians.
Source: ARSA - https://arsa.org/market-assessment/