The US aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector is expanding in 2026, with the market projected to reach about $97 billion, up from $91 billion in 2025. Industry data counts roughly 3,700 MRO businesses operating in the United States, a 1.2 percent increase over the prior year.
Demand is being driven by structural forces rather than a temporary cycle. Aging fleets, aircraft delivery backlogs, and supply chain volatility are pushing operators to keep existing aircraft in service longer, which raises spending on inspections, component repair, and overhaul work. A deepening technician shortage adds further pressure on maintenance operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration continues to set strict airworthiness and safety standards that MRO providers must meet, and it supports the sector through grants and policies aimed at safety and workforce development. Providers report that meeting those standards while managing parts availability remains a central operational challenge.
Technology is reshaping the shop floor. Digitalization, predictive maintenance, and AI integration are becoming standard competitive factors, and additive manufacturing has moved from prototyping into mainstream production of certified aircraft components, including cabin fittings and structural parts. Analysts expect merger and acquisition activity in the MRO sector to stay strong through 2026 as larger providers consolidate capacity to meet rising demand.
Source: Precision Aviation Group -- https://www.precisionaviationgroup.com/publications/aviation-mro-growth/