The global aircraft MRO demand is projected to reach $156 billion over the next decade, but the industry faces increasing challenges. An aging fleet is pushing the maintenance market toward $119 billion in 2025, while critical labor shortages threaten to hinder growth. Key factors influencing the industry in 2026 include the expanding aircraft aftermarket segment, growing cybersecurity concerns, and a geographic shift as emerging markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe surpass traditional European hubs.
The global aviation sector is thriving, and this upward trajectory is likely to continue in 2026, reaching $1.053 trillion (a 4.5% increase). However, this doesn’t mean the industry faces no challenges. Žilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics Group, an independent global aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, emphasizes that success in the coming years will depend on the ability to adapt to key trends shaping the industry.
Trend #1: The aircraft aftermarket is transforming maintenance, repair, and overhaul
The aircraft aftermarket — covering MRO services, spare parts, components, and engine servicing throughout an aircraft’s operational life — is becoming a vital part of the global aviation ecosystem. Early reports suggest that demand will grow at a 3% compound annual rate from 2026 to 2035, mainly driven by rising engine maintenance needs. Engine-related services are expected to account for up to 53% of total aircraft MRO demand, growing faster than other MRO categories.
“A key factor driving this trend is the longer service life of older aircraft. Thanks to advances in maintenance and repair techniques, airlines can keep older planes in operation longer. They’re also increasingly outsourcing these tasks to specialized independent MROs. This allows them to focus on their core operations and benefit from their partners’ expertise and cost efficiencies,” says Mr. Lapinskas.
Trend #2: The increasing importance of cybersecurity
Digitalization has become a vital part of the aviation industry. Every part of its ecosystem, from supply chains to aircraft, is digitized, making cybersecurity and software reliability essential for operational readiness. This means that in aircraft MRO, identifying and fixing software problems is just as important as addressing mechanical and structural issues
“In today’s aviation environment, software issues can disrupt operations faster than mechanical failures,” says the CEO of FL Technics Group. “Cybersecurity and software reliability have become critical maintenance disciplines, and MRO organizations must be prepared to respond with the same urgency and precision as they do to traditional airworthiness issues.”
Trend #3: Europe slows down as emerging markets start transforming their aviation industries
According to Oliver Wyman’s forecast, the European aviation market is experiencing relatively slow growth, with many major economies struggling to keep up. The exception is Eastern Europe, which is seeing rapid growth in low-cost carrier traffic, fueling demand. The same applies to the Middle East’s aviation market, which is benefiting from large aircraft orders and a rising appetite for air travel. Africa and Latin America are also starting to transform their aviation industries.
“What we’re observing is the realignment of the global aviation market. The regions that were once considered peripheral are now leading the way. FL Technics was among the first international aircraft MRO providers to focus on Southeast Asia, now one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets,” says Mr. Lapinskas.
Trend #4: Rising global fleet age drives record MRO market growth
The age of the global air fleet is increasing. According to IATA data, in 2025 the average fleet age had risen to 15.1 years. That’s a significant increase from an average of 13.6 years during the period 1990-2024. Despite advances in various techniques, an aging fleet naturally requires more time for maintenance and repair.
Some of the older fleet needs to be modified to match the customer experience of newer aircraft. Cabin refurbishments, seat replacements, and satellite internet connectivity installations all contribute to more time inside the hangar. The demand for flights is steadily growing, putting even more pressure on aircraft MRO providers.
An aging fleet that requires more maintenance is fueling a supercycle in the MRO market. This sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% through 2035, reaching $156 billion by the end of the forecast period.
Trend #5: Growing competition in the labor market
Labour will once again be one of the most important aviation issues of 2026. IATA predicts that the global aviation industry will need about 716,000 maintenance technicians by 2042. Oliver Wyman expects a yearly shortfall of between 12,000 and 18,000 aviation maintenance workers. Such a shortage worsens aircraft downtime and restricts fleet expansion, and naturally, aviation MRO companies invest heavily in workforce development initiatives, such as apprenticeships and specialized training programs.
“In recent years, a large group of experienced mechanics and technicians has left the field or is nearing retirement. The aviation industry needs a surge of younger workers. Despite attractive salaries and significant career opportunities, it’s not always an easy pitch. At FL Technics, we are already heavily investing in special scholarship programs, partnerships with universities, and various initiatives, and plan to continue even more actively in 2026,” says Mr. Lapinskas.
