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Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK - Market Research Report (2014-2029)

Thomas Weale Thomas Weale London, United Kingdom Last Updated: August 2024 SIC C33.160

Revenue

£4.3bn

2024-25

£4.3bn

Past 5-Year Growth

Profit

£XXX.Xm

Employees

25,188

Businesses

1,092

Wages

£XXX.Xm

Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry analysis

Revenue is forecast to contract at a compound annual rate of 6.4% over the five years through 2024-25 to £4.3 billion. Unprecedented lockdown restrictions imposed by the government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic decimated the aviation industry, making the air travel product nearly unusable. This battered demand for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. As such, revenue plummeted over the three years through 2022-23, contributing to the overall nosedive of revenue for the period.

Trends and Insights

  • The Air travel revival. With a decline in air passenger travel due to the cost-of-living crisis, airlines had to adjust quickly, including rescheduling flights and cutting costs. Now travel figures are starting to boom and more MROs are needed.
  • The stifled flying figures lower the need for aircraft maintenance and repair. Reduced flying hours and fewer passengers led to less wear and tear on aircraft, thereby decreasing the need for maintenance checks, repair services and component replacements.
  • Setting up shop in the East brings key markets closer. With easy access to London Stansted and Southend airports, the region offers unique proximity to high-traffic locations for Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul providers.
  • Intense competition rules the industry. To secure contracts lasting five years or more, operators need to showcase safety and performance records, deliver high-speed services - all while fitting in a customer's budget.

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  • Market estimates from 2014-2029
  • Critical performance data and rankings
  • Detailed analysis of competitive forces and the external environment
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Industry Statistics and Trends

Market size and recent performance (2014-2029)

Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 6.4 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated £4.3bn in 2024.

Trends and Insights

Climbing disposable incomes jump air travel calling in RMOs

  • Figures published by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) indicate 11.7% climb in air travel passengers from June 2023 to 2024. This comes as inflation returns to stable levels at 2.2% as of June 2024.
  • Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK
Revenue (2014-2029)
IBISWorld Logo Source: IBISWorld

Industry outlook (2024-2029)

Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.

Trends and Insights

Intensified defence spending will explode the military market

  • Government commitments to defence expenditure, like the aspiration to hike defence spending to 2.5% of GDP in the long term, have aided the purchase of new aircraft.

Biggest companies in the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK

Company
Market Share (%)
2025
Revenue (£m)
2025
GE Aviation
1,278.1
Rolls-Royce plc
947.3
GE Aircraft Engine Services Ltd
192.5

To view the market share and analysis for all 5 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.

Products & Services Segmentation

Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK
Products & Services
IBISWorld Logo Source: IBISWorld

Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Heavy maintenance and overhaul, Engine maintenance and repair and Component maintenance and repair. Heavy maintenance and overhaul is the largest segment of the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK.

Trends and Insights

Overseas MRO providers have reduced demand for domestic heavy maintenance and overhaul services

  • Heavy maintenance and overhaul in the UK involve extensive inspections and repairs of aircraft that significantly extend their operational life. This service includes the complete disassembly of an aeroplane, thorough checks for wear and damage and replacement or repair of parts.
  • More insights available in the full report

Table of Contents

About this industry

Industry definition

Aircraft repair, maintenance, and overhaul involves the regular inspection, repair, and modification of aircraft or their components, ensuring they meet safety and performance standards. This process encompasses everything from routine servicing to complete overhauls, including engine testing, parts replacement, and structural repairs. Companies that take part in these activities are often known as MROs - maintenance, repair and overhaul.

What's included in this industry?

Heavy maintenance and overhaulEngine maintenance and repairComponent maintenance and repairLine maintenance

Companies

GE AviationRolls-Royce plcGE Aircraft Engine Services Ltd

Purchase this report to view all 5 major companies in this industry.

Related Terms

ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER (OEM)HEAVY MAINTENANCELINE MAINTENANCE

Industry Code

SIC 2007

SIC 33.16 - Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK

Performance

Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.

Analyst insights

The Air travel revival. With a decline in air passenger travel due to the cost-of-living crisis, airlines had to adjust quickly, including rescheduling flights and cutting co...

In this chapter (4)

  • Current Performance
  • Outlook
  • Volatility
  • Life Cycle

Key metrics

  • Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
  • Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
  • Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
  • Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business

Charts

  • Revenue, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
  • Employees, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
  • Businesses, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
  • Profit, including historical (2014-2024)
  • Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
  • Industry Life Cycle

Detailed analysis

  • Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
  • Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
  • Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
  • How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.

Products and Markets

Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.

Analyst insight

The stifled flying figures lower the need for aircraft maintenance and repair. Reduced flying hours and fewer passengers led to less wear and tear on aircraft, thereby decrea...

In this chapter

  • Products & Services
  • Major Markets

Key metrics

  • Largest market segment and value in 2024
  • Product innovation level

Charts

  • Products & services segmentation in 2024
  • Major market segmentation in 2024

Detailed analysis

  • Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
  • Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
  • Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
  • Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services

Geographic Breakdown

Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.

Analyst insights

Setting up shop in the East brings key markets closer. With easy access to London Stansted and Southend airports, the region offers unique proximity to high-traffic locations...

In this chapter (1)

  • Business Locations

Charts

  • Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each region
  • Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2024

Tables

  • Number and share of establishments in each region in 2024
  • Number and share of revenue each region accounts for in 2024
  • Number and share of wages each region accounts for in 2024
  • Number and share of employees in each region in 2024

Detailed analysis

  • Geographic spread of the industry across Europe, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
  • Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage

Competitive Forces

Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.

Analyst insights

Intense competition rules the industry. To secure contracts lasting five years or more, operators need to showcase safety and performance records, deliver high-speed services...

In this chapter (4)

  • Concentration
  • Barriers to Entry
  • Substitutes
  • Buyer & Supplier Analysis

Key metrics

  • Industry concentration level
  • Industry competition level and trend
  • Barriers to entry level and trend
  • Substitutes level and trend
  • Buyer power level and trend
  • Supplier power level and trend

Charts

  • Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2019-2024
  • Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart

Detailed analysis

  • Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
  • Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
  • Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
  • Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
  • Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
  • Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
  • Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
  • Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
  • Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.

Companies

Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.

Analyst insights

Rolls-Royce is the leading player in the industry. Dominating the market, the company has expanded through key acquisitions like ITP Aero, which boosted its aero-engine desig...

In this chapter

  • Market Share Concentration
  • Companies
  • Company Spotlights

Charts

  • Industry market share by company in 2020 through 2024
  • Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2024
  • Overview of GE Aviation's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
  • Overview of Rolls-Royce plc's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
  • Overview of GE Aircraft Engine Services Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
  • Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for 2 additional companies

Detailed analysis

  • Description and key data for GE Aviation, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
  • Description and key data for Rolls-Royce plc, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
  • Description and key data for GE Aircraft Engine Services Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
  • Description, key data and performance trends for 2 additional companies

External Environment

Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.   

Analyst insights

Part 145 signifies a standard for authorised Aircraft MRO organisations. It regulates MRO service providers to adhere to aircraft maintenance plans set by manufacturers, ensu...

In this chapter

  • External Drivers
  • Regulation & Policy
  • Assistance

Key metrics

  • Regulation & policy level and trend
  • Assistance level and trend

Charts

  • Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2014-2029) 
  • Assistance historical data and forecast (2014-2029) 

Detailed analysis

  • Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
  • Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
  • Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.

Financial Benchmarks

View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time. 

Analyst insights

Profitability climbs from lowering input costs. Input costs were heightened by a weak exchange rate and supply chain disruption. As these come to an end profitability is pick...

In this chapter

  • Cost Structure
  • Financial Ratios
  • Key Ratios

Key metrics

  • Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
  • Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
  • Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
  • Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio

Charts

  • Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
  • Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
  • Investment vs. share of economy

Data tables

  • Liquidity Ratios (2018-2022)
  • Coverage Ratios (2018-2022)
  • Leverage Ratios  (2018-2022)
  • Operating Ratios (2018-2022)
  • Assets (2018-2022)
  • Liabilities (2018-2022)
  • Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2014-2029)
  • Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
  • Revenue per Enterprise (2014-2029)
  • Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
  • Employees per Enterprise (2014-2029)
  • Average Wage (2014-2029)
  • Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
  • Establishments per Enterprise (2014-2029)
  • IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
  • Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
  • Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)

Detailed analysis

  • Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability 

Key Statistics

Industry Data

Data Tables

Including values and annual change:

  • Revenue (2014-2029)
  • IVA (2014-2029)
  • Establishments (2014-2029)
  • Enterprises (2014-2029)
  • Employment (2014-2029)
  • Exports (2014-2029)
  • Imports (2014-2029)
  • Wages (2014-2029)

Top Questions Answered

Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.

What is the market size of the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry in United Kingdom in 2024?

The market size of the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry in United Kingdom is £4.3bn in 2024.

How many businesses are there in the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry in 2024?

There are 1,092 businesses in the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry in United Kingdom, which has declined at a CAGR of 11.5 % between 2019 and 2024.

Has the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry in United Kingdom grown or declined over the past 5 years?

The market size of the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry in United Kingdom has been declining at a CAGR of 6.4 % between 2019 and 2024.

What is the forecast growth of the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry in United Kingdom over the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry in United Kingdom is expected to grow.

What are the biggest companies in the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK market in United Kingdom?

The biggest companies operating in the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul market in United Kingdom are GE Aviation, Rolls-Royce plc and GE Aircraft Engine Services Ltd

What does the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK in United Kingdom include?

Heavy maintenance and overhaul and Engine maintenance and repair are part of the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry.

Which companies have the highest market share in the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK in United Kingdom?

The company holding the most market share in United Kingdom is GE Aviation.

How competitive is the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry in United Kingdom?

The level of competition is high and decreasing in the Aircraft Repair, Maintenance & Overhaul in the UK industry in United Kingdom.

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Methodology

How are IBISWorld reports created?

IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.

Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.

IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.

What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?

Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.

Key data sources in the UK include:

  • Office for National Statistics
  • Office for Budget Responsibility
  • Bank of England

Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.

These sources include:

  • Industry and trade associations
  • Industry federations or regulators
  • Major industry players annual or quarterly filings

Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.

How does IBISWorld forecast its data?

IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.

IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.

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