The United Arab Emirates is positioned to increase its share of the global aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market, which is projected to reach nearly $193 billion by 2030, according to a recent white paper released by Aviation Business Middle East and GE Aerospace. The report highlights the opportunity for the UAE to build on its existing aviation infrastructure and expertise by fostering stronger collaboration among operators, manufacturers, MRO providers, and policymakers.
Citing forecasts by Oliver Wyman, the white paper attributes the growth in global MRO spending to factors such as ageing aircraft fleets, delays in new aircraft deliveries, engine durability issues, and limited shop capacity for maintenance work. While engine services form a significant portion of the market, the report takes a comprehensive approach by also addressing airframe maintenance, component repair, specialist engineering, and other segments within the broader aviation aftermarket.
The UAE’s current aviation landscape already boasts substantial infrastructure, significant investment, and a skilled workforce, supported by large airline fleets and established original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partnerships. However, the report emphasizes that future progress will depend on how effectively these elements are integrated. It proposes that aligning technical standards, enhancing industry linkages, and embedding supportive policy measures and long-term investments could enable the UAE to capture more sophisticated, higher-value MRO contracts.
Aziz Koleilat, President and CEO for METCIS at GE Aerospace, underscored the country’s established expertise as a key advantage. “GE Aerospace has worked alongside the UAE’s aviation industry for decades, and what stands out is the depth of specialist expertise already established,” he said, pointing to the firm’s ongoing collaboration within the region.
The white paper suggests that by advancing strategic alignment across the MRO ecosystem, the UAE can not only strengthen its position within the global market but also contribute to the development of a more capable and competitive aviation maintenance sector in the Middle East.