RESEARCH REPORT
Navigating uncertain skies
5-MINUTE READ
April 28, 2025
In brief
- Global commercial aerospace is showing signs of recovery, with 2025 revenues expected to grow 12% YoY—despite macroeconomic uncertainty.
- Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) spending is projected to increase 14%, but capacity constraints and labor shortages could temper growth.
- As supply chains show early signs of stabilization, executives are cautiously optimistic: 61% expect revenue growth in six months and 76% in a year.
Note: We recognize the recent macroeconomic environment has created elevated uncertainty since the time of our executive survey.
Commercial aerospace on the road to recovery amid global volatility
12%
Global commercial aerospace revenue (YoY) growth
14%
Global commercial aerospace MRO spend (YoY) growth
23%
Narrowbody and widebody deliveries (YoY) growth
Despite the ongoing uncertainty in the macroeconomic and trade environment, commercial aerospace recovery remains on track. Strong fundamentals, including long-term order backlogs and growing aftermarket activity, point to a gradual return to growth, while supply chains are showing early signs of easing. Regionally, Asia-Pacific is likely to lead with 14% growth on the back of rising air travel demand and MRO investments.
However, building on this early confidence will require targeted action. Managing volatility and turning adversity into opportunity demand focused execution—resilient supply chains, better cost control, AI-driven efficiencies and strategic planning.
Labor, supply chain constraints test aftermarket growth
With airlines extending fleet lifespans, the aftermarket sector continues to expand. However, capacity constraints and labor shortages are stretching maintenance turnaround times, with 85% of executives struggling to meet aftermarket demand. Supply chain disruptions persist, with macroeconomic and trade-related uncertainty adding another layer of complexity.
To enhance resilience, OEMs and MROs are strengthening supplier collaboration through long-term agreements and digital platforms. Streamlining operations—from cost control and workforce training to parts availability—remains a top priority. Investments in predictive maintenance, automation and cloud-based tools are accelerating, as the industry seeks efficiency gains in a constrained environment.
DATA
49%
of MRO executives expect higher spending in the next six months, up from 42% previously
How MRO players are ensuring operational readiness and efficiency
- Cloud-based platforms to integrate, streamline workflows
- Generative AI for automating workflows, augmenting decision-making
- Generative maintenance powered by IoT and AI
- Cost control on MRO services
- Improved workforce capacity through training, upskilling
- End-to-end solutions for better integration
- Long-term supply agreements for critical parts
- Integrated supply chain management platforms
- Strategic alliances to share resources, optimize supply chain operations
Supply chain disruptions persist, but confidence is gradually returning
Supply chain challenges remain a drag on production, particularly in engine and aerostructure deliveries, with quality issues exacerbating delays. These disruptions continue to impact production stability for both OEMs and suppliers.
Yet, signs of progress are emerging. Eighty-five percent of executives now trust their supply chains to meet delivery and quality expectations, up significantly from 77% in August. However, escalating trade tensions—particularly between the US and China—could complicate global supplier relationships.
What’s keeping aerospace executives up at night?
Executives remain cautious about macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility. Recent shifts in global trade policy—particularly around tariffs—have reinforced concerns about supply chain challenges and regulatory complexity. In response, aerospace leaders are doubling down on operational resilience, strengthening supplier partnerships and accelerating digital adoption.
Those that invest in supply chain agility, automation and efficiency will be best positioned to weather volatility and capture new opportunities.
About the Accenture Commercial Aerospace Market Insight Report
The Accenture Commercial Aerospace Insight Report combines sophisticated econometric modeling methodologies to drive quantitative quarterly forecasts on the health of the commercial aviation market. It also incorporates insights from leading aerospace executives worldwide, providing a unique perspective on short- and medium-term trends and drivers in this market, covering a wide range of activities from suppliers to MROs.
