According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global aircraft refurbishing market size was valued at USD 5.86 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 5.88 billion in 2025 to USD 7.81 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.13% during the forecast period. North America held the largest market share at 31.74% in 2024, driven by robust airline operations, high passenger traffic, and widespread adoption of advanced refurbishing services.
What is Aircraft Refurbishing?
Aircraft refurbishing involves the overhaul, renovation, and modification of aircraft interiors and exteriors to enhance performance, improve aesthetics, comply with regulations, and extend service life. It includes cabin upgrades, engine and component modernization, structural modifications, repainting, and advanced entertainment systems—applicable across narrow-body, wide-body, and business jets, including VIP configurations.
Key players in the market include:
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AAR Corporation (U.S.)
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Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (France)
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Airbus SAS (Netherlands)
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Boeing Company (U.S.)
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Bombardier Inc. (Canada)
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Delta TechOps (U.S.)
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Embraer S.A. (Brazil)
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GE Aviation (U.S.)
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General Dynamics Corp. (U.S.)
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Honeywell Aerospace (U.S.)
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Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO) Ltd (Hong Kong)
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Lufthansa Technik AG (Germany)
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MTU Aero Engines AG (Germany)
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Rolls-Royce plc (U.K.)
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Safran SA (France)
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SIA Engineering Company Ltd. (Singapore)
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Spirit AeroSystems Inc. (U.S.)
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Textron, Inc. (U.S.)
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Turkish Technic (Turkey)
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United Technologies Corporation (U.S.)
Source
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/aircraft-refurbishing-market-109645
Market Segmentation Insights
By Aircraft Type
Narrow-body aircraft dominated the aircraft refurbishing market in 2024 and are projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is primarily attributed to increasing demand from low-cost carriers and the expansion of short- to medium-haul regional routes. These aircraft offer cost-efficiency and operational flexibility, making them ideal candidates for refurbishment over new procurement.
By Refurbishment Type
The interior refurbishment segment held the leading market share in 2024, driven by rising passenger expectations for enhanced comfort and in-flight experiences. Airlines are increasingly investing in luxury upgrades, such as ergonomic seating, ambient lighting, and next-generation in-flight entertainment systems, to improve customer satisfaction and remain competitive.
By Application
The civil & commercial aviation segment led the market in 2024 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance through 2032. Growth in this segment is supported by intensifying competition among airlines, a growing emphasis on fleet modernization, and efforts to strengthen brand identity and passenger loyalty through improved onboard experiences.
By Service Type
Commercial refurbishing remained the largest segment in 2024, as airlines continue to pursue cost-effective strategies for fleet enhancement. Upgrades in cabin interiors, avionics systems, and passenger amenities allow operators to extend aircraft lifespans while maintaining operational efficiency and meeting evolving customer expectations.
Key Market Drivers
Growing Passenger Expectations:
Airlines are increasingly prioritizing passenger comfort and experience by investing in customized interiors, ergonomic seating configurations, and luxury amenities. As customer expectations rise particularly among premium and long-haul travelers—airlines are upgrading older fleets to stay competitive and enhance brand loyalty.
Cost-Effective Fleet Management:
Aircraft refurbishing provides a financially viable alternative to purchasing new aircraft, making it particularly attractive to low-cost carriers and emerging airlines. By extending aircraft service life and improving operational efficiency, refurbishment allows airlines to meet increasing travel demand without incurring the substantial capital costs associated with new aircraft acquisition.
Green Aviation Goals:
As sustainability becomes a key focus in the aviation industry, airlines are turning to refurbishment to align with environmental targets. Retrofitting aircraft with more fuel-efficient components, LED lighting, lightweight materials, and eco-friendly technologies reduces emissions and operational costs supporting both regulatory compliance and long-term green aviation strategies.
Regional Outlook
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North America: Dominated the market with robust MRO infrastructure, strong aviation fleet, and advanced technologies.
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Europe: Gaining traction through sustainability initiatives and premium cabin refurbishments, especially in Germany, France, and the U.K.
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Asia Pacific: Poised for the fastest growth due to booming air travel in China and India, along with rapid airline expansion.
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Rest of the World: Opportunities are growing in Latin America and the Middle East, where aging fleets and fleet modernization efforts support market growth.
Report Coverage
This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the global aircraft refurbishing market, highlighting critical aspects such as leading market players, detailed segmentation by aircraft type, refurbishment type, application, and service type, as well as the competitive landscape. It also evaluates the adoption of advanced technologies and emerging trends shaping the industry. Furthermore, the report includes key market dynamics, including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges, along with insights into regional performance and future growth projections. Significant industry developments, strategic initiatives by major players, and evolving customer preferences are also covered to provide a well-rounded view of the market's trajectory from 2025 to 2032.
Recent Industry Developments
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October 2024 – Qantas announced plans to retrofit 10 of its A330-200 aircraft as part of a major restoration program. These upgraded aircraft are expected to operate on key international routes, including services from Australia to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN), and Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT). The initiative reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience, improving cabin comfort, and extending the operational life of its fleet through strategic refurbishment investments.
