Aircraft Refurbishing Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 5.35 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.62%
Fastest Growing Segment	Passenger to Freighter
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 7.86 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Aircraft Refurbishing Market will grow from USD 5.35 Billion in 2025 to USD 7.86 Billion by 2031 at a 6.62% CAGR. Aircraft refurbishing involves the comprehensive restoration and modernization of an aircraft's interior and exterior, including cabin retrofitting, avionics upgrades, and fresh painting, to extend the asset's operational life and enhance passenger comfort. The market is primarily supported by the aging global fleet, which necessitates mandatory safety updates and aesthetic renovations as a cost-efficient alternative to purchasing new vessels. Additionally, commercial airlines and private jet owners are increasingly investing in cabin modifications to maintain competitive service standards and regulatory compliance, further driving demand for aftermarket alteration services.

However, a significant challenge hindering market expansion is the persistent supply chain volatility, which limits the availability of specialized cabin materials and high-tech components, leading to extended service delays. This logistical strain complicates project scheduling and increases costs for maintenance providers. Illustrating the scale of this sector, according to the Aeronautical Repair Station Association, in 2025, the global civil aviation maintenance and alteration industry was projected to generate $119 billion in direct annual revenue. This substantial figure highlights the immense economic footprint of the maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities that underpin the refurbishing market.

Key Market Drivers

OEM Production Backlogs Driving Retrofit Alternatives acts as a primary catalyst for market growth, as persistent delays in the delivery of new aircraft compel airlines to extend the operational lives of their existing fleets. With manufacturers encountering supply chain bottlenecks and certification hurdles for next-generation models, carriers are prioritizing comprehensive cabin overhauls to maintain service capacity and passenger satisfaction. For instance, according to Aero News Journal, March 2025, in the 'Emirates Retrofitting of Planes Hits $5 Billion Price Tag' article, Emirates increased its retrofit program investment to $5 billion to refurbish 191 aircraft, directly attributing the decision to delivery delays.

Simultaneously, Aging Commercial Fleet Life-Extension and Modernization drives demand as operators strive to align older vessels with evolving luxury standards. To ensure brand consistency, airlines are undertaking extensive interior refresh programs that include premium seat installations and avionics upgrades. This trend is highlighted by British Airways, whose parent company confirmed significant capital allocation for fleet updates. According to Travel And Tour World, August 2025, in the 'British Airways Reduces Capacity on Airbus A380s' report, IAG confirmed a €3.7 billion investment for 2025 to modernize its fleet, encompassing significant A380 cabin retrofits. Underscoring the economic scale of this sector, according to LARA, in 2025, the global commercial aircraft services market was projected to reach an annual value of $311 billion by 2044.

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Key Market Challenges

Persistent supply chain volatility creates a substantial barrier to the expansion of the Global Aircraft Refurbishing Market by disrupting the timely procurement of essential interior materials and avionics. When specialized components such as high-grade seat leathers, lighting systems, or In-Flight Entertainment hardware become unavailable, maintenance providers encounter severe operational bottlenecks. These shortages inevitably lengthen project turnaround times, forcing facilities to keep aircraft on the ground longer than anticipated. This reduces the overall slot availability for new clients and compels maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations to absorb higher operational expenses while managing unpredictable schedules.

This logistical instability imposes a quantifiable financial strain that directly hampers market efficiency. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2025, supply chain inefficiencies and the requisite upkeep of aging fleets were estimated to generate $3.1 billion in additional maintenance costs for the aviation industry. These elevated expenses divert capital that operators might otherwise allocate to discretionary cabin upgrades or aesthetic modernization. Consequently, the market’s growth potential is stifled as service providers struggle to convert high demand into completed projects due to the inability to source necessary parts efficiently.

Key Market Trends

The Acceleration of Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) Conversion Projects is reshaping the market as operators repurpose aging airframes for the logistics sector rather than retiring them. This structural shift is distinct from luxury passenger upgrades, driven instead by the urgent need for dedicated cargo capacity to support global e-commerce and supply chain resilience. By converting older passenger vessels, airlines maximize asset value and address the shortage of new factory-built freighters. Highlighting the scale of this transition, according to Air Cargo News, October 2025, in the 'Freighter fleet to expand 2.5% annually through 2044' report, it was projected that passenger-to-freighter conversions will supply approximately two-thirds of the 3,300 freighter aircraft expected to be added to the global fleet over the next two decades.

Simultaneously, the Adoption of Eco-Friendly and Lightweight Interior Materials is gaining traction as airlines face increasing pressure to meet net-zero carbon targets. This trend focuses on integrating recyclable thermoplastics and lighter composite components to reduce overall cabin weight, directly improving operational efficiency. Unlike aesthetic refurbishments, this movement prioritizes lifecycle sustainability and circular economy principles within the supply chain. According to Runway Girl Network, January 2025, in the 'Weight savings to drive cabin sustainability: Airbus and Diehl' article, it was reported that cabin weight savings are estimated to constitute as much as 10% to 15% of Airbus's total decarbonization effort, underscoring the critical role of material innovation.

Segmental Insights

The Passenger to Freighter segment represents the fastest-growing category within the Global Aircraft Refurbishing Market, driven by the expanding requirements of the global e-commerce sector. Airlines and leasing companies are increasingly converting older passenger jets into cargo vessels to address immediate capacity shortages while avoiding the high capital costs of new production freighters. This trend is supported by data from the International Air Transport Association regarding sustained air cargo demand, which necessitates cost-effective fleet solutions. Consequently, the market is witnessing a rise in structural modifications and interior refurbishments designed to extend the operational life of these converted assets.

Regional Insights

North America holds the leading position in the global aircraft refurbishing market primarily due to its substantial fleet of active commercial and business aircraft. The region experiences consistent demand for cabin retrofitting and interior upgrades driven by the necessity to maintain aging fleets and enhance passenger comfort. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration enforces rigorous safety and airworthiness regulations that compel operators to invest in regular maintenance and refurbishment cycles. The presence of major original equipment manufacturers and established maintenance repair and overhaul providers further strengthens the infrastructure supporting this market dominance.

Recent Developments

In November 2024, Singapore Airlines announced a major investment of S$1.1 billion to initiate a multi-year cabin retrofit program for its fleet of 41 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The comprehensive refurbishment plan included the installation of all-new long-haul cabin products, featuring upgraded First Class and Business Class seats designed for superior comfort and privacy. The retrofit work was awarded to SIA Engineering Company, ensuring a coordinated effort between the carrier and its engineering partner. This extensive program represented a significant commitment to elevating passenger experience through large-scale fleet modernization.
In July 2024, Lufthansa Technik entered into a strategic collaboration with Boeing to become the first licensed service center for cabin modifications on 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This agreement authorized the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider to perform and certify complex interior modifications as an external partner. The initiative was designed to provide operators and lessors with additional capacity and flexibility for their cabin upgrade projects. This development significantly expanded the company's service offerings in the global aircraft refurbishing market, reinforcing its leadership in widebody interior engineering and execution.
In May 2024, STELIA Aerospace launched the latest innovations in its OPERA business class seat family during the Aircraft Interiors Expo. The newly introduced seating products featured a sustainable design optimized for long-haul travel and were engineered for compatibility with both single-aisle and widebody aircraft platforms. This product launch underscored the company's commitment to combining eco-efficiency with passenger luxury. By expanding its portfolio with these advanced cabin solutions, the manufacturer aimed to address the growing airline requirement for modern, comfortable, and environmentally conscious interior retrofits.
In February 2024, VIP Completions unveiled the comprehensive interior refurbishment of a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), demonstrating its capabilities in the private aviation sector. The project involved a complete redesign of the aircraft cabin to create three distinct zones, including a main lounge, a conference area, and a master stateroom. The company installed a state-of-the-art cabin management system and custom seating upholstered in premium materials. This delivery highlighted the firm's focus on personalized, high-end interior modifications, a key segment of the global aircraft refurbishing market driven by demand for bespoke business jet upgrades.

Key Market Players

Deutsche Lufthansa AG
The Boeing Company
Airbus SE
General Electric Company
Safran SA
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd
Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited
Bombardier Inc
RTX Corporation

By Type	By Aircraft Type	By Region
Commercial Aircraft Cabin VIP Cabin Refurbishing Passenger to freighter	Very light aircraft Wide body aircraft Narrow body aircraft Large body aircraft VIP aircraft	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Aircraft Refurbishing Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Aircraft Refurbishing Market, By Type:

Commercial Aircraft Cabin
VIP Cabin Refurbishing
Passenger to freighter

Aircraft Refurbishing Market, By Aircraft Type:

Very light aircraft
Wide body aircraft
Narrow body aircraft
Large body aircraft
VIP aircraft

Aircraft Refurbishing Market, By Region:

North America

United States
Canada
Mexico

Europe

France
United Kingdom
Italy
Germany
Spain

Asia Pacific

China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea

South America

Brazil
Argentina
Colombia

Middle East & Africa

South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Aircraft Refurbishing Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Aircraft Refurbishing Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Aircraft Refurbishing Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Type (Commercial Aircraft Cabin, VIP Cabin Refurbishing, Passenger to freighter)

5.2.2. By Aircraft Type (Very light aircraft, Wide body aircraft, Narrow body aircraft, Large body aircraft, VIP aircraft)

5.2.3. By Region

5.2.4. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Type

6.2.2. By Aircraft Type

6.2.3. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Type

6.3.1.2.2. By Aircraft Type

6.3.2. Canada Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Type

6.3.2.2.2. By Aircraft Type

6.3.3. Mexico Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Type

6.3.3.2.2. By Aircraft Type

7. Europe Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Type

7.2.2. By Aircraft Type

7.2.3. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Type

7.3.1.2.2. By Aircraft Type

7.3.2. France Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Type

7.3.2.2.2. By Aircraft Type

7.3.3. United Kingdom Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Type

7.3.3.2.2. By Aircraft Type

7.3.4. Italy Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Type

7.3.4.2.2. By Aircraft Type

7.3.5. Spain Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Type

7.3.5.2.2. By Aircraft Type

8. Asia Pacific Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Type

8.2.2. By Aircraft Type

8.2.3. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Type

8.3.1.2.2. By Aircraft Type

8.3.2. India Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Type

8.3.2.2.2. By Aircraft Type

8.3.3. Japan Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Type

8.3.3.2.2. By Aircraft Type

8.3.4. South Korea Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Type

8.3.4.2.2. By Aircraft Type

8.3.5. Australia Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Type

8.3.5.2.2. By Aircraft Type

9. Middle East & Africa Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Type

9.2.2. By Aircraft Type

9.2.3. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Type

9.3.1.2.2. By Aircraft Type

9.3.2. UAE Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Type

9.3.2.2.2. By Aircraft Type

9.3.3. South Africa Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Type

9.3.3.2.2. By Aircraft Type

10. South America Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Type

10.2.2. By Aircraft Type

10.2.3. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Type

10.3.1.2.2. By Aircraft Type

10.3.2. Colombia Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Type

10.3.2.2.2. By Aircraft Type

10.3.3. Argentina Aircraft Refurbishing Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Type

10.3.3.2.2. By Aircraft Type

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Aircraft Refurbishing Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Deutsche Lufthansa AG

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. The Boeing Company

15.3. Airbus SE

15.4. General Electric Company

15.5. Safran SA

15.6. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

15.7. Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd

15.8. Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited

15.9. Bombardier Inc

15.10. RTX Corporation

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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