06
Aug 2026
19th Jul 2026
The UK’s aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) sector is approaching a significant period of growth, creating fresh opportunities for specialist precision manufacturers capable of supporting the complex lifecycle of modern aircraft.
A recent report from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) warns that the global aerospace MRO market is expected to reach $139 billion in 2026, driven by airlines keeping aircraft in service for longer, continuing supply chain constraints and increasing demand for engine maintenance. The report argues that while the UK remains a global leader in aerospace manufacturing, it risks missing a substantial share of the expanding aftermarket unless greater investment is made in skills, innovation and industrial capability.
For Birmingham-based Rowan Precision, the findings reinforce a market that has already become an important strategic focus.
Supplying precision CNC machined components into aerospace requires manufacturers to think beyond the production of new aircraft alone. As fleets age and maintenance intervals increase, demand is growing for high-quality replacement components, repair programmes and precision-machined parts that support aircraft availability throughout their operational life.
Chief Financial Officer Glenn Aston believes the changing market represents one of the most significant opportunities for specialist manufacturers over the coming decade.
“The aerospace industry is increasingly looking at the entire lifecycle of an aircraft rather than simply building new ones. Maintenance, repair and overhaul has become a strategic market in its own right, creating opportunities for precision engineering businesses that can consistently deliver the quality, traceability and reliability the sector demands.”
Unlike high-volume manufacturing, aerospace MRO often requires exceptional flexibility. Components may be produced in smaller batches, involve specialist materials or require rapid turnaround to minimise aircraft downtime. That places increasing value on manufacturers with advanced CNC machining capability and rigorous quality systems.
Rowan Precision has continued to invest in its manufacturing capability, enabling the company to support customers across aerospace, defence and other highly regulated industries where precision, repeatability and documentation are critical.
The business’s expertise in producing complex precision-machined components positions it well as demand grows across both original equipment manufacture and aftermarket support.
Aston says the distinction between OEM production and MRO is becoming increasingly blurred.
“Aircraft are remaining in service for longer, while delivery delays for new aircraft mean operators are investing more heavily in maintaining existing fleets. That naturally increases demand throughout the supply chain for precision components that meet exact specifications and can be delivered with complete confidence.”
The NMIS report also highlights the growing role of digital technology, artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance in transforming aerospace MRO. As aircraft become increasingly data-driven, manufacturers capable of delivering fully traceable, consistently repeatable components will become even more valuable to maintenance providers and OEMs alike.
For Rowan Precision, this aligns closely with its long-term manufacturing strategy.
“Our customers are looking for partners who understand critical manufacturing, not simply suppliers who can make a part. Whether that component supports new production or keeps an aircraft safely in service for another decade, the expectation around quality is exactly the same.”
As global aerospace activity continues to recover and airlines seek to maximise the life of existing fleets, Rowan Precision believes specialist engineering companies have an important role to play in strengthening the UK’s aerospace supply chain.
Aston concludes: “The UK has an outstanding aerospace manufacturing heritage. The growth of the MRO sector provides another opportunity for British precision engineering to demonstrate the expertise, innovation and manufacturing excellence that already exists across the supply chain. We’re positioning Rowan Precision to be part of that journey.”
For Rowan Precision, the growth of aerospace MRO is more than another market trend. It represents a long-term opportunity to apply decades of precision machining expertise to one of aviation’s fastest-growing sectors, helping customers maximise aircraft availability while supporting the resilience of the wider aerospace supply chain.