Italy Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Operation (MRO) Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report: Forecast Trends and Outlook (2026-2035)

Italy Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Operation (MRO) Market Overview

In the manufacturing industry, MRO services help in inventory and logistics management. In 2024, Italy was the second-largest manufacturing country in Europe and was a significant manufacturer of machinery. In 2023, Italy’s manufacturing sector contributed about USD 353.6 billion in value added terms compared to USD 313.8 million in 2018.

Maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) services are crucial for minimising downtime, improving operational efficiency, and extending the lifespan of equipment. In 2023, Italy’s industrial sector contributed 18.7% to Italy’s GDP, supporting the demand for MRO services. MRO service providers are increasingly adopting asset management technologies to drive the Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market growth. These include asset tracking, maintenance scheduling, inventory management, and lifecycle analysis to ensure optimal performance of assets and systematic coordination of personnel.

Figure: Total Air Passengers Traffic in Italy (Million), 2018-2023

Maintenance, Repair, and operation (MRO) is crucial for the aviation industry. Effective maintenance and repair of equipment are essential for ensuring operational continuity, safety, and cost-efficiency. The surge in air passengers necessitates the demand of Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market. In 2023, Italy recorded 196.8 million passengers compared to 80.5 million in 2021. In Italy, there are 45 airports open to commercial traffic, which are distributed all over the territory. In 2023, Roma Fiumicino held 20.5% share for passenger arrivals and departures, followed by Milano Malpensa with 13.2% share and Bergamo Orio al Serio with 8.1% share.

Italy Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Operation (MRO) Market Growth

MRO service providers are increasingly deploying artificial intelligence coupled with augmented and virtual reality for a faster, safer, optimized, and more efficient repair process. For instance, VR can be used to train maintenance crews in diagnosing and repairing various equipment remotely. Modern automotive companies increasingly demand integrated MRO service providers to run their advanced technological installations to support plant operations and maintenance. Key automotive producers in Italy include Stellantis Group, Ferrari S.p.A., and Maserati S.p.A.

There is an increasing trend of sustainable MRO practices in the Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market. MRO operators are incorporating recycled aircraft parts, reducing waste, and minimising the need for new raw materials to lower environmental impact and operational costs. Further, energy-efficient operations can lead to a reduction of up to 20% in operational costs for MRO service providers.

Key Trends and Developments

Italy Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Operation (MRO) Market Opportunities

Technological advancement is driving innovation in Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market. Italy’s MRO sector is evolving with AI-powered diagnostics, digital platforms, and robotic inspection systems. Lufthansa Technik’s Aviatar AI tool predicts component failures, improving maintenance accuracy and minimizing downtime. Leonardo Aircraft Division, in collaboration with the Italian Air Force and Turin Polytechnic, is developing a digital platform that integrates virtual and augmented reality, enabling real-time access to technical data for more efficient maintenance. Additionally, Comau and Leonardo Helicopters have introduced a robotic inspection system in Anagni, using multispectral imaging to detect helicopter blade defects with greater precision. These advancements enhance automation, efficiency, and competitiveness in Italy’s aircraft maintenance industry.

Increased defense spending is projected to boost aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) demand. As of 2024, Italy's defense budget has risen to approximately USD 22.56 billion, marking an increase from USD 21.17 billion in 2023 and USD 18.97 billion in 2022. The government has set a target to raise defense spending to 1.61% of GDP by 2027, aligning more closely with NATO’s 2% guideline. This growing investment not only strengthens national defense but also presents significant opportunities for the country’s MRO sector. With increased procurement of advanced military assets and fleet upgrades, the demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul services is expected to rise, particularly in the defense segment. Additionally, by linking defense investments with broader economic growth, Italy is fostering innovation and modernisation within its MRO industry, positioning it for sustained expansion in the coming years.

Italy Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Operation (MRO) Market Restraints

High operating costs due to energy, labor, and bureaucratic factors remain a core weakness in the Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market. Energy prices in Italy are significantly higher than the EU average, often 30-40% more expensive, placing a substantial financial burden on power-intensive MRO operations. For instance, as of January 2025, Italy's electricity prices on the day-ahead market were notably higher than those in neighboring countries like Germany, France, and Spain. Labour costs also contribute to elevated expenses, with Italy’s Labor Cost Index reaching an all-time high of 108.20 points in Q4 2024. This combination of high energy and labour costs increases total service costs for MRO providers.

Italy Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Operation (MRO) Industry Segmentation

Italy Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Operation (MRO) Market Share

Market Analysis by Type

Engine maintenance involves scheduled or on-condition work. It includes inspection, replacement, repair, and preventive maintenance. As per the Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market analysis, there is a growing collaboration to cater to the market requirement. In February 2025, FTAI Aviation agreed to acquire a 50% stake in IAG Engine Center Europe to launch a joint venture aimed at increasing CFM56 engine repair capacity in Italy. Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG), a global aerospace systems and services provider, expanded its MRO capabilities in 2022 by acquiring Euroavia which specialises in PT6 engine MRO services.

Line maintenance is responsible for supporting the daily flying schedule. Further, the demand is driven by the growing utilisation of narrowbody aircraft. In order to tap into this opportunity, Atitech’s acquired Alitalia in 2023, taking over its four MEO hangars in Rome, giving it six lines of narrowbody aircraft maintenance and five lines of widebody maintenance. Lufthansa’s investment of USD 374 million in 2023 for a 41% stake in ITA Airways strengthened Lufthansa Technik's position as the preferred provider of full line of MRO services in Italy.

Market Analysis by Provider

Independent service providers are strengthening Italy's position in the MRO sector. FL Technics’ plan to open a wheels and brakes repair center in Italy in 2025, reflecting a growing MRO market in the country. Moreover, in September 2024, Schweizer granted MRO authorisation to Elicuneo, a helicopter service provider in Boglietto. Operating its fleet of Schweizer 300 helicopters, Elicuneo is now set to expand its maintenance services. This supports the growth of Italy’s rotary-wing sector. Independent MRO providers in Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market grow due to rising air traffic, competitive pricing, and specialised services.

As per the Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market report, original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are entering the MRO sector to capitalise on emerging revenue opportunities and expand their market presence. Their substantial resources and global operational networks enable them to effectively address aftermarket service demands. OEMs are embracing digital tools to enhance MRO services. In 2024, Lufthansa Technik partnered with Microsoft to leverage AI in optimising aircraft maintenance processes, showcasing how OEMs are modernizing MRO services.

Market Analysis by Application

Growing air passenger numbers are driving the expansion of Italy’s commercial aviation sector, which recorded over 196 million arrivals and departures in 2023, thereby boosting the Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market expansion. The sector witnessed a 20% increase in 2023 as compared to 2022. Around 60% of this traffic was managed by five major hubs—Rome, Milan, Bergamo, Naples, and Venice. In 2023, international air traffic made up 66% of Italy’s total origin-destination (O-D) departures, with 66.3 million passenger departures recorded.

Rising military MRO services in Italy are driven by an increased defence procurement budget, which rose by 16.8% in 2024 to USD 10.3 billion. This budget will fund the purchase of 25 additional F-35 jets and new Eurofighter aircraft, signaling a growing demand for MRO services to support a larger, modernised fleet. Italy’s defence sector is expected to grow, with spending projected to reach 1.61% of the country’s GDP by 2027, despite its high debt levels. 

Italy, as a major business and tourist destination, saw a surge in private jet usage for both leisure and business travel. Considering the strong potential in the Italian market, Charter broker Air Charter Service (ACS) expanded its presence in Italy by opening its 35th globally located office in February 2025. Italy’s business aviation market was supported by a fleet of 132 business jets as of Q2 2023.

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If you choose to purchase the full report at a later stage, the amount already paid will be adjusted, and you will only need to pay the remaining balance.

Italy Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Operation (MRO) Market Regional Insights

The rising number of passengers on air travel is boosting the demand for MRO services in the Centre in Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market. According to the Toscana Aeroporti Spa, the passenger traffic at the Tuscan Airport System exceeded 9 million, reaching 9,063,933. It represents a 10.7% growth over 2023 and was made possible by a 7.5% increase in commercial passenger flights and an improvement in the aircraft fill rate, which increased 1.6% to 85.3%. In 2023 the combined passenger traffic at Rome’s two airports Fiumicino and Ciampino reached 44.4 million passengers. While Fiumicino recorded 40.5 million passengers, an increase of 38% over 2022, Ciampino handled 3.9 million passengers.

Key airports in the North-West include Milano Linate, Milano Malpensa, and Bergamo. As per the Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market, in January 2025, Milano Malpensa saw a 14.9% rise in passenger traffic compared to the previous year, alongside a 35.5% increase in cargo volumes. In October 2024, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Air Cargo took delivery of its latest Boeing 777 freighter (I-MSCA). The aircraft was delivered to Milan’s Malpensa airport, marking a new phase of the MSC’s entrance into the airfreight sector.

Airlines in South Italy are partnering with MRO service providers to ensure their continuous operations. In May 2024, Volotea and Atitech signed a major contract for Atitech to provide maintenance services to the airline’s fleet. The partnership is set for five years and targets Volotea’s Airbus A320 fleet.  In January 2025, Napoli Airport in Campania recorded 639,218 passengers, marking a 2.9% increase compared to 2024 and an 11.5% rise compared to 2019.

Competitive Landscape

Other key players in the Italy aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) market are Aerosystems S.r.l., Nayak Aircraft Services Italy S.R.L, Lufthansa Technik AG, Airbus SE, The Boeing Company, Mecaer Aviation Group, Albatechnics, Avia Solutions Group PLC, Leonardo S.p.A., and OMA S.p.A., among others.