Global air freight volumes are rising alongside a resurgence in regional manufacturing, creating new momentum for the aerospace Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector across Asia Pacific. Forecasts estimate the global MRO market will reach USD-282 billion by 2025. Asia Pacific is expected to play a major role, thanks to its growing aircraft fleet, cost advantages, and rising demand for high-tech upgrades.
Turning this momentum into long-term operational gains will require aerospace companies to optimize their aerospace MRO supply chain strategies and address region-specific logistics challenges that impact efficiency and responsiveness.
What is Driving MRO Expansion Across Asia Pacific?
Aging Fleets and Extended Aircraft Lifecycles
The global fleet of aircraft is forecasted to grow by 25 percent from 28,398 in 2024 to 35,413 by 2034 (Statista). With wait times for new aircraft averaging eight years, airlines are relying more heavily on existing fleets. This is increasing the need for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services across the region.
“Aircraft can have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years,” says Mike Xu, COO of Embraer China. “But many aircraft are retired from the passenger market after just 20 years of operation in China. There are still a lot of potential life cycles to be used.”
Asia Pacific as the Global Growth Engine
Asia is home to many of the world’s fastest-growing MRO hubs. In China, MRO activity is expected to experience double-digit growth in the coming years, more than twice the global average of 5 percent. In Southeast Asia, the market is projected to grow at 6 percent annually through 2029, reaching a value of USD 7.12 billion (Mordor Intelligence).
Why the Aerospace MRO Supply Chain Matters Now
As the aerospace MRO supply chain continues to expand, airlines and service providers face mounting pressure on turnaround times, parts availability, and logistics coordination. Success now depends on having partners with regional expertise, 24/7 shipment visibility, and time-critical freight capabilities to support the full spectrum of aviation MRO services across Asia Pacific.
For a quick visual summary, check out our infographic on navigating aerospace logistics in a VUCA world.
Why Asia Pacific Holds a Distinct Edge in MRO Logistics
Asia Pacific stands apart from Europe and North America with a range of structural and economic advantages. Countries such as China and India benefit from mature industrial clusters that allow for seamless integration of manufacturing and logistics.
India, in particular, is expanding its role in aerospace-adjacent sectors like electronics and semiconductors, backed by government initiatives such as Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes aimed at attracting foreign investment and modernizing supply chains.
Labor and operational costs remain comparatively lower, enhancing regional cost efficiency. Explore how India is becoming a global manufacturing hub in our Strategic Guide to Manufacturing in India.
A growing middle class across Southeast Asia and South Asia is also expanding airline networks, increasing the demand for routine and specialized maintenance. Meanwhile, markets like Singapore and South Korea are positioning themselves as early adopters of digitalized MRO operations, creating a fertile environment for innovation and service excellence.
Global aerospace leaders including Airbus, GE, and Safran are expanding their MRO footprints in China, while Singapore, Malaysia, and India are emerging as specialized service hubs, supported by favorable policies and strategic locations.
Challenges Hindering Supply Chain Performance
Despite its potential, the MRO sector in Asia Pacific faces a range of complex logistics and supply chain barriers:
- Parts Availability: Shortages and manufacturing delays for critical components like engines and avionics extend maintenance turnaround times.
- Customs and Compliance: Diverse regulations across borders require specialist knowledge and certifications.
- Time-Sensitive Shipments: Urgent scenarios such as Aircraft on Ground (AOG) demand rapid response and routing precision.
- Special Handling Needs: Oversized or high-value cargo requires specialized packaging, security, and equipment.
- Low Visibility: Limited end-to-end tracking can jeopardize scheduling and safety.
- Fragmented Inventory Management: A decentralized supplier landscape creates inefficiencies and lack of transparency.
Addressing these issues requires a combination of digital visibility, regulatory expertise, and multi-modal logistics capabilities.
For a complete breakdown, check out the biggest challenges in global aerospace logistics and how to solve them.
Building Smarter MRO Supply Chains
To meet evolving aerospace needs in the region, logistics providers must:
- Work with AEO-certified partners experienced in local customs regimes to expedite clearance and minimize risk.
- Implement purpose-designed packaging, multimodal routing, and secure warehousing to ensure safe and timely delivery.
- Leverage integrated digital platforms to track shipments in real time and proactively manage exceptions.
Delivering on High-Stakes MRO Shipments
When a leading aviation service provider needed to move critical engine components from Europe to Southeast Asia on a tight timeline, both speed and cargo security were non-negotiable.
Dimerco designed a bespoke logistics solution that combined anti-vibration packaging, real-time environmental monitoring, accelerated customs clearance, and multimodal transport planning. As a result, the shipment was delivered on time, enabling maintenance operations to continue without delay.
Partnering to Build Resilient MRO Supply Chains
While the Asia Pacific MRO market offers substantial upside, success depends on overcoming its unique logistical challenges. Aerospace manufacturers and service providers must move past cost alone to prioritize agility, compliance, and control.
Dimerco delivers integrated solutions for the aerospace MRO supply chain across Asia Pacific, tailored to the industry’s high standards and fast-moving demands. With deep regional expertise and proven execution, we help aerospace customers turn operational challenges into competitive advantage.
Dimerco partners with aerospace companies across Asia Pacific to simplify complex MRO supply chain operations. From urgent shipments to compliance-sensitive cargo, our team helps ensure critical parts reach their destination safely and on time.
To explore how we can support your logistics strategy, get in touch with a Dimerco specialist for customized MRO supply chain solutions that align with your business goals.
