Demand for avionics maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is increasing rapidly, driven by fleet expansion, military modernisation and the growing complexity of aircraft technology.

 

Speaking ahead of the MRO Middle East exhibition in Dubai, Ismaël Fadili, VP Sales EMEA at AMETEK MRO, said steady fleet expansion and increased willingness by airlines to partner with third-party MRO providers are key drivers behind the growth trend.

 

Airlines across the region, particularly low-cost carriers and major network operators, continue to place significant orders for new aircraft, including Airbus A320 and A350 family aircraft. At the same time, many operators are undertaking large-scale retrofit programmes focused on cabin upgrades, inflight connectivity and flight deck system enhancements. These developments are increasing demand for advanced avionics support and placing additional pressure on existing MRO capacity.

 

Military aviation is also contributing significantly to demand. Increasing defence budgets across the region are supporting the acquisition of new aircraft platforms and the modernisation of legacy fleets. These programmes rely heavily on sophisticated avionics systems that require specialised maintenance and repair capability. AMETEK MRO businesses, including Muirhead Avionics and AvTech, provide support across a range of avionics systems. Muirhead Avionics is among the limited number of avionics facilities globally able to support recorders, instrumentation, radar systems, display units, control panels and navigation and communication systems aligned with OEM ARC agreements and licences.

 

Technological development continues to reshape the avionics MRO market. New-generation aircraft incorporate highly integrated avionics, digital flight decks, fly-by-wire control systems and advanced navigation and surveillance technology.

 These systems require specialised technicians, software engineers and advanced diagnostic equipment beyond traditional maintenance skill sets.

 

Regional environmental conditions also influence maintenance demand. High temperatures, sand, dust and humidity accelerate wear and degradation of electronic components, contributing to higher failure rates and more frequent maintenance cycles.

 

The region faces several operational challenges, including strong competition for qualified avionics technicians, systems engineers and software specialists. MRO providers are under pressure to expand hangar capacity, test equipment capability and training programmes to support fleet growth. Global supply chain constraints are also affecting the availability of key avionics components, including displays, control units and line-replaceable modules.

 

These factors are contributing to increased focus on developing local avionics MRO capability. AMETEK MRO is building local partnerships to support regional capability development. Airlines, defence operators and governments are placing greater emphasis on building in-region expertise, facilities and parts availability, reducing reliance on overseas repair providers.

 

Looking ahead, the outlook for avionics MRO in the region remains strong. The Gulf Cooperation Council MRO market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 14.5% between 2025 and 2030. As the region continues to develop as a global aviation hub for commercial and military operations, demand for advanced avionics support is expected to continue increasing.

 

Fadili said the MENA aviation expansion is creating sustained demand for modern avionics MRO services supported by skilled personnel, strong infrastructure and resilient supply chains. This is positioning avionics as one of the fastest growing and strategically important segments within the regional aerospace sector.

 

AMETEK MRO is a global provider of MRO services supporting commercial, regional, military and general aviation aircraft. The company services more than 40,000 aircraft components across multiple capability areas, including avionics, fuel, heat transfer, landing gear, hydraulics, pneumatics, power, safety and medical systems, and wheels and brakes. AMETEK MRO operates 13 locations globally with approximately 800 employees across its business units.