The UK’s aerospace sector has built an enviable reputation for designing and manufacturing some of the world’s most advanced aircraft and engine technologies. Yet according to a new industry whitepaper from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), Britain is at risk of missing one of aviation’s biggest commercial opportunities unless it gives equal attention to maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).
For ANT Industries, the findings reinforce a trend that has been gathering pace across global aerospace for several years. As airlines continue operating aircraft for longer, new aircraft deliveries remain constrained and engine maintenance demand continues to rise, the aftermarket is becoming one of the industry’s fastest-growing sectors.
Managing Director Shaun Rowley believes the UK’s precision engineering community is ideally positioned to play a much larger role.
“The MRO market isn’t simply about maintaining aircraft. It is about extending asset life, improving reliability and keeping fleets flying safely and efficiently. Every one of those priorities depends on an advanced manufacturing supply chain capable of producing precision-engineered components to the highest aerospace standards.”
The NMIS report highlights a striking imbalance. While the UK commands around 13 per cent of the global aerospace original equipment market, it accounts for only around three per cent of the worldwide MRO market, despite possessing many of the technical capabilities required to compete more effectively.
With airlines delaying fleet replacement programmes, engines remaining on-wing for longer and maintenance providers managing unprecedented workshop demand, manufacturers throughout the aerospace supply chain are seeing growing opportunities to support overhaul programmes with precision-machined components, repairs and replacement parts.
Shaun says these changing market dynamics represent a significant opportunity for specialist manufacturers.
“We’re seeing a long-term shift where keeping existing aircraft in service has become just as strategically important as building the next generation. That creates sustained demand for companies that can consistently deliver quality, traceability and engineering excellence.”
“For businesses like ANT Industries, investment in advanced machining technology, skilled people and continuous improvement is exactly what positions us to support customers operating within this expanding aftermarket.”
The NMIS report argues that greater investment in digital technology, automation, artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance will be essential if the UK is to capture a larger share of the global MRO market. It also identifies skills development and closer collaboration between industry, government and innovation bodies as critical priorities.
Shaun believes those recommendations align closely with the direction already being taken across the UK’s leading aerospace manufacturers.
“Manufacturing today is no longer just about producing components. It is about digital manufacturing, intelligent inspection, process capability and providing customers with complete confidence throughout the lifecycle of a component.”
“Customers increasingly expect partners who can support them with responsiveness, technical expertise and repeatable quality. Those expectations become even more important within MRO, where downtime directly impacts aircraft availability.”
The report also highlights how extending component life through advanced manufacturing techniques can strengthen supply chain resilience while reducing waste and supporting wider sustainability objectives. Rather than simply producing more new parts, manufacturers are increasingly focused on helping operators maximise the value of existing assets throughout their operational life.
For ANT Industries, this reflects a broader evolution taking place across aerospace manufacturing.
The company continues to invest in advanced CNC machining, inspection capability and manufacturing excellence to ensure it remains a trusted supplier for customers operating in one of the world’s most demanding industries.
Shaun believes the UK’s aerospace heritage provides an excellent platform from which to grow.
“Britain has outstanding engineering talent, world-class aerospace companies and an exceptional supply chain. The opportunity now is to ensure we apply those strengths not only to new aircraft programmes but also to the rapidly expanding global aftermarket.”
“If the industry continues investing in technology, skills and manufacturing capability, there is every reason the UK can become a much bigger player in the global MRO economy. For specialist manufacturers like ANT Industries, that’s an exciting prospect and one we’re ready to support.”
As aerospace enters a new era where aircraft availability, resilience and lifecycle performance are becoming every bit as important as new production, ANT Industries believes the companies investing today will be those best placed to support tomorrow’s global fleet.