Airbus, Boeing maintenance push forces incumbents to rethink strategies

Singapore

A PUSH by Airbus SE and Boeing Co to capture more of the US$77 billion global commercial aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market is leading incumbents to seek partnerships and explore new business lines to stay competitive.

Airframe and engine manufacturers are stepping up sales of packages that supply customers with maintenance, engineering and parts. That poses a direct challenge to independent MRO companies like US-based AAR Corp, Singapore's ST Aerospace and SIA Engineering Company Ltd, and Germany's Lufthansa Technik.