Central Asian MRO sector projected to reach $254M in 2035

Image: Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan

Central Asia has established itself as a leading growth zone for global aviation, prompting its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector to expand its capacity. Data presented at the MRO Central Asia 2026 conference in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in March, highlighted a significant regional imbalance: while the region records a steady 7.7% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in seat capacity, it continues to outsource 60% of its maintenance work.

KEY GROWTH INDICATORS

Jamoliddin Nazarov, Head of the Air Transport Department at the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan, noted that Central Asia’s MRO sector is expanding at an annual rate of 6.5% and is on track to hit the US$254 million volume mark by 2035. This trajectory is supported by a notable 500% increase in carrying capacity over the last two decades.

Mert Erensoy, MRO Sales Manager at Turkish Technic, confirmed the region’s strong momentum. Ersoy noted that Central Asia’s 7.7% CAGR in seat capacity outpaces South Asia by two percentage points and exceeds the global average by five points, positioning it as a key growth market.

THE OUTSOURCING GAP AND STRATEGIC FOCUS

The primary discussion among delegates in Tashkent centered on the region’s heavy reliance on external service providers. Both Nazarov and Ersoy emphasized that local facilities currently satisfy only 40% of market demand, leaving the remaining 60% to be contracted abroad.

Nazarov characterized reversing this trend as a “shared task,” calling for deeper international partnerships to localize high-value maintenance tasks. Central Asia’s geographical positioning between Europe, East Asia, and the Middle East—combined with competitive labor costs—presents an opportunity to transition the region from a consumer of external services into a self-reliant Eurasian MRO hub.

FLEET EXPANSION DRIVING INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

The demand for localized MRO infrastructure is rising alongside fleet deliveries. Analysts noted that the region’s active fleet, which currently stands at approximately 171 aircraft, is projected to approach 400 units by 2030. Uzbekistan has emerged as a primary driver of this growth, leading the region in the establishment of startup carriers.

This fleet expansion requires immediate development of domestic technical support, engine shops, and international certifications. Industry experts concluded that to sustain this airline growth, regional stakeholders must focus on building physical hangar capacity and developing a certified technical workforce.

The strategic roadmap for alignment of regional MRO capacity with traffic growth will be further discussed this October at MRO Central Asia Kazakhstan and Aeroengines Kazakhstan in Astana, followed by MRO Central Asia Uzbekistan in 2027 in Tashkent.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan moves to localize pilot training with South Korean partnership.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Aviation professionals gather in Astana for successful Central Asia Aviation Summit.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: MRO Central Asia 2026 exhibition & conference grows nearly threefold.