Outlook for GE Aerospace's North American Commercial Engine Market

GE Aerospace Strengthens Dominance in North American Commercial Engine Market

GE Aerospace currently powers over 72% of all widebody aircraft in North America, a commanding market share expected to increase to more than 78% by 2034. This growth highlights the company’s entrenched position within the region’s commercial aviation sector, even as it contends with intensifying competition and evolving industry dynamics.

Expanding MRO Demand Amid Fleet Evolution

Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities for commercial engines in North America are projected to constitute over 46% of the region’s total commercial MRO demand over the next decade. GE Aerospace engines alone will represent approximately 39% of this engine-specific MRO expenditure, amounting to an estimated $52 billion through 2034, according to Aviation Week’s 2025 Commercial Aviation Fleet & MRO Forecast. Although the active GE Aerospace engine fleet is anticipated to decline from nearly 5,600 units in 2025 to just above 4,800 by 2034, MRO demand is expected to increase by more than $225 million during the same period. This modest compound annual growth rate of 0.5% reflects the rising complexity and maintenance requirements of newer engine models.

Shifting Demand Across Engine Families

The CF6 engine family will maintain its lead in GE Aerospace’s MRO demand, accounting for over 35% of the total, followed closely by the CF34 and GENX families, each comprising 22%. However, the market landscape is evolving. By 2034, the GENX family is projected to command the largest share of annual MRO demand among GE Aerospace engines. The GENX fleet is expected to more than double, growing from approximately 610 engines in 2025 to nearly 1,300 by 2034, driven by airlines’ ongoing efforts to modernize their fleets.

GENX Engines as a Catalyst for Future Growth

In 2025, active GENX engines are estimated to generate $745 million in MRO demand, representing 14% of GE Aerospace’s North American engine MRO market. By 2034, this figure is forecast to exceed $2.3 billion—a 210% increase—accounting for more than 42% of the company’s engine MRO demand in the region. This surge is attributed to the GENX engine’s advanced technology, superior fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions, making it a preferred option for airlines prioritizing sustainability. The expanding adoption of GENX engines will necessitate increasingly specialized MRO services, thereby intensifying demand for skilled maintenance providers.

Navigating Competitive and Operational Challenges

GE Aerospace’s robust growth trajectory unfolds amid heightened competition and scrutiny over its strong financial performance. Rival manufacturers are introducing new products and strategic initiatives aimed at capturing market share, particularly as GE accelerates deliveries of next-generation engines. The company’s commitment to sustainable technologies aligns with broader industry trends but also presents challenges, including the need for continuous investment in innovation and workforce development.

Furthermore, global supply chain disruptions, compounded by tariffs, continue to affect production and delivery schedules, adding operational complexity. Despite these challenges, GE Aerospace’s expanding market share and leadership in advanced engine technologies position it at the forefront of North America’s commercial aviation market.

As airlines increasingly emphasize efficiency and environmental performance, GE Aerospace’s evolving engine portfolio and growing MRO demand underscore its pivotal role in shaping the future of commercial aviation across the region.