Let's talk about the accelerated growth in aircraft engine maintenance – and why $FTAI has become a key player in this arena.
A few months ago, we posted here about $FTAI stock – we identified significant insider buying there after sharp declines.
What has happened since then?
Since then, the stock has risen over 100% to an all-time high – and has already dropped slightly again.
And this is exactly a great time to tell you more about the field it operates in...
In the last decade, the aviation world has undergone a quiet yet profound revolution: the field of aircraft engine maintenance (Engine Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul – MRO) has transformed from a routine technical operation into a consistently growing industry driving high profitability and engineering innovation.
What is driving this growth?
Full recovery of commercial aviation after COVID-19, with a sharp increase in demand for domestic and international flights. An increase in the average age of the global aircraft fleet, significantly raising the need for engine maintenance. A shortage of new engines due to supply chain bottlenecks, pushing airlines to invest more in maintenance. Rapid technological advancements in LEAP and GTF engines, requiring sophisticated maintenance and high engineering expertise.
According to Strategic Market Research, the aircraft engine maintenance market is expected to grow from $58.4 billion in 2024 to $89.2 billion by 2030 – an average annual growth of approximately 6.3%.
This is one of the fastest-growing segments in the aviation world, with structural demand continuing to rise.
And this is where FTAI Aviation Ltd ($FTAI) comes in. Previously known as Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC, after a 2022 reorganization it became FTAI Aviation Ltd., a company focused on the heart of the fastest-growing sector:
Commercial jet engine maintenance.
What the company actually does: FTAI is a leading global supplier of CFM56 and V2500 engines, modules, and parts.
It specializes in the acquisition, refurbishment, leasing, and sale of used engines, with an emphasis on MRE – Maintenance, Repair & Exchange services, a model that allows it to maximize profitability through rapid asset turnover.
Key data and advantages: The company has two main business lines: Aviation Leasing and Aerospace Products, and high gross margin rates (close to 40%) thanks to its focus on high-value parts and upgrade services.
Growing global demand for engine maintenance services supports double-digit revenue growth.
In 2021, it still generated only $333 million – and in 2024, it already generated $1.7 billion.
This is a more than 5x increase in revenue!
In 2025, in the first 3 quarters, the company's revenues already exceeded the total revenues of the previous year.
The company has a BB- credit rating with a stable outlook according to Fitch Ratings (2025), indicating relative financial strength in a volatile industry.
Vision forward: FTAI is expanding its engineering and operational capabilities, with the establishment of new facilities in the US and Europe, and a continuous focus on CFM56 and V2500 engines – the two most common engines in the global aviation fleet.
Its position at the heart of the aviation value chain, alongside its unique approach to managing used engines, allows it to benefit from strong industry trends.
While airlines struggle to buy new aircraft, it profits from engines going into the shop.