The UK aviation sector is a vital economic driver, encompassing commercial airlines, airports, manufacturing and defence aviation, with strong growth projected into 2026 and beyond. Passenger numbers have rebounded to record levels, surpassing pre-pandemic figures, while the market emphasises sustainability and technological innovation.
Market Size and Growth
The UK aviation market was valued at around £3.95 billion in 2025, forecasted to reach £5.65 billion by 2030, driven by fleet renewals and defence investments. Key hubs like Heathrow, Manchester and regional airports support passenger volumes expected to grow significantly, alongside cargo and general aviation.
Key Segments
- Commercial Aviation: Dominates with 56.6% market share, fuelled by resilient travel demand and SAF mandates for emissions reduction.
- Defence and Military: Fastest-growing at 7.78% CAGR, boosted by programmes like Tempest and AUKUS.
- Manufacturing and MRO: Features leaders like Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, focusing on avionics, sustainable tech, and maintenance.
Major Trends
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blending targets (10% by 2030), electric/hybrid tech advancements and AI-driven maintenance shape the sector amid challenges like ageing fleets and infrastructure expansion. Regional growth under levelling-up initiatives enhances connectivity.
PTSG: total safety and compliance for aviation infrastructure
PTSG’s experienced Aviation Division provides complete compliance solutions, integrating multiple specialist services under one trusted partner.
Supporting airports and aviation estates with a single point of contact for testing, inspection, repair and maintenance – we ensure operational continuity and full legislative compliance.
Some of the many projects PTSG has completed at aviation sites throughout the UK include:
- In June 2025, PTSG attended the British Airways Engineering Family Open Day at Heathrow; our height specialists brought along their Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) to give visitors a unique lift – quite literally – inside the British Airways aircraft hangar.
- In May 2025, PTSG’s Power Earthing division delivered a rapid response strategy at Cornwall Spaceport, Newquay.
- In March 2024, engineers from Trinity, part of PTSG Fire Solutions Ltd, ensured foam suppression systems were fully compliant with regulations for Virgin Atlantic.
- In 2022, PTSG completed a project to install specialist fire solutions at RAF Wyton for Amey Defence.
- In 2016, PTSG delivered a series of inspection and certification works on the Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) at the construction site of Hamad International Airport (HIA), Qatar.
Please contact Adam Davies, Group Aviation Director of Trinity (part of PTSG Fire Solutions) for further information:
- [email protected]
- 07792 526515
- 0208 5648752
