Deep Dive Insights from Aero NextGen’s Industry Survey
Executive Summary:
• Cloud-based platforms are the dominant deployment, with hybrid models remaining critical for regulated environments.
• Decision authority remains concentrated at the executive and operations level, reinforcing ROI-driven buying behaviour.
• MROs and fleet operators lead digital adoption due to operational pressure and labor constraints.
• Integration, analytics, and automation are prioritized over standalone point solutions.
• Early adoption of AI-driven tools is emerging in customer service and operational workflows.
Market Segmentation & Decision Maker Landscape
Aviation technology adoption is far from uniform. Our survey reveals that decision authority is still highly concentrated at the executive (CEO/CFO/Owner) and operations levels. This executive-driven approach underscores a continued focus on ROI and measurable business outcomes when evaluating software investments.
• By Function:
o Executives & Owners: 40%
o Operations: 24%
o Quality & Engineering: 16%
o IT & Digital, Sales: 15%
• By Sector:
oCommercial Aviation: 46%
o Helicopter, Special Ops, eVTOL, UAM: 20%
o Military & Defense: 18%
o Business/General Aviation: 17%
• By Operations:
o MRO & Maintenance: 43%
o Fleet operators: 28%
o Distributors: 16%
o Manufacturers & OEMs: 13%
• By Size:
o <100 Employees: 49.5%
o >100<1,000 Employees: 30.5%
o >1,000<5,000 Employees: 9.5%
o >5,000 Employees: 10.5%
Regional Appetite for Digital Solutions
Europe leads in digital adoption (35%), followed by the Americas (30%) and APAC (21%). This appetite aligns with regions facing the highest operational pressures and regulatory demands.
Region % Looking to Implement Software
Americas 35%
APAC 30%
Africa 21%
Europe 14%
Cloud vs. On-Premise: Deployment Preferences
Cloud-based platforms have become the dominant deployment model, reflecting the industry’s need for flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. However, hybrid models remain critical for regulated environments, ensuring compliance while enabling digital agility.
• Cloud: Majority preference
• Hybrid: Important for compliance-driven operations
• On-Premise: Declining, but still relevant in niche/regulatory cases
Top Pain Points Driving Technology Change
Aviation companies are motivated by a set of persistent pain points:
– Siloed data and processes – Outdated systems
– Multiple, poorly integrated platforms
– Basic analytics and reporting limitations
– Pressure for improved operational efficiency
– Mandate for digitalization and paperless workflows
– Reducing manual intervention
– Demand for simpler user interfaces
– Cost pressures and search for more affordable systems
Feature & Category Priorities: What Buyers Want Most
The top features and software categories in demand for 2025 include:
- Mobile applications
- CRM and customer portals
- Sales RFQ/RFP automation
- Procurement automation
- Technical records digitization
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Quality management
- Supplier relationship management (SRM)
- AI agents for customer service
- Inventory and order management
Integration, automation, and data-driven insights are prioritized over standalone point solutions, reflecting a shift toward holistic digital ecosystems.
Emerging Trends: AI, Analytics, and Integration
• AI-Driven Tools: Early adoption is emerging in customer service and operational workflows, with AI agents and predictive analytics gaining traction.
• Integration: Companies are prioritizing platforms that unify data and processes across the value chain, breaking down silos and enabling real-time decision-making.
• Analytics: There is a growing demand for advanced analytics, not just basic reporting, to drive operational excellence and strategic planning.
Strategic Takeaways for 2025
• ROI-Driven Decision Making: Executive and operations leaders are laser-focused on solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Cloud Dominance with Hybrid Flexibility: Cloud is king, but hybrid models are a must for compliance-heavy sectors.
• Integration is Non-Negotiable: The era of isolated point solutions is ending; platforms must connect the ecosystem.
• AI and Automation: Early adopters are already reaping benefits in efficiency and customer experience.
Conclusion
The 2025 aviation & MRO technology landscape is defined by a relentless push for integration, analytics, and automation. Companies that embrace cloud-based, AIenabled, and highly integrated platforms will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly complex, data-driven environment. Aero NextGen’s survey-driven insights offer a clear roadmap for technology investment and operational transformation in the year ahead.
Sources: 2025Tech_Trends_Aviation_Report.pdf, Aero NextGen Solution Finder Survey
