Why are aftermarket parts important in aviation?

The aviation aftermarket ensures that airlines and MRO providers have continuous access to the parts needed to keep aircraft operational.

As aircraft can remain in service for decades, the aftermarket plays a crucial role in reducing downtime, controlling maintenance costs, and extending aircraft lifespan.

In the aviation industry, aftermarket parts:

Maintain airworthiness beyond original production cycles
Support global MRO operations and part replacement needs
Reduce costs compared to OEM-only sourcing
Enable sustainability through reuse and recycling (USM parts)
Drive innovation via PMA development and digital supply chain solutions

Satair is a leading global provider of aviation aftermarket parts, offering airlines, MROs, and lessors access to OEM, PMA, and USM materials with full traceability and certification.

The life cycle of aviation aftermarket parts

The aviation aftermarket operates as a ‘closed-loop system’, where aircraft parts move through a continuous cycle of production, operation, maintenance, and reuse.

Lifecycle stage	Description	Example
Production	New, certified parts are manufactured by the OEM or an approved supplier.	Newly produced engine components or avionics units
Operation	The parts are installed on aircraft and used during regular service.	Components in active flight cycles
Removal	Parts are removed after reaching life limits or during scheduled maintenance.	Actuator or pump removed during a heavy check
Repair/Overhaul	The part is inspected, repaired, or overhauled to meet airworthiness standards.	Resotred hydraulic pump, overhauled valve
Reuse (USM)	Certified used parts re-enter the aftermarket as Used Serviceable Material (USM).	Recertified landing gear, avionics, or cabin units
Recycling	Non-serviceable materials are recycled for raw material recovery.	Metal alloys, composite materials, or electronic waste

How are aftermarket parts certified?

All aviation aftermarket parts must meet strict certification and traceability requirements before installation.

The most common documentation of aviation aftermarket parts includes:

FAA Form 8130-3 (U.S. airworthiness approval)
EASA Form 1 (European airworthiness approval)
Certificate of Conformance (CoC) from the manufacturer or repair station

How are aftermarket parts used in real-world operations?

Aviation aftermarket parts are used during scheduled and unscheduled maintenance to replace worn or life-limited components.

Typical use cases of aviation aftermarket parts include:

Engine and APU replacements and upgrades
Landing gear and brake component swaps
Avionics and electrical systems maintenance
Cabin interiors refurbishment and modernisation
Hydraulic and pneumatic systems servicing

Best practices for sourcing aviation aftermarket parts

To ensure safety and operational continuity, airlines and MROs should:

Partner with authorised distributors and OEM-approved suppliers
Verify traceability documents for every purchased part
Maintain digital inventory tracking for all component types
Combine OEM, PMA, and USM sourcing strategies for cost balance
Conduct supplier audits to ensure quality and regulatory compliance

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Aviation Aftermarket Parts

Minus Plus What are aftermarket parts in aviation?

Minus Plus Are aviation aftermarket parts certified?

Minus Plus Why do airlines use aftermarket parts?

Minus Plus Who supplies aviation aftermarket parts?

Minus Plus What documentation is required for aftermarket parts?

Minus Plus How big is the aircraft aftermarket parts market?

What are aftermarket parts in aviation?

Are aviation aftermarket parts certified?

Why do airlines use aftermarket parts?

Who supplies aviation aftermarket parts?

What documentation is required for aftermarket parts?

How big is the aircraft aftermarket parts market?