Air Transport USM Market: Size, Share, Trends & Forecast (2024-2029)
The report covers a comprehensive analysis segmented by Product Type (Engine, Components, Airframe), by Aircraft Type (Narrow-Body Aircraft, Wide-Body Aircraft, Turboprop Aircraft, Regional Aircraft), by Application (Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Aftermarket), by Geography (North America, South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, The Middle East, Africa).
Air Transport USM Market Snapshot
Air Transport USM Market Overview
The global air transport USM market is estimated to be at $7.87 Bn in 2024 and is anticipated to reach $9.82 Bn in 2029. The global air transport USM market is registering a CAGR of 4.53% during the forecast period of 2024-2029. The air transport USM market revolves around the trading, repair, overhaul, and re-certification of used aircraft components, engines, and other materials for reuse on aircraft. This market has witnessed substantial growth in recent years as airlines and aircraft operators actively pursue cost-saving measures and embrace more sustainable practices within the aviation industry.
Airlines and aircraft operators often sell their retired aircraft and their serviceable components to USM suppliers, who then inspect, repair, and certify these parts for resale. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) companies also contribute to the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market by overhauling and refurbishing used components for resale or reuse. Surplus material distributors act as intermediaries, sourcing and trading in a wide range of used serviceable parts, ensuring their availability to aircraft operators and MRO facilities worldwide. Furthermore, the market for USM air travel is in line with the aviation industry’s increased focus on environmental sustainability. The market helps to cut waste and the carbon footprint associated with producing new parts from the start by prolonging the lifespan of aviation components and materials through repair, overhaul, and reuse.
The air transport USM market is well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory and meet the changing demands of the aviation sector, owing to its capacity for cost savings, environmental sustainability, and supply chain resilience.
​​​Air Transport USM Market Coverage
| Historical & Forecast Period | 2018-2029 |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2029 |
| Units | Billion US$ |
| Segments | Product Type, Aircraft Type, Application |
| Geographies | North America, South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, The Middle East, Africa |
| Key Vendors | The Boeing Co., Lufthansa Technik AG, MTU Aero Engines AG, Triumph Group, Inc., GA Telesis, LLC |
Key Geographies of Air Transport USM Market, 2023
Porter’s 5 Forces Analysis of Air Transport USM Market
Air Transport USM Market Trends
Air Transport USM involves the trading, purchasing, and supply of used serviceable aircraft components and materials. It has become an integral part of the aviation industry’s supply chain in recent years.
To get reasonably priced replacement parts and components, airline operators are increasingly looking to USM suppliers. The necessity to save on maintenance expenses and aircraft downtime is what’s driving this trend. When compared to new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components, USM offers access to a large inventory of usable parts at a lower cost. Prominent OEMs and aircraft manufacturers have acknowledged the potential of the USM industry. Some have partnered with suppliers and created specialized USM programs to certify old components and increase aftermarket revenue. For instance, in 2023, Lufthansa Technik signed a major agreement with Honeywell Aerospace to expand its USM offerings. This partnership aims to enhance the availability of high-quality, certified used parts for a wide range of aircraft, illustrating a growing confidence in USM’s reliability and safety.
There has also been an increase in the number of independent USM suppliers, who focus on locating, examining, approving, and supplying a variety of aircraft parts for various aircraft models and types. The need for USM extends across several aircraft life cycles, from aged fleets to next-generation models, and includes avionics, mechanical parts, engine materials, and interior equipment. To guarantee the airworthiness and traceability of used parts in compliance with regulatory standards, USM suppliers place a high priority on advanced inspection, repair, and certification capabilities.
USM suppliers are implementing digital inventory management platforms to enhance the visibility, availability, and logistics of their USM parts worldwide to satisfy just-in-time demands.
Air Transport USM Market Driving Factors
USM components are considerably less expensive than new parts, enabling airlines to maintain and repair aircraft more economically. This cost-saving aspect is crucial as airlines continuously seek ways to reduce operational expenditures amidst fluctuating fuel prices and competitive pressures. For instance, partnerships like that between Pratt & Whitney CSA and Next Level Aviation highlight the cost efficiencies gained by utilizing USM for aircraft engines, supporting both Boeing Co. and Airbus platforms​.
The aging global aircraft fleet is another crucial driver of the USM market. As aircraft age, they require more frequent maintenance and part replacements, creating a steady demand for serviceable used parts. The market benefits from the dismantling of retired aircraft, which makes high-quality parts available for reuse. For instance, acquisitions such as Satair’s purchase of VAS Aero Services underscore the strategic importance of expanding capabilities in managing used serviceable materials, particularly for aging engines and multi-fleet components​.
Reusing aircraft parts contributes to reducing waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing new components. This aligns with the industry’s broader efforts to improve its environmental footprint. Companies like L3Harris Technologies have launched businesses such as SkyParts Global to capitalize on the demand for sustainable solutions, offering used serviceable materials for various aviation segments. Regulatory frameworks that enforce stringent measures against the dumping of aircraft waste further promote the adoption of USM, as it helps airlines comply with these regulations while also achieving cost savings and operational efficiency.
Air Transport USM Market Challenges
Regulatory authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) enforce rigorous standards for the certification and traceability of used parts. These regulations ensure safety but can be cumbersome and expensive for suppliers to comply with. These stringent regulations, while crucial for maintaining safety, add complexity to the market and necessitate substantial investments in compliance.
Quality and reliability concern also pose a considerable challenge in the USM market. Ensuring that used parts meet the required standards for safety and performance is critical, but it can be difficult to ascertain the history and condition of these parts. This issue is exacerbated by the need for comprehensive documentation and the potential variability in the quality of parts sourced from different suppliers. Recent initiatives, like L3Harris Technologies’ launch of SkyParts Global in 2023, aim to address these concerns by offering direct access to OEM-reliable USM components.
Competitive pressures from OEMs also challenge the USM market. OEMs, with their substantial resources and established brand trust, often dominate the aftermarket space, overshadowing smaller USM providers. These consolidations limit opportunities for smaller players and increase market concentration, making it more challenging for new entrants to compete effectively.
Air Transport USM Market – Key Industry News
- In April 2024, GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES) in Helsinki, Finland, announced Mikael Draoui as the new Sales Director of the Middle East & North Africa region. Draoui’s successful track record in this region and passion made him the ideal leader to spearhead GATES’s growth initiatives in these important strategic markets.
- In April 2024, MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg completed the next phase of getting their CFM56-7B test capability following a successful assessment by the Luftfahrtbundesamt (LBA), the German aviation authority.
- In June 2023, Boeing Co. and NASA announced that the U.S. Air Force had designated the aircraft created under the agency’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator program as the X-66A. With its X-plane, passenger airlines worldwide hope to educate the next generation of potentially more environmentally friendly single-aisle aircraft.
Air Transport USM Market Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape of the air transport USM (Used Serviceable Material) market is shaped by a blend of established aerospace giants and specialized USM providers such as The Boeing Co., Lufthansa Technik AG, MTU Aero Engines AG, Triumph Group, Inc., GA Telesis, LLC, and others, all vying to capitalize on the increasing demand for cost-effective and sustainable aviation solutions.
The market is highly dynamic, with companies focusing on enhancing their product offerings through technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions. This competitive environment fosters continuous innovation and improvement in quality and efficiency, benefiting the overall market. Companies are particularly keen on leveraging advanced data analytics and predictive maintenance technologies to optimize the use of USM components, ensuring reliability and traceability, which are critical for maintaining safety standards.
Additionally, the competitive pressures from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), who also have a significant presence in the aftermarket space, add another layer of complexity. OEMs have the advantage of established brand trust and extensive resources, which can overshadow smaller USM providers. However, the market is witnessing strategic consolidations, such as mergers and acquisitions, that aim to strengthen competitive positioning and expand market reach.
Air Transport USM Market Company Share Analysis, 2023 (%)
Air Transport USM Market – Key Companies
Reason to Buy from us
Table of Contents
| 1. Introduction |
|---|
| 1.1. Research Methodology |
| 1.2. Scope of the Study |
| 2. Market Overview / Executive Summary |
| 2.1. Global Air Transport USM Market (2018 – 2022) |
| 2.2. Global Air Transport USM Market (2023 – 2029) |
| 3. Market Segmentation |
| 3.1. Global Air Transport USM Market by Product Type |
| 3.1.1. Engine |
| 3.1.2. Components |
| 3.1.3. Airframe |
| 3.2. Global Air Transport USM Market by Aircraft Type |
| 3.2.1. Narrow-Body Aircraft |
| 3.2.2. Wide-Body Aircraft |
| 3.2.3. Turboprop Aircraft |
| 3.2.4. Regional Aircraft |
| 3.3. Global Air Transport USM Market by Application |
| 3.3.1. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| 3.3.2. Aftermarket |
| 4. Regional Segmentation |
| 4.1. North America |
| 4.1.1. The U.S |
| 4.1.2. Canada |
| 4.1.3. Mexico |
| 4.2. South America |
| 4.2.1. Brazil |
| 4.2.2. Argentina |
| 4.2.3. Colombia |
| 4.2.4. Chile |
| 4.2.5. Rest of South America |
| 4.3. Asia Pacific |
| 4.3.1. China |
| 4.3.2. India |
| 4.3.3. Japan |
| 4.3.4. South Korea |
| 4.3.5. Rest of Asia Pacific |
| 4.4. Europe |
| 4.4.1. UK |
| 4.4.2. Germany |
| 4.4.3. Italy |
| 4.4.4. France |
| 4.4.5. Spain |
| 4.4.6. Rest of Europe |
| 4.5. The Middle East |
| 4.5.1. Turkey |
| 4.5.2. UAE |
| 4.5.3. Saudi Arabia |
| 4.5.4. Rest of the Middle East |
| 4.6. Africa |
| 4.6.1. Egypt |
| 4.6.2. South Africa |
| 4.6.3. Rest of Africa |
| 5. Value Chain Analysis of the Global Air Transport USM Market |
| 6. Porter Five Forces Analysis |
| 6.1. Threats of New Entrants |
| 6.2. Threats of Substitutes |
| 6.3. Bargaining Power of Buyers |
| 6.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers |
| 6.5. Competition in the Industry |
| 7. Trends, Drivers, and Challenges Analysis |
| 7.1. Market Trends |
| 7.1.1. Market Trend 1 |
| 7.1.2. Market Trend 2 |
| 7.1.3. Market Trend 3 |
| 7.1.4. Market Trend 4 |
| 7.1.5. Market Trend 5 |
| 7.2. Market Drivers |
| 7.2.1. Market Driver 1 |
| 7.2.2. Market Driver 2 |
| 7.2.3. Market Driver 3 |
| 7.2.4. Market Driver 4 |
| 7.2.5. Market Driver 5 |
| 7.3. Market Challenges |
| 7.3.1. Market Challenge 1 |
| 7.3.2. Market Challenge 2 |
| 7.3.3. Market Challenge 3 |
| 7.3.4. Market Challenge 4 |
| 7.3.5. Market Challenge 5 |
| 8. Regulatory Landscape |
| 9. Competitive Landscape |
| 9.1. The Boeing Co. |
| 9.2. Lufthansa Technik AG |
| 9.3. MTU Aero Engines AG |
| 9.4. Triumph Group, Inc. |
| 9.5. GA Telesis, LLC |
| 9.6. Company 6 |
| 9.7. Company 7 |
| 9.8. Company 8 |
| 9.9. Company 9 |
| 9.10. Company 10 |
Air Transport USM Market – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the current size of the global air transport USM market?
The market size for the global air transport USM market in 2024 is $7.87 Bn.
Who are the major vendors in the global air transport USM market?
The major vendors in the global air transport USM market are The Boeing Co., Lufthansa Technik AG, MTU Aero Engines AG, Triumph Group, Inc., and GA Telesis, LLC.
Which segments are covered under the global air transport USM market segments analysis?
This report offers in-depth insights into each product type, aircraft type, and application.