Aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations are defined by tight schedules and strict oversight, requiring the right aftermarket parts to support everything from scheduled overhauls to unexpected replacements. Without a well-structured aftermarket supply chain, it becomes more difficult to properly and quickly carry out these tasks, inevitably causing increases in aircraft downtime and operational costs. With this in mind, this blog will cover the three main types of aircraft aftermarket parts employed to understand their distinct importance in aircraft operations, as well as provide some practical guidance to proactively procuring authentic, compliant options.
OEM parts are produced by the same manufacturers that designed and supplied components during an aircraft’s production. Because these parts are built to the original design, they are widely accepted across maintenance programs and regulatory environments, sometimes even preferred for critical systems or warranty considerations. However, they may involve higher acquisition costs and longer lead times, especially when it comes to components made for older aircraft platforms or those with limited production volumes.
PMA parts represent another significant segment of the aftermarket, being produced by manufacturers that have received approval from aviation authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration to manufacture replacement items for specific aircraft applications. In addition to demonstrating compliance to general airworthiness and performance standards, they must undergo rigorous review and testing to demonstrate equivalency or improvement over OEM designs.
PMA parts are often more cost-effective than OEM alternatives and may offer improved availability, which can be particularly advantageous during supply chain disruptions. While they are widely accepted, their use is still subject to operator policy, customer requirements, or specific maintenance program limitations.
Some components on the market are previously used but have been restored to serviceable condition by certified repair stations. When properly documented and inspected with relevant release documentation to prove this, refurbished parts strike a great balance between affordability and reliability for high-value items like avionics units, actuators, and hydraulic components. One drawback is their variable availability and finite remaining service life, which must be accounted for in maintenance planning.
With knowledge of the types of aftermarket parts, the next most important thing for an operator to consider is creating a well-structured procurement strategy.
The most proactive approach to budgeting and resource allocation involves analyzing historical consumption data, flight-hour trends, and maintenance reports to identify regularly-procured or in-demand items. Moreover, checking upcoming maintenance schedules and inspection intervals can immediately highlight upcoming part overhauls or forecast needs for consumable products like lubricants and oil. Certain categories of components are also frequently replaced during routine maintenance activities and should always be pre-stocked to support uninterrupted operations, this including items like fasteners, seals, and filters.
Planning also requires consideration of what an appropriate mix of OEM, PMA, and refurbished parts looks like based on operational priorities, availability, and lifecycle support requirements. As we covered, each category offers distinct advantages, and a balanced sourcing strategy allows operators to properly manage budgets and adapt as fleets age. Lastly, stay informed about regulatory updates and manufacturer service bulletins, as these may impact part eligibility.
Once operators have an idea of which part numbers to buy, it is essential to take great care in avoiding counterfeit or improperly handled parts that can result in safety risks, aircraft grounding, or enforcement actions. Because PMA and overhauled components are slightly more risky to source, only work with experienced procurement arms that maintain relationships with approved manufacturers and FAA/EASA-certified repair stations.
When buying any aftermarket parts, look for suppliers and manufacturers that advertise certification and accreditation to established quality management systems like AS9120, AS9100, and FAA AC 00-56B. These credentials indicate that the source strictly maintains:
Complete, verifiable documentation with every transaction to confirm origin and adherence to aviation standards. Depending on the part type and regulatory jurisdiction, this documentation may include certificates of conformity, authorized airworthiness approvals, and maintenance release records.
In summary, there are various aftermarket part options that provide the flexibility and availability that modern aviation settings demand. Choosing the right kind of aftermarket item depends on the particular application at hand, but no matter what, carefully managing procurement strategies and relying on dependable sources that prioritize quality and compliance is imperative to success. ASAP Semiconductor stands out as a trusted partner in this space, presenting thousands of ready-to-purchase aircraft spare parts through its Integrated Aerospace platform.
On this website, you can expect to only find items from trusted manufacturers and suppliers, including sources like Alcoa Global Fasteners, Boeing, and many others. You can also trust in us to provide fair-market pricing and maintain on-time delivery with a number of options for those facing time constraints, with our representatives consistently curating solutions to meet each customer’s needs. To see how else we can serve you, be sure to check out our inventory and connect with our expert team at your convenience.
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