What Happened
Global Shortages Drive Airlines To Extend Fleet Life And Invest In MRO
A global shortage of aircraft, engines, and spare parts is driving airlines to extend the life of existing fleets and invest in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. According to a report by Cassel Salpeter & Co, global commercial aircraft backlogs have exceeded 17,000 aircraft, and airlines incurred over $11 billion in additional supply chain costs in 2025. The report highlights the growing demand for alternative aftermarket solutions, including Used Serviceable Material (USM) and Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) markets. This was first reported by Air Cargo Week.