Air Transport USM Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Provider (OEM and Aftermarket), By Aircraft Type (Narrowbody Jet, Widebody Jet, Turboprop, and Regional Jet), By Product (Engine, Component, Airframe, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Direct Sales (B2B), Brokered Sales, and Online e-Marketplaces & Platforms), By End User (Commercial Airlines, Cargo Airlines, and Military Aviation), and Regional Forecast, 2026-2034

The global air transport USM market size was valued at USD 8.55 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 8.95 billion in 2026 to USD 12.93 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.

The air transport USM market has evolved into a strategic pillar of the global aviation aftermarket, rather than a tactical cost-cutting tool. Airlines, MROs, lessors, and OEM-affiliated providers are increasingly using serviceable material to manage escalating maintenance costs, offset long lead times for new spares, and keep aging fleets flying longer. Most value is concentrated in the engine and high-value component USM tied to narrowbody workhorses, with widebody and regional fleets contributing a smaller, but growing share. North America and Europe remain the core hubs for teardown, repair, and distribution, while Asia Pacific and the Middle East are rapidly expanding their role as fleets and local MRO capacity scale up. Competition is intensifying between independent traders, airline maintenance, repair, and overhaul units, and OEM-branded USM programs, with digital platforms slowly improving transparency around availability, traceability, and pricing, and pushing the market toward more professional, programmatic, and data-driven material strategies.

Key players in the air transport USM landscape span independents, airline MROs, and OEM-linked providers. A J Walter Aviation Limited (U.K.) and AJ Walter Aviation Limited (U.S.) lead in global component pooling and availability solutions. AAR Corp. (U.S.), AerSale Inc. (U.S.), GA Telesis, LLC (U.S.), and Delta TechOps (U.S.) drive much of the teardown and trading volume, feeding USM into engine and component maintenance. Boeing Company (U.S.) and General Electric (U.S.) increasingly integrate USM into OEM support contracts, while HEICO Corporation (U.S.) and Liebherr Group (Switzerland) add depth in specialized components, systems, and lifecycle support.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Cost Pressure, Supply Chain Disruption, and Aging Fleets Boost Market Growth

Three forces are driving USM demand upward. First, relentless cost pressure is pushing airlines to re-examine every dollar of maintenance spend. Engines and components are among the highest line items in total operating cost, and USM offers immediate, material savings versus factory-new parts without compromising safety or reliability when properly certified. Second, supply chain disruption and OEM capacity constraints have made “waiting for new” commercially painful. Long lead times, delayed shop slots, and parts shortages are directly linked to lost flying, missed revenue, and schedule disruption; USM is increasingly used as a practical workaround to keep aircraft on-wing and on schedule. Third, the global fleet is aging while new aircraft deliveries remain constrained relative to demand. Operators are running older assets longer, driving more heavy checks, shop visits, and teardown opportunities exactly where USM economics are strongest. Together, these drivers make USM a structural, not temporary, feature of airline maintenance strategies.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Limited Feedstock, IP Constraints, and Regulatory Friction Slow Expansion to Hamper Market Growth

Despite strong demand, several factors restrain the air transport USM market growth. The most fundamental is limited feedstock: usable USM can only come from retired or parted-out assets, and retirement timing depends on fuel prices, lease economics, and OEM production rates that are outside USM players’ control. When airlines defer retirements or convert fewer aircraft to freighters, the USM pipeline tightens. Intellectual property and repair-approval constraints also cap what can be economically re-used or overhauled outside OEM networks, particularly on newer-generation engines and systems with tight OEM control. Regulatory requirements around traceability, documentation, and airworthiness, while essential, add cost and complexity that smaller traders struggle to absorb. Inconsistent customs, taxation, and import/export rules further complicate the cross-border movement of parts. These restraints don’t stop market growth, but they prevent USM from displacing OEM material as quickly or as fully as pure cost logic might suggest.

AIR TRANSPORT USM MARKET TRENDS

Shift From Opportunistic Part-Out Deals to Integrated USM Strategies is a Key Market Trend

The key trend in the air transport USM market share is the shift from opportunistic, deal-by-deal part-out activity toward structured, long-term USM strategies embedded in airline, MRO, and OEM business models. Airlines are no longer treating USM as a last-minute cost fix; they are building USM assumptions into engine shop-visit planning, fleet phase-out roadmaps, and lease-return strategies. MROs and asset managers are consolidating teardown pipelines, standardizing material harvesting, and pushing deeper digital visibility on part condition, traceability, and remaining green time. OEMs, which once saw USM primarily as a threat to high-margin new-spares sales, are selectively embracing OEM-branded USM and “hybrid” support packages that blend new, repaired, and used material. At the same time, online platforms are formalizing what used to be relationship-heavy trading into more transparent, data-driven sourcing. Overall, the market is trending toward more professionalized, programmatic USM usage with clearer roles for OEMs, independents, and airline/MRO in-house material teams.

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MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Unlocking Higher USM Penetration Across Engines, Regions, and Digital Platforms to Accentuate Market Growth

The biggest opportunity lies in raising USM penetration in engine and component events where new OEM parts still dominate. As fleets age and OEM lead times remain stretched, there is room to substitute a larger share of LLPs, rotables, and high-value accessories with USM, especially on workhorse narrowbodies and first-generation new-tech engines. Regionally, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and parts of Latin America remain underpenetrated on USM compared with North America and Western Europe; as local MRO capacity, leasing activity, and teardown infrastructure mature, these markets can support far more local sourcing and repair. There is also a clear white space in digital: robust, real-time matching of USM availability, pricing, certification data, and shop schedules is still fragmented. Players able to integrate inventory visibility, predictive demand, and automated RFQ/contracting can capture disproportionate value. Finally, ESG pressures create an emerging opportunity to position USM as a measurable circular-economy lever in airline sustainability narratives.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Traceability, Pricing Volatility, and Digital Fragmentation are Major Challenges in Market

The market faces several operational and strategic challenges that key players must solve to unlock the next growth phase. Traceability and data quality remain uneven, especially for legacy parts with incomplete histories; airlines and regulators are rightly wary of any gaps, forcing USM suppliers to invest heavily in documentation, inspections, and digital records. Pricing is volatile, driven by swings in retirement waves, engine variant popularity, and sudden changes in fleet strategy, making inventory risk and asset valuation difficult to manage. Digital fragmentation is another problem: inventories, repair statuses, service bulletins, and demand forecasts are scattered across multiple systems and spreadsheets, limiting true end-to-end visibility. Add to this the complexity of aligning interests between OEMs, independents, lessors, and airline MRO units, and the coordination challenge is clear. Addressing these issues through better data infrastructure, smarter pricing models, and more transparent partnerships is critical for sustainable, scalable USM growth.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Provider

Aftermarket Segment Led Market as It Moves Faster than OEMs on Teardowns

By provider, the market is segmented into OEM and aftermarket.

The aftermarket segment captured the largest market share in 2025. In 2026, the segment is anticipated to dominate with a 74.29% share. Demand for the aftermarket segment is strong as airlines and MROs increasingly prefer independent USM specialists for flexibility, pricing leverage, and broader multi-OEM coverage. Aftermarket providers can move faster than OEMs on teardowns, sourcing, and deal structures, making them critical partners for operators under cash, lead-time, and availability pressure.

The OEM segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period. 

By Aircraft Type

Narrowbody Jets Dominated as They Operate in Cost-sensitive Networks

By aircraft type, the market is divided into narrowbody jet, widebody jet, turboprop, and regional jet.

The narrowbody jet segment captured the largest share of the market in 2025. In 2026, the segment is anticipated to dominate with a 62.76% share. USM demand is highest in the narrowbody jet segment as these aircraft dominate global flight cycles and operate in high-utilization, cost-sensitive networks. Continuous shop visits for CFM56, LEAP, V2500, and similar engines, plus heavy rotation of rotables and interiors, make narrowbodies the primary consumers of USM across all major regions.

The widebody jet segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period. 

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By Product

As Material Costs and Shop-Visit Burdens Grow, USM Demand Intensifies for Engines

By product, the market is classified into engine, component, airframe, and others.

The engine segment captured the largest market share in 2025. In 2026, the segment is anticipated to dominate with a 51.72% share. Engine USM demand is intense, driven by the extreme cost of OEM new parts and long lead times for critical life-limited components and modules. Airlines rely on USM to keep engines on-wing, reduce shop-visit cash spikes, and protect dispatch reliability, especially for popular workhorse powerplants facing persistent maintenance backlogs.

The component segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% over the forecast period. 

By Distribution Channel

As Control and Traceability Are Prioritized, Direct Sourcing Boosted Direct Sales (B2B)

By distribution channel, the market is classified into direct sales (B2B), brokered sales, and online e-marketplaces & platforms.

The direct sales (B2B) segment captured the largest share of the market in 2025. In 2026, the segment is anticipated to dominate with a 57.50% share. Direct B2B USM demand remains dominant as airlines, MROs, and lessors favor negotiated, relationship-driven deals for high-value engine and component packages. Direct channels provide better transparency on traceability, pricing, and delivery terms, allowing buyers to secure tailored material solutions and long-term support rather than relying solely on brokers or marketplaces.

The online e-marketplaces & platforms segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period. 

By End User

Due to Fleet Age, Utilization, and Cost Pressure Rise, Commercial Airline USM Demand Surges

By end user, the market is classified into commercial airlines, cargo airlines, and military aviation.

The commercial airlines segment captured the largest share of the market in 2025. In 2026, the segment is anticipated to dominate with a 67.50% share. Demand from commercial airlines is climbing as carriers run older fleets harder, face persistent parts lead times, and battle margin squeeze from fuel and labor costs. To keep dispatch reliability high while cutting maintenance cash outlay, they are embedding engine and component USM into standard shop-visit and heavy-check strategies.

The cargo airlines segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period. 

AIR TRANSPORT USM MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

In terms of geography, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.

North America

North America held the dominant share in 2024, valued at USD 2.86 billion, and also took the leading share in 2025 with USD 2.98 billion. North America’s air transport USM demand is driven by the region’s huge installed fleet, dense teardown activity, and mature MRO infrastructure. Airlines and lessors aggressively use USM to combat material inflation, support heavy engine shop visits, and keep aging narrowbody and widebody assets flying during ongoing OEM supply chain constraints.

In 2026, the U.S. market is estimated to reach USD 2.91 billion. In the U.S., air transport USM demand is underpinned by the world’s largest commercial fleet, dense MRO and teardown clusters, and strong lessor presence. Airlines aggressively source engine and component USM to offset material inflation, accelerate turn times, and keep older narrowbody and freighter aircraft highly economically viable in service.

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Europe

Europe is projected to record a growth rate of 4.1% and touch the valuation of USD 2.62 billion in 2026. In Europe, demand for air transport USM reflects a mix of major flag carriers, low-cost operators, and strong leasing hubs. Airlines increasingly deploy USM to manage lifecycle costs on mixed-generation fleets, while expanding teardown and component repair capacity in the U.K., Germany, France, and wider Europe reinforces regional material availability.

Asia Pacific

The market in Asia Pacific is estimated to reach USD 2.36 billion in 2026. Asia Pacific’s air transport USM demand is accelerating as China, India, and Southeast Asia add narrowbody fleets and ramp utilization. Operators seek USM to reduce maintenance cash outlay, protect dispatch reliability, and localize material support, while emerging regional MRO and teardown facilities gradually shift more USM sourcing closer to home.

Rest of the World

The Rest of the World market is set to record USD 0.86 billion in 2026. In the rest of the world, USM demand is led by Middle Eastern widebody hubs, growing African carriers, and Latin American fleets extending aircraft life. Airlines and MROs use USM to bridge long OEM lead times, support heavy checks, and keep capacity available despite capital and infrastructure constraints and utilization.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Rapidly Scaling Capabilities and Influence in Air Transport USM Market

A concentrated group of specialist integrators, MROs, and OEM-affiliated players shapes the air transport USM market. A J Walter Aviation Limited (U.K.) and AJ Walter Aviation Limited (U.S.) sit at the core of global component pooling and nose-to-tail support, leveraging deep inventories across multiple fleets. AAR Corp. (U.S.) and AerSale Inc. (U.S.) combine teardown, trading, and MRO capabilities to feed engine and component USM into airlines’ maintenance programs. Boeing Company (U.S.) and General Electric (U.S.) increasingly blend OEM support packages with USM, using their installed base and data access to control critical material flows. Delta TechOps (U.S.) and GA Telesis, LLC (U.S.) operate as powerful MRO–trader hybrids, converting their in-house and customer fleets into recurring USM feedstock. HEICO Corporation (U.S.) strengthens the ecosystem with PMA and distribution depth, while Liebherr Group (Switzerland) underpins high-value systems support, especially in landing gear and air management equipment.

LIST OF KEY AIR TRANSPORT USM COMPANIES PROFILED:

• A J Walter Aviation Limited (U.K.)
• AAR Corp. (U.S.)
• AerSale Inc. (U.S.)
• AJ Walter Aviation Limited (U.S.)
• Boeing Company (U.S.)
• Delta TechOps (U.S.)
• GA Telesis, LLC (U.S.)
• General Electric (U.S.)
• HEICO Corporation (U.S.)
• Liebherr Group (Switzerland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• November 2025 - Satair, an Airbus subsidiary, has agreed to buy Unical Aviation Inc., a global supplier of USM parts and components, along with its subsidiary ecube, which specializes in aircraft storage, teardown, and transition services. The deal marks a major step in Satair’s USM strategy and strengthens its ability to deliver end-to-end, integrated aftermarket solutions.
• October 2025 - VSE Aviation formed a strategic partnership with Eaton to boost the supply of USM for commercial aircraft. The agreement combines Eaton’s OEM repair expertise with VSE’s strengths in distribution and asset management. Under the arrangement, VSE will procure and manage as-removed and overhauled components, expanding the pool of rotable and exchange assets available to airlines and MRO providers.
• October 2025 - Acron Aviation’s Skyparts unit and Setna iO formed a strategic channel partnership to broaden worldwide distribution of both OEM and USM parts. The tie-up substantially expands Skyparts’ global footprint and inventory depth, supporting its aim to provide OEM-grade solutions with the speed and flexibility of the USM market.
• April 2025 - AerFin and Iberia Maintenance signed a Strategic Repair Services Agreement centered on USM. The companies describe this as a new phase in their relationship, aimed at delivering more cost-efficient, enhanced support for airlines worldwide. The partnership builds on their existing cooperation, under which Iberia Maintenance already purchases engine parts from AerFin.
• March 2025 - AAR CORP extended its exclusive Serviceable Engine Products agreement with FTAI Aviation Ltd. for CFM56 USM through 2030. The renewed collaboration continues their joint program focused on supplying used serviceable material for CFM56 engines to airlines, MROs, and OEM partners.

REPORT COVERAGE

This report delivers a tight, deep dive into the air transport USM ecosystem, profiling leading teardown and parts providers, MROs, and leasing/asset managers, the core USM categories (engines, rotables, airframe structures, landing gear, avionics, and interiors), and the main use cases across passenger and cargo fleets, from narrowbody workhorses to widebody and regional aircraft. It charts regulatory milestones, fleet retirement and teardown trends, and real-world sourcing and shop-visit programs now in motion, and pinpoints the shifts setting up the next wave of USM penetration. Taken together, these threads explain the recent upswing in USM adoption and what will propel the market’s next stage of growth.

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REPORT SCOPE AND SEGMENTATION