Airlines Forced to Get Creative With Parts Due to Supply Chain Crisis

Some newer aircraft are being torn down for parts.

Keller Laseter

Thursday, May 01, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Delta TechOps in Atlanta [AirlineGeeks/William Derrickson]

Key Takeaways:

The commercial aviation industry is grappling with a severe supply chain crisis, driven by persistent component shortages, recurring engine issues (e.g., Pratt & Whitney A220 engines), and significant aircraft production backlogs.
This crisis forces airlines and lessors to adopt unconventional strategies, such as dismantling modern aircraft for spare parts and extending the operational lifespan of existing fleets.
The maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector is struggling with heightened demand, skilled labor shortages, and material scarcity, leading to substantial maintenance delays and increased aircraft downtime.
Despite the operational challenges, the unprecedented supply-demand imbalance is projected to bolster airline profitability through optimized fleet utilization, though the broader economic environment remains uncertain.

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The commercial aviation industry is navigating a serious supply chain crisis, leading airlines and aircraft lessors to adopt innovative strategies to maintain operational readiness.

Recently, aircraft lessor Azorra partnered with Delta Material Services (DMS) to dismantle an Airbus A220-300 for spare parts, marking the first such occurrence for this relatively new aircraft model. Although dismantling modern aircraft is uncommon, this situation underscores the severity of the ongoing component shortage.