The ongoing shortage of aircraft components has led to a significant development in the aviation industry, with aircraft parts supplier Unical Aviation acquiring a fleet of used Airbus A320neo jets for disassembly. This marks the first dedicated teardown program specifically for the A320neo family, as airlines and maintenance providers struggle to source critical spare parts.
Unical Aviation, known for supplying aftermarket components to airlines and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) providers, plans to dismantle these aircraft and distribute their parts to meet the growing demand for replacements. The shortage of new components, exacerbated by supply chain disruptions and increased demand for air travel, has pushed operators to seek alternative solutions, including sourcing parts from retired or used aircraft.
The A320neo, one of the most fuel-efficient and widely used narrow-body aircraft, has seen strong demand in recent years. However, ongoing supply chain constraints, particularly for engines and other key components, have made it difficult for airlines to keep their fleets fully operational. The disassembly of these relatively young aircraft highlights the severity of the situation, as airlines are forced to turn to used parts to maintain their fleets.
Industry analysts believe that the move by Unical Aviation could set a precedent for more structured dismantling programs targeting next-generation aircraft. With the aviation sector still grappling with component shortages, the market for used and refurbished aircraft parts is expected to grow, providing relief to operators struggling to keep up with maintenance demands.
