The global aviation industry continues to face operational pressure due to post-pandemic supply chain issues, record passenger demand, and parts shortages. While delivery times for components at manufacturers and maintenance companies have lengthened significantly, airlines are struggling to access the critical parts they need.
In particular, production and quality problems with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines have led to hundreds of aircraft being temporarily grounded worldwide. This has sharply increased demand for spare engines and critical components, giving rise to a new trend in the sector often referred to as the “part-out economy.” Operators using GTF engines such as Wizz Air, Lufthansa Group, IndiGo, and Spirit Airlines have been affected, and some airlines have had to shift serviceable engines between aircraft to keep operations running.
One of the most striking examples of this trend is the decision to put two roughly six-year-old A321neo aircraft from IndiGo’s fleet up for sale for spare parts. In some cases, economic calculations show that selling critical components such as engines, avionics, and landing gear separately can exceed the total value of the aircraft itself.
