While it may seem to be a peculiar market, there is a thriving commerce in aircraft spare parts. Just like cars, airplanes and airliners wear out periodically and must have parts replaced. The complexity of airplane mechanics requires that these parts be top-grade in quality and durability.
Airplanes, depending on their size, can have up to millions of parts. A Boeing 747 has 3,000,000 parts on it. While they are built to last, many of these can only last for so many miles and, just like cars, must be regularly switched out with brand new parts. Eventually cosmetic items, like seats, will wear out as well and need to be replaced. These items are much easier to replace than turbine engines or other complex parts of the plane.
Plane lifespans are measured in pressurization cycles. Each time that a plane’s cabin is pressurized for flight, it fatigues the metal uses on the fuselage and the wings. Airplanes used for very long flights last longer, since they are taking off and landing fewer times than a commuter plane. Some planes can last up to 30 years or more. Currently, planes are tested before flight by hi-tech robotic technology to ensure that the frame can withstand pressurization.
In the United States, aircraft are required to have an annual overhaul, where the plan is stripped down to its shell, cleaned and checked. Parts on an airplane are tracked to determine how many hours or pressurization cycles they have lived through. If certain parts of the airplane need to be replaced, new spare parts are installed. These overhauls are very thorough, usually taking more than a month to complete, with crews working on the plane day and night.
Airline companies keep excellent aircraft spare parts on hand to replace their old parts with as needed. There are few businesses that keep such a close eye on their products, since aircraft must be very safe and operational to work and protect the cargo and passengers that they carry.
