Air Transport USM Market Size, Share and Trends 2025 to 2034

The global air transport USM market size is calculated at USD 7.86 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to reach around USD 11.58 billion by 2034, accelerating at a CAGR of 4.40% from 2025 to 2034. The market sizing and forecasts are revenue-based (USD Million/Billion), with 2024 as the base year.

  • Last Updated : 04 Feb 2025
  • Report Code : 5522
  • Category : Aerospace and Defence

Air Transport USM Market Size and Forecast 2025 to 2034

The global air transport USM market size was estimated at USD 7.53 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 7.86 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 11.58 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 4.40% from 2025 to 2034. The market growth is attributed to the increasing demand for cost-effective and reliable aircraft maintenance solutions driven by the rising fleet size and aging aircraft across global airlines.

Air Transport USM Market Size 2025 to 2034

Air Transport USM Market Key Takeaways

  • North America dominated the global air transport USM market in 2024.
  • Asia Pacific is projected to have a moderate growth rate in the coming years.
  • By aircraft type, the commercial aircraft segment held a dominant presence in 2024.
  • By aircraft type, the rotary wing segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the forecast period.
  • By product type, the engine component segment accounted for a considerable share in 2024.
  • By product type, the avionics segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR during the studied years.  
  • By provider, the aftermarket segment led the global market in 2024. 
  • By provider, the OEM segment is projected to expand rapidly in the coming years.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Air Transport USM Market

Specific component failure predictions from artificial intelligence predictive analytics enable airlines to perform preventive replacements, thus reducing aircraft service time and boosting operating efficiency. Machine learning algorithms now predict specific USM part requirements, which improves both stock optimization and on-demand accessibility. Machine learning establishes automated tracking for parts, which maintains regulatory adherence and produces enhanced safety outcomes.
AI-powered platforms accelerate the sourcing process of premium air transport USM market services by matching airline demands with supplier information assessed through global databases. These technologies let airlines manage sustainable operations through part lifetime extension they accomplish while cutting down production waste.

Market Overview

The air transport USM market is facilitated by the escalating customer needs for budget-friendly aircraft maintenance solutions. Led by Asia Pacific and the Middle East emerging markets, the global aviation industry demonstrates steady growth while facing elevated demands to sustain older planes and restrict their operational costs. The adoption of USM (Used Serviceable Materials) continues increasing as airlines discover affordable options for maintaining safety alongside operational performance.

  • According to a new report from consulting firm Oliver Wyman, a business of Marsh McLennan, the commercial aviation fleet is projected to grow by 28% over the next 10 years, increasing from 28,400 aircraft today to 36,400 by 2034. 

Advanced technologies in predictive maintenance improve USM utilization through their capacity to help airlines and MRO providers forecast part failures, thus enabling proactive part replacement management. Global air passenger demand has been experiencing robust growth, with total demand increasing by 7.1%. Auditing industry projections indicate that high-quality USM requirements rise as airlines maintain their commitment to fleet sustainability.

  • In October 2024 compared to the same month in 2023, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). 

Air Transport USM Market Growth Factors

  • Increasing airline fleet expansion is expected to drive demand for cost-effective maintenance solutions.
  • Surging global air traffic is anticipated to elevate the need for aircraft parts and services.
  • Growing demand for environmentally sustainable practices is likely to increase the adoption of used serviceable materials.
  • Rising aircraft fleet age will fuel the need for more replacement parts, boosting the USM market.
  • Technological advancements in aircraft maintenance are projected to enhance the efficiency of USM integration into
  • operational processes.
  • Increasing cost pressures on airlines are expected to make USM a more attractive solution for part replacements.
  • Expanding low-cost carriers (LCCs) in emerging markets is anticipated to create more demand for affordable USM components.

Market Scope

Report Coverage Details
Market Size by 2034 USD 11.58 Billion
Market Size by 2025 USD 7.86 Billion
Market Size in 2024 USD 7.53 Billion
Market Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 4.40%
Dominated Region North America
Fastest Growing Market Asia Pacific
Base Year 2024
Forecast Period 2025 to 2034
Segments Covered Aircraft Type, Product Type, Provider, and Regions
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rising aircraft fleet size

Increasing aircraft fleet size is expected to boost the air transport USM market growth in the coming years. The rising worldwide aircraft fleet requires persistent maintenance operations, thus enabling potential growth opportunities for USM services. Middle Eastern carriers continue to grow their flight fleets according to similar trends found in Asia-Pacific airlines. The general expansion of aircraft fleets throughout the region drives increased demand for cost-effective maintenance technologies, including USM. 
The Dubai Airshow in November 2023 saw Emirates make a substantial USD 58 billion order, which included 90 Boeing 777Xs in addition to five 787s and 15 Airbus A350s, and raised its total wide-body aircraft order book to 310 units.

Restraint

Stringent regulatory compliance requirements

Stringent regulatory compliance requirements are expected to hamper the growth of air transport in the USM market. The aviation industry operates under strict regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and reliability. The aviation industry operates with strict regulatory requirements that secure safety and reliability as they change the methods for deploying used serviceable materials. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), together with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), demand precise certification standards for USM that aircraft operations need to pass before approval.

Standards for documentation, together with traceability systems and thorough inspections, form an integral part of this protocol. Supplementing USM acquisition with regulatory compliance requirements raises acquisition expenses while expanding processing periods, which leads to inefficient supply chain operations. Furthermore, the regulatory compliance expenses and timelines are likely to keep small operators from entering the air transport USM market, which reduces both the company's future growth potential and accessibility to new participants.

Opportunity

Technological advancements in predictive maintenance

Rising technological advancements in predictive maintenance are expected to enhance USM utilization and further create opportunities for the players competing in the market. Predictive maintenance technology integration with aviation produces substantial opportunities for airlines to maximize their serviceable material usage. The United States Marketplace for Sustenance Check (USM) Maintenance and Survey (ICF) expects advanced data analytics paired with machine learning tools to transform both operations while reducing service downtime.

Aircraft data analysis reveals patterns that enable the prediction of upcoming system failures so airlines, together with MRO providers, secure replacement components in advance. Through such maintenance planning, airlines convert irregular repairs into scheduled maintenance operations, which lower maintenance outages while enhancing passenger convenience. The combination of technological innovations will create fresh opportunities for the air transport USM market to support industry data-centric approaches that boost operational effectiveness and maintenance safety. 

Aircraft Type Insights

The commercial aircraft segment held a dominant presence in the air transport USM market in 2024 due to the increased global air travel during the period. The restart of air travel resulted in enhanced flight operations that used a greater number of commercial aircraft, thereby driving higher requirements for competitive maintenance.

  • The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) confirmed global air passenger demand restored to pre-pandemic numbers across most travel routes in the first quarter of 2023, leading to a year-end expansion of 3% over 2019 data. 

The rotary wing segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the forecast period of 2025 to 2034 as helicopters grow more widespread across military service emergency response and oil and gas exploration. The helicopter industry incurs substantial operational costs through recurrent component changes; therefore, operators expect to increase their USM consumption as they search for efficient alternatives to purchasing new components. Rotary wing aircraft components demand USM availability because these components naturally degrade more rapidly than other aircraft elements. 

  • According to the Airbus 2024 report, the company delivered 361 helicopters in 2024, capturing a preliminary 57% share of the civil and public market. This growth highlights their increasing significance across various sectors.  

Product Type Insights

The engine component segment accounted for a considerable share of the air transport USM market in 2024, as they support both aircraft performance and safety operations. Aircraft engines represent the airline industry's most valuable airframe components, while maintenance costs routinely eat into airline budgets. Airline service requirements intensified dramatically in 2023, as the growing flight numbers required more engine overhauls while driving up dependence on used serviceable engine components (USM). Moreover, the aviation industry's commitment to reducing costs while managing rising fuel prices and maintenance expenses will foster ongoing demands.

The avionics segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR during the studied years, owing to the increasing aircraft systems requirements that are creating this growth scenario. Avionics technology has become significantly advanced as aircraft companies utilize complex communication navigation and flight control systems. The aviation industry's goal to enhance operational efficiency and safety motivates airlines, together with MRO providers, to shift towards used serviceable avionics as an economical replacement for new components. Market growth for USM is expected in the avionics sector because older aircraft need upgrading with modern systems, and these essential components experience frequent replacements.

Provider Insights

In 2024, the aftermarket segment led the global air transport USM market due to the increasing aircraft fleet sizes and mounting maintenance procedures worldwide. Airlines that use older aircraft find aftermarket parts to solve their maintenance cost problems as they support safe operation in addition to maintaining operational efficiency. The aftermarket section distributes various components, including engine parts along with avionics and airframe elements, as their necessity in maintaining aircraft health due to operational fatigue. Originating from sustainability needs and cost-saving initiatives, the USM market developed its preference for aftermarket parts, particularly when using recycled materials.

The OEM segment is projected to expand rapidly in the coming years, owing to the growing demand for high-quality certified components. The aviation industry demands components from original equipment manufacturers that meet rigorous safety criteria and performance benchmarks, allowing airlines to operate under intense regulatory mandates. Electronic systems manufacturing from OEMs continues growing in popularity among airlines that require traceable certified parts to support their operations. The recovering and expanding air travel market drives OEM suppliers to grow their part delivery capacity, which serves both commercial and military aviation sectors through new component manufacturing and replacement part production. 

Regional Insights

North America dominated the global air transport USM market in 2024 due to its extensive fleet and production of aircraft by Boeing. The U.S. airline industry witnessed increasing demand for used serviceable materials, as airlines and MROs faced rising maintenance costs while aircraft needed to accommodate an aging fleet. Operating aircraft numbers combined with MRO network efficiency throughout North America results in the region's leading position within the USM market.

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the United States had more than 200,000 registered aircraft during 2023, while fleet growth created increasing needs for cost-effective replacement parts. 

Asia Pacific is projected to host the fastest-growing air transport USM market in the coming years, owing to the rapid growth in air traffic and aircraft fleet size in countries including China, India, and Southeast Asia.  The rapidly expanding airport traffic in India, one of the world's most dynamic aviation markets, is propelling the drive-up demand for maintenance and repair solutions, such as air transport USM.

  • IATA predicts air traffic in the Asia Pacific region will grow at a rate of 6.1% annually throughout 2023, which exceeds other geographical projections. 
  • According to The Boeing Company’s 2024 report, China’s commercial fleet is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.1%, increasing from 4,345 to 9,740 airplanes by 2043, thereby driving rising demand for OEM components and used serviceable parts.

Air Transport USM Market Companies

Air Transport USM Market Companies
  • A J Walter Aviation
  • AAR Corporation
  • AFI KLM E&M
  • GA Telesis
  • General Electric
  • Honeywell International Inc
  • Lufthansa Technik (LHT)
  • MTU Aero Engines
  • Pratt & Whitney
  • TES Aviation Group

Latest Announcements by Industry Leaders

  • December 2024 – Woodward
  • CEO – Chip Blankenship
  • Announcement - Woodward announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Safran Electronics & Defense electromechanical actuation business, which operates in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Chip Blankenship, Chairman and CEO of Woodward, stated, "The acquisition of Safran’s electromechanical actuation business aligns perfectly with Woodward’s growth and innovation value drivers. It increases our chipset content for current widebody programs and expands our industry-proven technology platform for Next Generation Single Aisle aircraft." 

Recent Developments

  • In October 2024, VSE Corporation, a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services, announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Kellstrom Aerospace Group, Inc. (“Kellstrom”), a diversified global distributor and service provider supporting the commercial aerospace engine aftermarket.  
  • In October 2024, Pursuit Aerospace, a global manufacturer of complex aircraft engine components, announced the completion of strategic acquisitions of both Prescott Precision Die, Inc. (“Prescott”) and Merc Aerospace, Ltd. (“Merc”). These acquisitions aim to expand Pursuit’s capabilities and strengthen its position in the aerospace sector.
  • In May 2024, Next Level Aviation, a global supplier of commercial aircraft and jet engines used serviceable materials, entered into a USM consignment agreement with Aeras Aviation, a global asset management company specializing in end-of-life engine assets for teardown and part-out, covering CFM56 family engine accessories. This partnership marks a strategic step to further strengthen NLA’s presence in the growing USM market.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Aircraft Type

By Product Type

  • Engine Components
  • Airframe Components
  • Avionics
  • Others

By Provider

  • Aftermarket
  • OEM

By Geography

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East and Africa

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Frequently Asked Questions

The global air transport USM market size is expected to grow from USD 7.53 billion in 2024 to USD 11.58 billion by 2034.

The air transport USM market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.40% between 2025 and 2034.

Who are the prominent players operating in the air transport USM market?

The driving factors of the air transport USM market are the increasing aircraft fleet size is expected to boost the air transport USM market growth in the coming years

North America region will lead the global air transport USM market during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.North America region will lead the global air transport USM market during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.

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