Winter maintenance season opens under supply pressure

October was Locatory’s busiest month of 2026 for the second consecutive month, with aircraft parts searches rising 21 percent from September. By the end of October, marketplace search activity had already reached approximately 93 percent of the full year 2025 total volume.

Demand concentrated on standard hardware, seals and landing gear components, while GE90/Boeing 777 engine components returned to the hardest-to-find rankings. The findings closely reflect concerns raised at MRO Europe 2026 in Amsterdam, where airlines, MROs and suppliers reported longer repair turnaround times, limited parts availability and increasing pressure to keep aircraft operational.

• Demand at a 2026 high. Searches rose 21 percent from September. By the end of October 2026 search activity had reached about 93 percent of the full year 2025 total. • Standard hardware and seals led demand, accounting for 50 percent of the most searched list while landing gear and brake parts tripled their share. • GE90 scarcity is back. GE90/Boeing 777 engine accessories make up 28 percent of the Hardest to Find list and 70 percent of its engine entries, their fifth appearance in six months. • Recurring shortages persisted. 42 percent of hard-to-find part numbers carried over from September. • Winter maintenance is adding pressure as operators face longer component repair times, high fuel costs and increasingly complex logistics.

This story was originally published by Air Cargo Week. Read the full story at Air Cargo Week →