In today’s highly competitive and cost-sensitive aviation environment, airlines are under constant pressure to reduce maintenance expenses without compromising safety or performance. One of the most effective strategies gaining traction across the industry is the use of Used Serviceable Material (USM). But what exactly is USM, and why are more airlines incorporating it into their maintenance programs?

Understanding USM in Aviation

Used Serviceable Material (USM) refers to aircraft components that have been removed from in-service aircraft, inspected, tested, and certified as airworthy according to stringent industry and regulatory standards. These parts can include everything from landing gear and APUs to avionics and flight controls.
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Rather than purchasing new OEM parts, which can be costly and sometimes have long lead time airlines can source cost-saving aviation parts through reputable aftermarket providers like AerSale. These USM components deliver equivalent performance at a fraction of the price.

Key Benefits of Aircraft USM

1. Significant Cost Savings 

On average, USM parts can offer savings of 30% to 60% compared to new parts. For airlines operating on thin margins, these savings can translate to millions of dollars annually in reduced maintenance costs.

2. Faster Turnaround Times 

By sourcing from an established USM inventory, operators can avoid lengthy OEM lead times. This helps keep aircraft flying and reduces costly downtime—a key operational advantage.

3. Proven Performance and Reliability 

All USM components are subjected to comprehensive inspections and overhauls, often by FAA- or EASA-certified repair stations. When sourced from trusted providers, USM offers performance and safety equivalent to new parts.

4. Environmental Sustainability 

Using recycled and recertified parts supports sustainability in aviation by reducing waste and lowering the environmental impact of manufacturing new components.

Why Airlines Are Turning to AerSale for USM?

AerSale is a global leader in the supply of used serviceable material for aircraft and engines, with a comprehensive inventory and decades of experience. Our USM solutions are backed by rigorous quality standards and a deep understanding of fleet planning, ensuring that customers receive the right parts, at the right time, at the right price. Additionally, our centrally located warehouse in Memphis, Tennessee, allows us to distribute parts quickly by leveraging the support of local logistics and transportation companies.

Whether you're operating narrowbody or widebody aircraft, our aircraft USM solutions help maximize fleet reliability while minimizing cost. And because AerSale manages every aspect of the asset lifecycle—from acquisition and teardown to recertification and resale—we ensure full traceability and compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Is USM Right for Your Operation?

If you're seeking to reduce maintenance costs without sacrificing performance or reliability, it may be time to explore how cost-saving aviation parts from the USM market can support your operational goals. As the demand for affordable, high-quality parts continues to grow, USM is no longer just an option, it's a competitive advantage.

Need USM support for your fleet?

 Contact AerSale today to learn more about our certified parts inventory and turnkey support solutions. 

For parts inquiries, reach out to: sales@aersale.com.