According to Fortune Business Insights, the global Air Transport USM (Used Serviceable Material) Market size was valued at USD 8.55 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 8.95 billion in 2026 to USD 12.93 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. The market is witnessing steady growth as airlines, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers increasingly adopt certified used aircraft components to reduce maintenance costs, overcome supply chain disruptions, and extend the operational life of aging aircraft fleets. North America dominated the global market with a 34.85% market share in 2025, supported by its well-established aviation infrastructure, large commercial aircraft fleet, and strong presence of aircraft teardown and MRO facilities.
Used Serviceable Material (USM) refers to aircraft components and parts that have been removed from retired or dismantled aircraft, inspected, repaired if necessary, and certified for reuse. These components offer airlines a reliable and cost-efficient alternative to purchasing brand-new parts while maintaining compliance with strict aviation safety regulations.
USM includes a wide range of components such as engines, landing gear, avionics, auxiliary power units (APUs), flight control systems, and structural parts. As airlines continue to focus on reducing maintenance costs, demand for certified USM solutions is increasing across commercial aviation.
Aircraft maintenance remains one of the largest operating expenses for airlines. Purchasing certified used serviceable materials allows operators to significantly reduce maintenance costs without compromising safety or operational performance. This cost advantage is encouraging airlines and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers to increase USM adoption.
Many airlines continue operating older aircraft due to delayed fleet replacement programs and high acquisition costs for new aircraft. Aging fleets require frequent component replacements, creating strong demand for certified reusable aircraft parts.
Aircraft recycling has become an essential part of the aviation industry's sustainability initiatives. Retired aircraft provide valuable components that can be refurbished and returned to service. This circular economy approach reduces waste while extending the lifecycle of aircraft parts.
The aviation industry is under growing pressure to reduce environmental impact. Reusing certified aircraft components lowers manufacturing requirements, conserves raw materials, and minimizes carbon emissions associated with producing new parts. Sustainability goals are therefore supporting long-term market growth.
Despite promising growth, the air transport USM market faces several challenges.
The availability of quality used aircraft parts depends heavily on aircraft retirement rates and dismantling activities. Fluctuations in retired aircraft supply can create shortages for certain high-demand components.
In addition, strict aviation regulations require extensive inspections, documentation, and certification before used parts can be reintroduced into service. Maintaining regulatory compliance increases operational complexity for suppliers and MRO organizations.
North America dominated the global air transport USM market with a 34.85% market share in 2025. The region benefits from a large commercial aircraft fleet, established MRO infrastructure, advanced aircraft dismantling facilities, and the presence of leading USM suppliers. Strong demand from major U.S. airlines continues to support market expansion.