Aftermarket support is a crucial factor in aircraft transactions, impacting price and potentially creating headaches in the future. David Caporali, Senior Vice President, Business Development – Americas for JSSI, recently spoke with AvBuyer about how buyers should ensure their aircraft has access to the support network it needs. We’ve summarized key JSSI commentary below; read the full article on AvBuyer.com – Issue 12, pages 54-60.
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Aftermarket support in business aviation refers to the full range of products and services required to maintain, repair, and enhance an aircraft after delivery: from spare parts and MRO services to technical knowledge and assistance. This support is essential to ensuring the aircraft’s safety, reliability, and longevity throughout its operational life, with providers delivering solutions that span from routine part replacements and inspection schedules to comprehensive maintenance programs.
Consider the Aftermarket Support Packages Carefully
Caporali says JSSI sees noticeable differences in how parts availability and support impact operational efficiency for business aircraft, even for aircraft that are still in production.
“This becomes even more evident with out-of-production aircraft, especially those with limited production volumes, which can make maintenance increasingly challenging for operators,” he says.
It’s important to understand that the aviation industry operates in a highly regulated environment, Caporali warns – one in which it is virtually impossible to find temporary or improvised solutions for parts or maintenance. If a part if not certified by the authorities for installation on a specific aircraft, it simply cannot be used.
“Certifying new supplies or replacement parts requires extensive engineering efforts and significant investment,” he highlights. “As a result, for aircraft models produced in small numbers, developing such solutions is often economically unviable, making them far more vulnerable to aftermarket support challenges.”
Questions to Ask About an Aircraft’s Aftermarket Support Situation
According to Caporali, it’s crucial that operators unfamiliar with the market rely on experienced professionals who can provide a comprehensive view of the aircraft’s long-term support outlook.
“Buyers should clearly understand how the aftermarket [environment] is positioned to support the aircraft they intend to purchase and assess current and future risks,” he notes. “A thorough analysis of upcoming maintenance requirements and real-world data on how similar models are performing in the market is essential to avoid costly surprises.”
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JSSI is always glad to be a resource to clients and colleagues across the industry by providing insights and consultation to help them understand and plan for future maintenance exposure and to make informed decisions. Contact our team by reaching out at [email protected].
