This article is based on an official press release from Satair.

Satair and GAMECO Expand Strategic Partnership into Used Serviceable Material Market

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, amidst the industry gatherings at the Singapore Airshow, Satair and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company (GAMECO) announced a significant expansion of their long-standing collaboration. The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop capabilities in the Used Serviceable Material (USM) segment, marking a strategic shift toward circular economy practices in the aerospace aftermarket.

According to the official announcement, this agreement aims to leverage the respective strengths of both companies, Satair’s global distribution network and GAMECO’s extensive industrial repair capabilities, to manage the repair and recirculation of used aircraft parts. The move is designed to enhance supply chain flexibility, reduce material costs for operators, and support broader sustainability goals within the aviation sector.

Deepening a Decade-Long Relationship

While the focus on USM represents a new chapter, the relationship between Satair, an Airbus subsidiary, and GAMECO, a leading MRO provider in China, spans more than ten years. The partnership has historically focused on inventory management and new parts distribution.

In 2015, GAMECO became the first customer in China to adopt Satair’s Airbus Managed Inventory (AMI) solution, a service designed to automate the replenishment of high-usage expendables. This agreement was extended in 2021, followed by a broader multi-year agreement for Integrated Material Services (IMS) in 2022. Most recently, in 2025, the companies signed a Letter of Intent to expand IMS support to the Airbus A350 platform.

The new MoU signed at the 2026 Singapore Airshow signals a transition from managing new inventory to monetizing the lifecycle of existing assets. By focusing on USM, the partners intend to offer airlines a cost-effective alternative to new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) parts, particularly valuable for maintaining mature fleets.

The Strategic Shift to Circular Economy

The aviation industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability, and the “circular economy”, where parts are repaired and reused rather than scrapped, is a central theme of the 2026 Singapore Airshow. The Satair-GAMECO collaboration addresses this directly by aiming to reduce waste and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new components.

Operational Objectives

Under the terms of the MoU, the companies will collaborate on several key fronts:

• Repair Management: Coordinating the repair of used parts to restore them to serviceable condition.
• Market Development: Jointly identifying and pursuing opportunities within the growing USM market.
• Cost Efficiency: Providing operators with lower-cost material solutions without compromising safety or certification standards.

“This agreement aims to enhance supply chain flexibility, reduce costs, and promote sustainability by focusing on the repair and reuse of aircraft components rather than relying solely on new parts.”

, Summary of the Satair announcement

AirPro News Analysis

We view this move as a critical strategic pivot for both entities in the post-pandemic aerospace landscape. Supply chain resilience remains a top priority for MROs and airlines alike. By establishing a robust pipeline for Used Serviceable Material, GAMECO secures a buffer against potential delays in new part manufacturing, ensuring consistent service levels for its primary stakeholders, including China Southern Airlines.

Furthermore, for Satair, this partnership reinforces its foothold in the Asia-Pacific region. As the OEM aftermarket becomes more competitive, the ability to offer a “blended” solution, comprising both new OEM parts and certified used material, allows Satair to capture a larger share of the maintenance spend on aging aircraft. This aligns with broader industry trends where OEMs are increasingly entering the USM space to maintain control over the asset lifecycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Used Serviceable Material (USM)?

USM refers to aircraft parts that have been removed from an aircraft, often during teardowns or upgrades, and have been repaired, overhauled, and recertified by aviation authorities to be safe for reuse. They are typically less expensive than factory-new parts.

Who owns GAMECO?

GAMECO is a joint venture between China Southern Airlines (50%) and Hutchison Whampoa (China) (50%). It is headquartered at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

What is the significance of the Singapore Airshow 2026?

Held from February 3–8, 2026, the Singapore Airshow is a premier aerospace event in Asia. The 2026 edition focuses heavily on sustainability, digitalization, and Advanced Air Mobility, providing the backdrop for this sustainability-focused MoU.

Sources

• Satair Newsroom