AerFin and National Air Cargo Partner to Enhance Aircraft Teardown Logistics

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

On April 23, 2026, UK-based aviation asset specialist AerFin announced a strategic logistics partnerships with U.S.-based National Air Cargo. According to an official press release from AerFin, the agreement is designed to support the next phase of the company’s aircraft teardown operations, specifically optimizing the secure and efficient movement of harvested aviation materials between Marana, Arizona, and Miami, Florida.

We have observed a growing industry reliance on circular supply chains, and this partnership highlights a highly reciprocal relationship between the two aviation firms. National Airlines, the Part 121 air carrier division of National Air Cargo, already purchases aircraft materials from AerFin to support its fleet. In exchange, AerFin will now utilize National Air Cargo’s global heavy-lift freight network to transport its dismantled aviation assets from desert storage to distribution hubs.

Strengthening the Marana to Miami Supply-Chain

The Role of Pinal Airpark and the Miami Hub

The logistics flow between Arizona and Florida represents a critical artery for the aviation aftermarket. According to supplementary industry research, Marana is home to Pinal Airpark, one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft boneyards and a premier location for aircraft storage and end-of-life teardowns. Once parts are harvested in the U.S. Southwest, they must be transported to AerFin’s major warehouse facility in Miami, a massive global aviation hub serving the Americas.

This specific supply chain route has seen increased volume recently. Industry reports indicate that in mid-2025, AerFin initiated a major teardown program involving ex-Japan Airlines Boeing 777-300ERs. Moving massive, outsized aircraft components, such as nacelles, reverse thrusters, and landing gear, requires specialized handling and strict regulatory oversight to ensure the parts maintain their certified status and residual value. National Air Cargo, established in 1991 and a known contractor for complex global logistics, provides the necessary heavy-lift capabilities to secure this transit.

A Reciprocal Relationship Built on Used Serviceable Material

Keeping the Queen of the Skies Flying

The partnership is deeply rooted in mutual operational needs. National Airlines operates an aging heavy-lift fleet, which includes nine Boeing 747-400 freighters, alongside four brand-new Boeing 777-200 freighters that began arriving in early 2026, according to industry data. To keep its legacy 747 fleet operational, National relies on teardown specialists like AerFin for a steady stream of replacement parts.

In the company’s press release, AerFin Chief Operating Officer Simon Bayliss emphasized the practical nature of the agreement.

“We’re focused on building partnerships that deliver in the real world, straightforward, dependable, and aligned to the needs of our customers. This agreement with National Air Cargo strengthens our ability to move quickly, while creating the foundation for long-term, reciprocal value.”

Alan White, Chief Growth Officer at National Air Cargo, echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration has evolved naturally from a vendor-client dynamic into a fully integrated logistics strategy.

“Our relationship with AerFin has grown organically, beginning with close collaboration on materials purchasing and now extending into a more integrated logistics partnership… we are well-positioned to support complex aircraft teardown programmes and expand into new opportunities, including Boeing 747 material solutions.”

AirPro News analysis

The global aviation industry is currently navigating severe supply chain bottlenecks and prolonged delays in new aircraft deliveries. As a result, airlines are forced to keep older airframes in service much longer than initially projected, driving unprecedented demand for Used Serviceable Material (USM). AerFin, which industry research notes serves a customer base of over 600 airlines, lessors, and maintenance providers, provides a critical lifeline of green-time engines and spare parts to this constrained market.

Furthermore, we view aircraft teardowns through an increasingly important Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) lens. Industry data indicates that up to 92% of a retired airframe can be harvested and recycled. By optimizing the logistics of these teardowns, partnerships like the one between AerFin and National Air Cargo actively reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint and promote a highly efficient circular economy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Used Serviceable Material (USM)?

Used Serviceable Material (USM) refers to recycled aircraft parts and engines that have been harvested from retired aircraft, inspected, repaired if necessary, and recertified for use on active commercial or cargo aircraft. USM is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to manufacturing new parts.

Why are aircraft parts moved from Marana to Miami?

Marana, Arizona, offers an ideal dry, desert climate for storing and dismantling retired aircraft. Once the valuable components are carefully removed, they are shipped to major distribution hubs like Miami, Florida, which offers excellent global connectivity for rapidly dispatching the parts to airlines and maintenance facilities across the Americas and beyond.

Sources

• AerFin Press Release
• AirPro News Team Research Report