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

The global aviation aftermarket is currently operating under sustained pressure as airlines push to maximize the utilization of their existing fleets. Facing ongoing constraints in new aircraft deliveries and broader supply chain performance issues, operators are increasingly relying on the parts market to keep their aircraft flying.

These industry-wide pressures are becoming highly visible in real-time sourcing behavior, moving beyond mere forecasts. According to an April 2026 market overview published by Locatory.com, an aviation marketplace, the immediate operational stress across various fleets and maintenance segments can be tracked through parts demand.

The company’s latest report captures the top 50 most searched and 50 hardest-to-find aircraft parts, offering a clear window into the specific components that are currently bottlenecking maintenance operations worldwide.

Sustained Pressure on the Aviation Aftermarket

Fleet Utilization and Supply Chain Constraints

With new aircraft deliveries facing persistent delays, airlines have no choice but to extend the operational life of their current assets. In a company press release, Locatory.com noted that this dynamic has created a structurally driven demand cycle focused heavily on mature narrowbody platforms.

The Boeing 737 Next Generation and Airbus A320ceo fleets continue to dominate sourcing behavior on the marketplace. This concentration of searches underscores the prominence of these legacy aircraft in the global aviation market and highlights the ongoing supply constraints for fleets powered by CFM56 and V2500 engines.

Hardest-to-Find Components and Sourcing Behavior

Critical Rotating Parts and Hardware

Data from Locatory.com reveals that the hardest-to-find parts include critical rotating components, such as high-pressure compressor (HPC) spools and high-pressure turbine (HPT) disks. The scarcity of these specific parts indicates a limited availability of teardown material in the market, which in turn leads to extended repair turnaround times.

Beyond major engine components, the supply chain strain is also affecting smaller, everyday items. Standard hardware and structural fittings, including self-locking nuts, are becoming increasingly difficult for maintenance providers to source. According to industry analysis from ePlaneAI, these shortages mirror broader industry challenges related to serviceable material availability and constrained maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity.

“The aviation aftermarket is operating under sustained pressure, as airlines continue to maximize fleet utilization while facing ongoing constraints in aircraft deliveries and supply chain performance,” stated Locatory in its April 2026 market overview.

AirPro News analysis

The data presented by Locatory.com confirms that the commercial aviation market is firmly entrenched in the mature phase of its lifecycle for key narrowbody platforms. In this phase, reliability-driven maintenance and component scarcity are the primary factors shaping procurement strategies.

As material availability remains a persistent challenge, market participants are being forced to adapt. We observe that operators and MROs are increasingly adopting modular repairs and module swaps as cost-effective strategies to keep engines operational and mitigate the impact of extended turnaround times for individual part repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most searched aircraft parts in April 2026?
According to Locatory, sourcing behavior is heavily dominated by parts for mature narrowbody platforms, specifically the Boeing 737 Next Generation and Airbus A320ceo fleets, including components for CFM56 and V2500 engines.

Which aircraft parts are currently the hardest to find?
Critical rotating engine components, such as HPC spools and HPT disks, are among the hardest to find due to limited teardown material. Additionally, standard hardware like self-locking nuts is experiencing supply constraints.

Why is there a shortage of aircraft parts?
The shortage is driven by airlines maximizing the utilization of their existing fleets due to ongoing constraints in new aircraft deliveries, combined with broader supply chain performance issues and limited MRO capacity.

Sources: Locatory

SABIC Introduces ULTEM SU3102P Reactive Oligomer for Aerospace Composites

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has officially launched the ULTEM™ SU3102P reactive oligomer, a new polyetherimide (PEI) toughening agent engineered specifically for thermoset composites in the aerospace sector. According to a company press release, the material is designed to optimize the manufacturing of both primary and secondary Commercial-Aircraft structures by providing higher loading capacities and enhanced processing efficiency.

The aerospace industry is currently managing a significant increase in global passenger and cargo air traffic. This operational surge places pressure on aircraft Manufacturers to scale capacity and throughput while strictly adhering to safety, cost, and Sustainability mandates. To achieve these targets, the sector relies heavily on advanced composite materials for “lightweighting”, reducing the overall weight of an aircraft to lower fuel consumption and minimize carbon emissions.

However, engineering materials that are simultaneously lighter, thinner, and sufficiently durable to withstand extreme flight conditions remains a persistent challenge. SABIC states that its new oligomer addresses this industry gap by improving the durability and manufacturability of aerospace composites. The innovation recently earned a Gold award in the Materials Science category at the 2026 Edison Awards.

Technical Specifications and Manufacturing Integration

Based on the manufacturer’s specifications, the ULTEM SU3102P is a low molecular weight reactive oligomer based on PEI functionalized with amine groups. It is targeted for use in critical aerospace structures, including wings, fuselage frames, spoilers, and interior cabin components. Like other materials in the ULTEM portfolio, the company notes that the SU3102P oligomer features inherent flame retardance, high strength, high heat and chemical resistance, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE).

A key operational advantage highlighted in the press release is the material’s compatibility with existing production lines. SABIC describes the oligomer as a “drop-in” solution, meaning aerospace manufacturers can integrate it without requiring costly equipment upgrades. It is reportedly compatible with a broad spectrum of thermoset resin systems, including epoxy, cyanate ester, benzoxazine, bismaleimide, phenolic, phenoxy, and urethane. The material is currently available globally for both sampling and commercial-scale orders.

Performance Metrics vs. Industry Standards

SABIC claims that the ULTEM SU3102P oligomer significantly outperforms reactive polyethersulfone (rPES), which is currently considered the industry standard. According to the company’s published data, the new thermoplastic solution is capable of achieving unprecedented loadings of up to 50% by weight. In contrast, traditional rPES typically permits loadings of only 7% to 12%.

Furthermore, the manufacturer reports that the new oligomer improves the toughness-stiffness balance of composite materials by up to 140% compared to rPES. This enhancement is intended to help composites better resist fracture and impact damage, potentially reducing aircraft maintenance downtime and improving overall safety. Despite the high loading capabilities, SABIC states that the oligomer maintains a low formulation viscosity, which can boost the productivity and energy efficiency of thermoset composite prepregs by up to 30%.

Industry Impact and Corporate Recognition

The launch of this material aligns with broader industry efforts to streamline supply chains and reduce the environmental footprint of aerospace manufacturing.

“As global air traffic increases significantly with more passengers and cargo, the industry faces pressure to build capacity and throughput within its existing footprint, while still meeting cost, safety and sustainability goals. Our new ULTEM oligomer can help designers create lighter, thinner and tougher composite structures, increase manufacturing efficiency and cut emissions. This addition to our ULTEM portfolio builds on a long history of success in aerospace applications and demonstrates our strong commitment to materials innovation.”
— Sergi Monros, Vice President of SABIC Polymers, Specialties Business Unit

The product’s development was recognized at the 2026 Edison Awards, where the ULTEM SU3102P reactive oligomer was named a Gold winner in the Materials Science category. According to the company, the 2026 ceremony marked the sixth consecutive year SABIC has been honored at the Edison Awards. In 2026 alone, the corporation secured five awards across multiple categories, including Material Science, Energy & Climate Resiliency, and Clean Water, Food & Agriculture.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we note that the introduction of a “drop-in” toughening agent with a 50% loading capacity represents a notable shift in composite material science. For aerospace original equipment OEMs and tier-one suppliers, the ability to improve material toughness by a claimed 140% without overhauling existing thermoset resin equipment is a critical capital expenditure saver. Furthermore, the reported 30% boost in energy efficiency during the prepreg manufacturing process directly supports the aviation sector’s aggressive net-zero carbon targets for 2050. If the commercial application of ULTEM SU3102P matches SABIC’s laboratory metrics, it could accelerate the adoption of thinner, lighter composite structures in next-generation aircraft designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the ULTEM SU3102P reactive oligomer?
It is a new polyetherimide (PEI) toughening agent developed by SABIC, designed to make thermoset composites used in aerospace manufacturing lighter, stronger, and more durable.

How does it compare to existing materials?
According to SABIC, it outperforms the industry standard (rPES) by allowing up to 50% by weight (compared to 7-12%) and improving the toughness-stiffness balance by up to 140%.

Do manufacturers need new equipment to use it?
No. The company states it is a “drop-in” solution compatible with existing manufacturing processes and a wide range of thermoset resin systems.

Sources

• SABIC Official Press Release

On May 4, 2026, Impeccable Vintage Properties (IVP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad, officially inaugurated its newly refurbished hangar complex at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang. The launch marks a critical step in transforming the airport into a premier destination for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in Southeast Asia.

According to reporting by Business Today, the development is strategically positioned to elevate Selangor and Malaysia as a central aerospace hub. By upgrading legacy infrastructure to meet modern aviation standards, IVP aims to attract high-value aviation activities and international operators to the region.

The revitalization of the Subang aerospace complex represents a coordinated national effort. The project aligns directly with the Malaysia Aerospace Blueprint 2030 and the Selangor Aerospace Action Plan 2020–2030, reflecting a broader governmental push to capture a larger share of the lucrative Asia-Pacific MRO market.

The New Hangar Facilities and Key Tenants

The newly launched facilities have already secured commitments from major regional and global aviation players. Business Today reports that the complex is anchored by key industry operators, including Malaysia Airlines Engineering Services (MABES) and Base Maintenance Malaysia (BMM).

Industry records indicate that BMM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC), previously signed a 15-year lease agreement for two hangars at the site, establishing SIAEC’s third base maintenance hub in the Asia-Pacific region. These hangars are capable of accommodating widebody aircraft, significantly boosting regional airframe check capacity.

In addition to airframe maintenance, the complex houses GE Aerospace Engine Services Malaysia (GEESM). This facility serves as a specialized center of excellence for LEAP engine maintenance, catering to the growing fleet of next-generation narrowbody aircraft operating in the region.

The Engine Ground Run Bay

A standout technical feature of the IVP complex is its specialized testing infrastructure. Business Today highlights that the site features Subang Airport’s only dedicated engine ground run (EGR) bay. This unique addition enables operators to conduct on-wing engine testing for widebody aircraft safely and efficiently, reducing downtime for airlines and streamlining the MRO process.

Ongoing Refurbishments and Future Expansion

While the May 4 launch represents a major operational milestone, the transformation of the 100-acre Subang site is an ongoing process. The property, which was formerly owned by Malaysia Airlines and largely underutilized before IVP took over in 2021, contains approximately 27 buildings and facilities.

According to IVP statements cited by Business Today, refurbishment works on the remaining hangar assets are actively progressing. The company has targeted the end of 2026 for the full completion of these upgrades.

Infrastructure and Sustainability Upgrades

Beyond the hangars themselves, IVP is investing in comprehensive infrastructure enhancements. Upcoming additions include a dedicated component workshop and a centralized storage facility, which will further support the complex’s MRO ecosystem.

Modernization efforts also extend to environmental sustainability. The newly launched complex incorporates several green design elements. Business Today notes that the facility features energy-efficient systems, advanced water management measures, and critical flood mitigation infrastructure, ensuring the site remains resilient against extreme weather events.

Economic Impact and Strategic Alignment

The redevelopment of the Subang aerospace corridor is expected to yield significant economic dividends for Malaysia. Officials anticipate that the expanded MRO hub will generate numerous high-skilled employment opportunities, particularly in technical and engineering disciplines.

By providing world-class infrastructure, IVP allows its tenants to focus entirely on their core MRO operations. This plug-and-play model is designed to strengthen local aviation supply chains and reinforce Subang’s position as a strategic aerospace corridor.

“The development is expected to support the creation of high-skilled jobs, strengthen aviation supply chains, and reinforce Subang’s position as a strategic aerospace corridor,” noted officials in the Business Today report.

AirPro News analysis

The official launch of IVP’s hangar facilities at Subang Airport underscores a highly competitive race for MRO dominance in the Asia-Pacific region. With neighboring hubs facing land constraints and rising costs, Malaysia is aggressively positioning Subang as a viable, high-quality alternative. By leveraging the financial backing of Khazanah Nasional Berhad and securing blue-chip tenants like SIAEC and GE Aerospace, IVP has successfully validated its infrastructure-as-a-service model.

The inclusion of specialized assets, such as the dedicated widebody engine ground run bay, demonstrates a clear understanding of airline operational needs. As the global commercial fleet continues to expand, particularly in Southeast Asia, the demand for localized, comprehensive MRO services will only intensify. If IVP can meet its end-of-2026 completion targets for the remaining facilities, Subang is well-positioned to capture a substantial share of this growth, fulfilling the ambitious targets set out in the Malaysia Aerospace Blueprint 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Impeccable Vintage Properties (IVP)?

Impeccable Vintage Properties (IVP) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund. IVP was mandated to redevelop a 100-acre site at Subang Airport into a premier aerospace and MRO hub.

Who are the main tenants at the new Subang hangar complex?

Key anchor tenants include Base Maintenance Malaysia (BMM), a unit of SIA Engineering Company; Malaysia Airlines Engineering Services (MABES); and GE Aerospace Engine Services Malaysia (GEESM).

When will the entire Subang MRO complex be completed?

While initial hangar facilities were officially launched on May 4, 2026, IVP targets the end of 2026 for the full completion of refurbishments on the remaining hangar assets and supporting infrastructure.

Sources

• Impeccable Vintage Properties (IVP)