The Air Transport USM Market — where USM stands for Used Serviceable Material — is becoming an essential segment of the global aviation aftermarket. USM represents certified used aircraft parts and materials harvested from end-of-life or retired aircraft, inspected, recertified, and reused for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. This market plays a pivotal role in enhancing airline operational efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and supporting global fleet sustainability. According to industry forecasts, the Air Transport USM Market is expected to grow from 97 USD Billion in 2025 to 150 USD Billion by 2035. The Air Transport USM Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 4.5% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).

A key reason behind this growth is the growing demand for cost-effective maintenance solutions in an era of rising operational costs. Airlines and MRO providers increasingly rely on USM to offset the high price of new OEM parts. By procuring serviceable materials from retired aircraft or component teardown operations, operators can reduce outage time and manage maintenance budgets more efficiently. This trend is particularly strong in commercial aviation, where fleet utilization remains high and rapid turnaround is critical to profitability. 

The expansion of the air transport USM market is also closely linked to the global increase in air travel and aircraft utilization. As air passenger numbers grow year over year and fleets expand — especially in emerging regions — the demand for maintenance solutions rises in tandem. USM has become a strategic tool to ensure aircraft remain airworthy without the prolonged lead times often associated with new component manufacturing. 

In terms of market share, the segment is broadly divided between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket suppliers. Although OEM-controlled USM programs offer enhanced traceability and brand confidence, independent aftermarket players hold a significant share due to their ability to supply diverse parts quickly and cost-effectively. OEM providers often supply certified used parts as part of support contracts, while aftermarket distributors and teardown specialists maintain inventory and distribution networks that serve global maintenance hubs. 

Regional dynamics are a crucial component of the industry analysis for the Air Transport USM Market. North America has long been a market leader due to its large installed fleet, mature MRO infrastructure, and active teardown and component recycling ecosystem. The sheer scale of commercial operations in the United States — backed by established platforms and logistics capabilities — ensures that North America maintains a dominant share of global USM demand. 

Europe follows closely, driven by major carriers, leasing hubs, and robust MRO centers in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. These regions support a high volume of aircraft maintenance and teardown activity, contributing to a strong USM supply and demand base. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is rapidly emerging as a high-growth market due to expanding airline fleets, increasing air traffic, and strengthened local MRO capabilities, particularly in China, India, and Southeast Asia. 

The Air Transport USM Market also benefits from growing interest in sustainable aviation practices. Reusing serviceable material reduces waste, limits the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing new components, and aligns with broader industry goals of sustainability and resource efficiency. This circular-economy influence is increasingly woven into strategic fleet maintenance and MRO planning. 

Technological advancements are influencing market trends as well. Digital platforms, AI-powered inventory and demand forecasting tools, RFID and blockchain-based traceability systems are improving transparency, part certification processes, and supply chain efficiency across the USM ecosystem. These technologies not only streamline operations but also enhance stakeholder confidence in used parts reliability and compliance with regulatory standards. 

In addition to commercial aviation, cargo airlines and military aviation segments increasingly incorporate USM strategies. These sectors operate under similar cost pressures and extended fleet lifecycles, making cost-effective maintenance solutions highly appealing. The need for reliable and cost-efficient part reuse in heavyweight and hard-to-source systems further supports broader USM adoption. 

Looking ahead, the air transport USM market forecast suggests steady growth through the next decade as global fleets continue to expand, aircraft retirements increase as part of normal fleet turnover, and the demand for sustainable, efficient maintenance solutions becomes more embedded in airline operations. Given these dynamics, the Air Transport USM Market is well positioned for long-term growth and strategic importance within the aviation aftermarket and MRO sectors.