Lessors Have Disassembled 105 Modern Aircraft for Parts
Owners are pulling engines from new narrowbody planes to boost profits in the high-demand global leasing market.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Auto Parts
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Lessors have disassembled over 100 new-generation narrowbody aircraft in the past year to prioritize individual engine leasing over complete airframe transitions. This move has introduced 200 spare engines into the global market to meet ongoing demand.
Why it matters
By leasing individual engines rather than full aircraft, owners are capturing higher revenue streams in a tight supply environment. This strategy shifts how parts move through the maintenance and repair network for newer models.
The total volume includes 100 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft—comprising 65 Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered units and 35 CFM International Leap-powered units—alongside five Boeing 737 MAX units.
The players
Pratt & Whitney
A major aerospace manufacturer known for its geared turbofan engines and active participation in the global engine leasing market.
CFM International
A prominent aircraft engine supplier whose Leap series powerplants are widely utilized in modern narrowbody commercial fleets.
The details
Lessors typically choose to disassemble these aircraft because the individual engines command higher lease rates than the complete plane in the current market. This process involves stripping the powerplants from the airframes and injecting them into the spare-engine pool. Engine manufacturers continue to monitor these MRO market positions, though lease rates for both GTF and Leap models are now expected to soften as supply increases.
Timeline
Over the past 12 months, lessors significantly ramped up aircraft disassembly.
The Home Front
This trend marks a notable shift in aircraft management where spare parts are prioritized over whole-unit operation to maximize leasing revenue. It follows the broader industry move toward optimized engine lifecycle management as tracked by The Engine Yearbook 2027.
While this news pertains to commercial aviation, homeowners tracking travel logistics should note that engine availability influences airline route stability and long-term fleet health. Keep an eye on regional flight capacity as the leasing market continues to shift.
The takeaway
The move to part out 105 aircraft highlights how maximizing revenue from individual components can outweigh traditional leasing models. Monitor how these spare-engine inventory changes affect future airline operational costs and capacity availability.
Further reading
Learn more about market trends for critical components in our Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Aviation Week.
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