Supply chain disruptions are adding an average of 19 days to maintenance, repair, and overhaul event cycle times at US certificated repair stations, according to the Aeronautical Repair Station Association's 2026 economic review. The delays represent a 34% increase in average added cycle time compared to 2023 baseline measurements.

The ARSA study surveyed 211 repair stations across the United States, covering commercial aviation, business aviation, and military MRO segments. Respondents identified aircraft engine parts and avionics components as the categories with the longest lead times, with some line-replaceable units showing 180-day to 240-day order-to-delivery windows from original equipment manufacturers.

Certified used serviceable material sourcing has increased in response to new-parts delays. ARSA data shows 67% of responding repair stations increased their CUSA procurement activity in 2025, with 41% reporting it now represents more than 20% of their total parts spend. The shift has compressed CUSA market availability and elevated pricing by an estimated 12% to 18% across common part numbers.

Workforce constraints compound the supply chain effect. ARSA estimates that US repair stations are operating with a collective shortfall of approximately 14,600 certificated A&P mechanics, reducing the number of simultaneous work orders that can be processed even when parts are available.

ARSA projects that supply chain normalization will require 24 to 36 months before new-part lead times return to pre-2021 levels, assuming OEM production rates continue to improve.

Source: ARSA -- https://arsa.org/economic-review-mro-supply-chain-2026