Standard hardware components such as bolts, nuts, cotter pins and washers were the most constrained aircraft parts category in April 2026, both globally and in North America, according to marketplace data from parts-sourcing platform Locatory.com published June 3 by Aviation Pros. The report tracks the 50 hardest-to-find parts each month and indicates that aftermarket supply pressure is spreading beyond engines into broader maintenance package risk.
Cabin and safety components ranked as the second-largest constrained category, accounting for 26% of hardest-to-find searches globally and 18% in North America. Constrained items included fire extinguishers, escape slides, Boeing 777 window assemblies and protective breathing equipment.
Airframe and landing gear shortages were notably stronger in North America, representing 23% of regional searches versus 14% globally. Analysts attributed the gap to active overhaul programs and high-utilization regional fleets, with Boeing 737 thrust reversers, 777 axle assemblies and nose landing gear torsion links among the most difficult items to source.
Engine components held an 8% share of constrained parts in both markets, concentrated in high-impact items such as CFM56 piston assemblies, electronic control units and high-pressure compressor spools for the A320 and 737 families. Avionics and sensor shortages stood at 12% globally and 10% in North America, categories the platform described as lower in volume but high in operational sensitivity because availability depends on repair capacity, certification and traceability.
Source: Aviation Pros -- https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft-maintenance-technology/engines-parts/article/55381173/parts-report-which-parts-were-hardest-to-find-in-april-2026