Aircraft parts availability trends recorded on the Locatory.com marketplace in February 2026 represent more than simple parts transactions. It offers valuable insight into fleet health, supply chain pressure points, and the evolving priorities of aviation maintenance professionals.
Drawing on this data, Locatory.com presents an overview of the Top 50 most-searched and Top 50 hardest-to-find aircraft parts worldwide for February 2026.
Narrow-Body Engine Hardware Driving Maintenance Activity
Search activity in February again centered on propulsion systems supporting legacy narrow-body aircraft powered by the CFM56 engine family. High demand was recorded for critical rotating components, including the High-Pressure Compressor Stage 1‑2 spool (1558M31G07), HPT disk (1498M43P07), and HPT rear and front shaft (1864M90P04, 1386M56P03). Operators also actively looked for the Low-Pressure Turbine Stage 1 blade (301-330-114-0) essential to Boeing 737 Classic aircraft, and the HPTACC valve (3291186-6).
Fuel system and engine control components were similarly sought, with hydromechanical units (8061-536) regulating fuel flow and main fuel control units (442653) for CFM56-7B engines. Starter assemblies for air turbines (63506083-4, 3505830-13), also were among the most searched items.
Because of delayed entry into service of next-generation LEAP and Pratt & Whitney engines, thousands of CFM56-equipped aircraft remain active. High flight-cycle operations and extended utilization periods are driving sustained demand for hot-section and fuel system components across global narrow-body fleets.
High Demand for APU, Electrical Power, and Avionics Components
Auxiliary power units experienced significant search activity, with components such as the APU electronic starter controller (4508022), starter motor assemblies (4952164), and ignition exciters (3888058-7) installed across single-aisle and regional fleets. These aircraft parts availability trends highlight the importance of APU reliability during ground cycles, particularly in winter operations, where increased preheating and electrical loads exacerbate wear.
Electrical power and flight control systems were also heavily sought after. Integrated drive generators (761574B, 1706903), electronic control unit (2042M67P04) for the 737NG, and hydraulic pumps (57186-10) for Boeing 737 and 747 families appeared notably.
Avionics systems generated substantial search activity during February, particularly in the weather radar category. Operators actively searched for the weather radar antenna drive unit (2041444-0404) and weather radar receiver/transmitter (066-50008-0409). The cross-platform compatibility of these systems makes them particularly sensitive to supply shortages. Many airlines have deferred full avionics modernization due to delivery delays and limited aircraft‑downtime opportunities, opting instead for targeted LRU replacements.
Additional avionics-related quotes included electronic standby instrument (C16790AA01) and angle-of-attack sensor (C16291AB) both installed on Airbus aircraft. Together, these components point to ongoing avionics LRU replacement cycles.
Sustained Demand for Cabin Hardware and Safety Equipment
Cabin and structural hardware represented another notable category in search activity during the month. Components such as Tray Table Assembly (D2511225800000), Electric Door Strike (AR4714-7), and Cargo Latch Fitting (D2557205820000) point to steady demand driven by cabin refurbishment initiatives and routine maintenance.
High demand for safety and environmental system components, including fire extinguishers (33500026-1, BA24320A-1) and environmental control system flow control valves (1806B0000-01) for the Airbus A320 family suggest ongoing preventative maintenance across active fleets. Brake cooling fan motors (AE1502U02) also featured prominently in search patterns, consistent with high operational intensity.
Aircraft Parts Availability Trends in Regional Operations
Regional aircraft maintenance activity was also visible in February’s search patterns. Multiple components associated with the Embraer E-Jet family appeared among the most searched items, including flow limiter valve (975301-5), low stage bleed check valve (1001447-6), digital audio panel (7511900-92501), and dual emergency parking brake valve (38-907501-2), along with smart probe air data system(2015G2H2H-8A) installed across Gulfstream and Cessna Citation aircraft.
These aircraft support high-frequency regional networks operated by carriers such as SkyWest Airlines, Republic Airways, KLM, and LOT Polish Airlines. Regional jets typically accumulate high daily flight cycles due to short sector lengths, resulting in accelerated wear on hydraulic, braking, and environmental systems.
At the same time, several complex systems supporting regional aircraft also appeared on the shortage list. Components tied to the Embraer E-Jet family included FADECs (4505003M), fuel modules (4505008F), shield assemblies (4505111B), engine control harness (4505113B), solenoid valve assemblies (756722B), APU units (4505789E), air intake housing (4506256B), and attachments (96073-11, 96073-12).
Shortages were not limited to Embraer E-Jet family. Several components associated with general aviation aircraft appeared on the hard-to-source list, including exhaust assembly (9954100-10), engine cowling mount (J7444-42) both related to the Cessna 172 series, oil filter (CH48110-1), and magnetic particle inspected bolts (S3461-117).
Unlike major carriers, regional operators typically lack deep spare pools, making them vulnerable to supply chain variability.
Hard-to-Find Parts Reveal Structural Supply Chain Bottlenecks
A closer examination of the hard-to-find parts list indicates that, although overall demand was largely concentrated on complex propulsion and avionics systems, the February shortage list revealed a very different pattern. Many of the hardest-to-source components were basic structural fasteners and hardware items:
- Fasteners (AN3C-20A, AN4CH14A, NAS1351C3-24, NAS1351C4-24, NAS1351C4-28, NAS6704D34, AN7-24A, AN8-23A, APS105-00200-PKG, S2319-1, MS14181-08034, LN9438AM6X18, BACB30NW8K4)
- Nuts, Washers & Cotter Pins (MS14183-8, AN960-10, BACN11AG4, BRH10C4D, MS24665-24, MS17985C620, BACP18BC02A06P)
- Retaining & Safety Hardware (CM2791-1, MS21256-1, MS21256-2, MS21256-3, MS20995C20)
- Seals & Gaskets (M83461-1-219, 07-14183)
Although these components are inexpensive individually, they are used in extremely high quantities across aircraft structures, landing gear assemblies, and control systems. When shortages occur, they can halt entire maintenance tasks because aircraft cannot be returned to service without certified hardware.
What Do Search Trends Tell Us?
February’s aircraft parts availability trends highlights patterns currently shaping the aviation aftermarket:
- Continued demand for CFM56 engine components confirms legacy narrow-body fleets will remain in service longer, requiring ongoing maintenance investments.
- High operational usage is accelerating replacement intervals for electrical power generation systems and APU components.
- Shortages of basic structural hardware present an often-overlooked operational risk.
- Strong demand for regional aircraft components shows that supply chain constraints extend beyond large commercial fleets, facing similar sourcing challenges as operators compete for limited inventories.
In this environment, real-time visibility into parts demand and availability has become critical. Procurement behavior captured through Locatory.com marketplace search activity offers an early warning of supply chain stress points, enabling operators, MRO providers, and suppliers to proactively manage inventory, mitigate shortages, and optimize maintenance planning.
