How to Choose the Right Aerospace Support Services

The U.S. aerospace support services industry is a vital and multifaceted sector that underpins both commercial aviation and national defense. It spans a broad array of functions, from aircraft and spacecraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) to logistics, engineering, and specialized technical services. While the industry is experiencing steady growth, it also faces notable challenges, including ongoing supply chain disruptions and a shortage of skilled labor, which require strategic solutions and reliable partnerships to overcome.

And in the high-stakes world of aerospace, precision, reliability, and speed are everything. Whether it’s routine maintenance or an urgent Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situation, having the right aerospace support services and suppliers in place can make the difference between a grounded fleet and mission-ready aircraft. But with so many providers claiming to offer premium solutions, how do you identify the right partners to support your operations?

According to Deloitte Research Center for Energy & Industrials, the aerospace industry is poised for growth and diversification in 2025, despite various recent events.

“In the past year, the aerospace and defense industry has confronted various challenges ranging from supply chain issues to talent and production shortages. However, Deloitte’s analysis indicates that the industry is experiencing growth and progressing in these areas. In the commercial sector, demand for air travel was high in 2024 and recovered completely from the COVID-19 pandemic dip.

According to the International Air Transport Association, demand for global air passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometers, is expected to grow by 11.6% in 2024 compared with 2023. As of August 2024, global air passenger traffic was up 11.9% year-to-date, and total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers, increased 10.2% year-to-date.”

Selecting the Best Support Services and Suppliers for Operations

This article highlights the key factors every aerospace maintenance and procurement team should consider when selecting support services and materials vendors. Whether you’re managing scheduled maintenance or responding to emergency repair needs, these insights will help you make informed decisions that keep your operations efficient, compliant, and on schedule.

1. Evaluate Specialization and Industry Expertise

Not all support service providers are created equal. Aerospace is a specialized field with its own set of regulations, technical demands, and expectations for quality. Choosing a supplier with specific experience in the aerospace sector—particularly one focused on aircraft maintenance and AOG support—is essential.

Look for companies with:

• Proven experience working with MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) teams.
• Knowledge of military, commercial, and private aviation standards.
• Engineering and metallurgical expertise related to aerospace-grade materials.

Suppliers who understand the unique requirements of aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium roll form stringers in aircraft structures are better equipped to deliver parts that meet your exact needs—on time and to spec.

2. Assess AOG Capabilities and Responsiveness

AOG situations can cost operators thousands—or even millions—of dollars in downtime. Speed and responsiveness are critical. The ideal support partner should offer:

• 24/7 AOG service availability
• Rapid order fulfillment and shipping logistics
• On-hand inventory of critical components

Ask potential suppliers how quickly they can respond to an AOG request, what materials they keep in stock, and whether they offer same-day shipping or delivery options. A support provider that operates with urgency and agility can be a true lifeline in crisis scenarios.

3. Verify Certifications and Compliance Standards

Aerospace components must adhere to stringent regulatory and quality standards. Your supplier should be fully certified and in compliance with industry requirements such as:

• AS9100 and ISO 9001 certifications
• DFARS and ITAR compliance
• Boeing, Airbus, or other OEM approvals (if applicable)

These certifications indicate a commitment to quality management, traceability, and adherence to aerospace safety protocols. A supplier who meets these standards will help you remain compliant with FAA and EASA regulations.

4. Check Material Quality and Traceability

In aerospace manufacturing and repair, material quality isn’t just important—it’s non-negotiable. Aircraft structural integrity depends on using parts and materials that meet exacting specifications.

When evaluating a supplier, confirm that:

• All materials are certified and traceable to the mill source.
• The vendor offers full material test reports (MTRs) and certificates of conformance (CoCs).
• Materials like roll form stringers meet aerospace-grade tolerances and profiles.

Whether it’s 7075 aluminum, 321 stainless steel, or Grade 5 titanium, every component should meet the strictest material and structural standards.

5. Evaluate Customization and Engineering Support

Off-the-shelf components don’t always meet the unique needs of a given aircraft or repair situation. A top-tier aerospace support partner should be able to offer:

• Custom roll forming capabilities for stringers and extrusions
• Engineering assistance for part replication and reverse engineering
• Profile matching services for hard-to-find or legacy parts

Especially when dealing with older aircraft, rare profiles, or military platforms, access to custom-manufactured components can be critical to maintaining operations.

6. Investigate Logistics and Global Reach

Today’s aerospace industry is global, and the ability to ship quickly and efficiently across regions is essential. Look for suppliers with:

• Multiple distribution centers or international shipping options
• Experience in customs and export control compliance
• Tracking systems and customer service for shipment visibility

A vendor with a robust logistics network ensures that your critical components arrive when and where you need them—no matter how remote the operation or hangar.

7. Look for Long-Term Partnership Potential

Choosing an aerospace support service isn’t just about finding the lowest cost or the fastest shipper. You’re selecting a strategic partner who can grow with your business, support evolving needs, and help you adapt to industry changes. Consider vendors who:

• Offer predictable lead times and scalable services
• Provide dedicated account management
• Are invested in long-term client relationships

A supplier who understands your operation’s needs and challenges will be better positioned to deliver value over time—not just in one-off transactions.

8. Ask for References and Case Studies

Finally, don’t be afraid to request references or case studies. A reputable supplier will be proud to share examples of how they’ve supported other aerospace clients in similar roles or situations. Ask about:

• Past AOG situations and how quickly parts were delivered.
• Case studies involving custom manufacturing or hard-to-source components.
• Client satisfaction and retention rates.

These insights can give you real-world confirmation of the supplier’s capabilities and performance.

Choose Support That Elevates Your Mission

In aerospace, there’s no margin for error—and no time for delays. Whether you’re sourcing roll form stringers for structural repairs or responding to an urgent AOG event, the right support partner will deliver speed, quality, and precision every time.

At AAA Air Support, we specialize in helping aerospace maintenance and manufacturing teams stay ready, responsive, and fully equipped. With a comprehensive inventory of aerospace-grade aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium roll form stringers—and 24/7 AOG support—we’re ready to serve your operation whenever and wherever you need us.

Need immediate support or looking to build a reliable supply partnership? Contact our team today to learn more about our services and capabilities.