News

Grounded By Demand
Tuesday 2nd September 2025

Aircraft Shortages Are Fuelling a Talent War in Aviation

As the aviation industry rebounds from recent global disruptions, a new challenge has emerged - not in the skies, but on the ground. The surge in demand for aircraft and maintenance services is colliding with a shortage of skilled professionals, creating a fierce war for talent across the aviation ecosystem.

Aircraft Retirement Slowdown: A Supply Chain Bottleneck

One of the most pressing issues is the slowdown in aircraft retirements. Airlines, facing delays in new aircraft deliveries due to supply chain constraints and production backlogs, are holding onto older aircraft longer than expected. This has created a ripple effect in the aftermarket sector, where companies that rely on retired aircraft for teardown and parts are struggling to source inventory.

With fewer aircraft being decommissioned, used serviceable material (USM) is becoming increasingly scarce. Aircraft parts suppliers are finding it difficult to secure airframes and engines to dismantle and resell, leaving MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) scrambling to find the components they need to keep aircraft flying.

Procurement Professionals: The New Power Players

In this environment, professionals who can originate and procure aircraft and engines for teardown have become invaluable. These individuals possess a rare blend of technical knowledge, market insight, and relationship-building skills. Their ability to identify teardown opportunities, negotiate deals, and secure assets ahead of competitors is now a critical differentiator for parts suppliers.

We are seeing a spike in demand for candidates with:

Proven experience sourcing aircraft and engines.
Strong networks within airlines, lessors, and asset managers.
These roles are no longer just operational - they’re strategic, and companies are willing to pay a premium for top talent.

Sales Professionals: Bridging the Gap Between Scarcity and Demand

As MROs across the globe face mounting pressure to maintain aircraft with limited parts availability, sales professionals with aviation aftermarket expertise are also in high demand. These individuals are the bridge between supply and demand, helping MROs source critical components under tight timelines.

Key skills for these roles include:

An understanding of aircraft part numbers and interchangeability.
Ability to manage urgent customer needs and match them with available inventory.
Strong communication and negotiation skills across global markets.
Sales teams are no longer just transactional - they’re consultative, helping clients navigate a volatile supply chain with confidence.

What This Means for Aviation Recruitment

The demand for specialized talent - particularly in the USM market - is growing rapidly, and companies are looking for partners who can deliver candidates with the right mix of experience, relationships, and agility.

At Peak Performance we:

Build and maintain deep talent pools in niche areas like teardown procurement and aftermarket sales.
Understand the evolving needs of MROs, parts suppliers, and leasing companies.
Create a business partnership that goes beyond CVs, continually providing top tier talent in all areas.