Parts Report: Which Parts Were Most In-Demand in March 2026?

As economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions persist, reviewing supply chain data can help repair shops and MROs plan inventory to avoid shortages.

Informed by data from Locatory.com, this month’s Parts Report focuses on the most highly searched parts from March 2026.

Most searched parts by type and location

Why engine components maintain the highest search volume

According to reports from Locatory.com, engine components were the most highly searched for parts in March, taking over even more of the concentration than in February 2026.

The reports indicated ongoing reliance on A320ceo and B737NG fleets, as search activity focused largely on platforms like:

• CFM56-5B
• CFM56-7B

In terms of location, demand for engine components was largely the same in the United States and around the globe, though the U.S. showed a higher concentration specifically for the HPT Front Rotor Shaft for B737 and A320ceo families.

Experts from Locatory.com explained, “Ongoing production delays of next-generation aircraft continue to extend the operational life of legacy fleets, resulting in higher shop visit frequency and deeper engine overhauls.”

They continued, “March data shows a clear shift toward core rotating engine hardware, compared to February’s stronger focus on LRUs, indicating more intensive overhaul cycles rather than line maintenance.”

This has resulted in a strong demand for:

• Life-limited parts (LLPs)
• Rotating hardware
• Core engine modules

The engine components with the highest search volume were:

• 1558M31G07 – High Pressure Compressor (HPC) Stage 1–2 Spool, for CFM56-7B engines powering Boeing 737NG
• 2116M23P01 – Stage 3 HPC Rotor Disk, for Boeing 737NG (CFM56-7B)
• 2048M20G03 / 2048M20G05 – HPC Stage 4–9 Spool, for Boeing 737NG (CFM56-7B)
• 2410M49P01 – High Pressure Turbine (HPT) Rotor Disk, for Boeing 737 family, Airbus A320ceo family
• 2100M96P05 / 2403M91P05 – HPT Blades, for CFM56-7B and CFM56-5B engines
• 1386M56P03 – HPC Front Shaft, for Boeing 737NG (CFM56-7B)
• 1864M90P04 – HPT Rear Rotor Shaft, for Boeing 737NG (CFM56-7B)
• 3291186-6 – Turbine Clearance Valve, for Boeing 737NG (CFM56-7B)

How frequently were electrical and power components searched for?

According to Locatory.com reports, “Compared to February, demand has shifted from large electrical assemblies (e.g., IDGs) toward component-level replacements, indicating cost optimization and repair-driven sourcing strategies.”

This demand is primarily concentrated on:

• Fuel control systems
• Starter systems
• Power conversion units

In North America, most search activity is centered around the same components—with an outlier being starter systems for the Airbus A320 and Boeing 777 families—which hints at high-cycle operational stress.

The most searched-for electrical and power components in March 2026 were:

• 8061-639 – Fuel Metering Unit (FMU), for IAE V2500 engines (Airbus A319/A320/A321, MD-90)
• 441921-5 – Fuel Control Unit (FCU)
• 28B545-9 – Starter Generator, for Boeing 737 NG and MAX
• 3505945-12 – Air Turbine Starter, for Boeing 737 family
• HBF100 – Frequency Converter, for Airbus A380

What was the demand for avionics and sensors like?

Globally, demand for these components kept stable when compared to February, with a focus on parts that are key for regulatory compliance and safety, such as:

• Control systems
• Monitoring units
• Flight management systems

In North America, avionics and sensors made up a lower share of search data, focusing mainly on operational critical electronics and replacements.

The most searched-for avionics and sensors of March 2026 were:

• LA2H60300HM0100 – Brake Temperature Monitoring Unit, for Airbus A330 and A340 families
• ECU154 – Engine Control Unit
• C12858AA06 – Flight Management Guidance and Envelope Computer

How highly searched were cabin and safety components?

Locatory.com reports show that global demand for cabin and safety components was driven by:

• Regulatory compliance
• Refurbishment programs
• High utilization rates

The reports noted, “North America demand is more concentrated on Boeing 737 cabin structures and interior replacement parts including frontshells and backshells.”

The most searched parts in this category were:

• 7A1539-055 – Slide Escape L/H #2 Door, for Airbus A330 and A340 families
• 453-5000 – Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
• 0A296-0215HS – Seat Pan Cushion Cover, for Boeing 737 Series
• NP175201-6 – Right-Hand Front Windshield, for Airbus A330 and A340 families

How frequently did users search for standard hardware components?

Experts from Locatory.com shared, “Standard hardware accounts for approximately 20% of global search activity, increasing significantly to around 32% in North America, representing the largest relative regional deviation across all categories.

Demand for these types of parts was largely driven by:

• High consumption rates per maintenance event
• Coss-platform applicability of the same hardware across multiple aircraft fleets
• Fragmented sourcing structures spanning OEMs, PMA suppliers and distributors
• Understocking of low-value yet operationally critical components

The most searched standard hardware components for March 2026 included:

• 42NKE048 – Cap Self-Locking Nut
• NAS6606-18 – Bolt
• AS5804T100808 / AS5804T101004 – Tee Fittings
• AS5807T060606 – Fitting Tee Swaged
• J1215P16 – Gasket
• M83248-1-012 – High-temperature O-ring
• AS3208-04 / AS3208-06 / AS3209-011 – Packing / O-ring series
• 98038115 – Washer

Locatory experts explained, “These part numbers appear across both most searched and hardest-to-find datasets, indicating simultaneous high demand and constrained availability.”

In conclusion, while engine components maintain the highest volume of searches, cabin and safety components have significantly risen in the concentration, especially in North America. Global trends have aligned closely with those in the United States, with differences resulting mainly from usage patterns rather than variations in supply.