Ontic has launched a strategic teardown program featuring a Boeing 747-400 formerly operated by Thai Airways as its first airframe. The initiative targets hard-to-source components for aging aircraft, addressing critical shortages in the MRO sector.
Announced at MRO Americas 2026 in Orlando, the program processes retired airframes to recover serviceable parts for Ontic’s repair and overhaul network. Every component undergoes rigorous technical and regulatory scrutiny, including traceability from removal through return-to-service with certified documentation and inspection data.
This expansion supports older platforms neglected by OEMs, securing inventory ahead of operator shortages, as noted by Aaron Smith, Ontic’s Director of AOG & Exchange. A second dedicated MRO facility in Tewkesbury, UK, is slated to open by late 2026.
Complementing a $30 million global MRO push, the first new facility in Miramar, Florida, nears operational go-live this quarter. The teardown effort enhances parts availability, enabling cost-effective maintenance for airlines and operators reliant on legacy fleets.
Ontic’s moves align with Boeing’s expanded exclusive distribution agreement, adding 1,000 actuation and propulsion products across platforms, strengthening supply chain reliability for civil and military aviation.