PMA vs OEM in aircraft safety equipment

OEM parts are produced under the original type design and are often considered the default choice. In certain contractual, lease-driven, or policy-restricted environments, OEM supply may be appropriate or required. However, operational reality frequently reveals limitations in OEM supply chains, particularly for mature aircraft programs. Long or unpredictable lead times, intermittent production runs, and pricing driven by captive demand are common challenges. OEM approval alone does not guarantee superior availability or better in-service performance.

Modern PMA manufacturers, by contrast, often focus exclusively on replacement parts rather than entire aircraft programs. This allows development effort to be concentrated on reliability, repeatability, and manufacturing consistency. In many cases, PMA components incorporate improved materials, refined tolerances, enhanced sealing solutions, or updated manufacturing processes compared to the original OEM design. These improvements are introduced through approved design data rather than informal modification.

NEDAVION’s preference for PMA supply is grounded in repeated operational outcomes. Across multiple aircraft types and safety-critical applications, PMA components have demonstrated equal or improved in-service performance compared to OEM equivalents while remaining fully compliant with applicable regulatory standards.

Lead time reliability is one of the most significant operational advantages of PMA supply. PMA manufacturers typically maintain active production lines, hold stock for common applications, and support the aftermarket continuously. For mature aircraft types, where OEM production may be delayed or deprioritised, this predictability is critical. Shorter and more reliable lead times directly reduce AOG exposure, maintenance disruption, and planning risk.

Cost structure is another practical consideration. PMA parts are generally available at significantly lower cost than OEM parts. This is not the result of reduced quality, but of competitive manufacturing structures, focused aftermarket production, and the absence of captive pricing models. For safety equipment replaced on calendar limits or upon activation, PMA supply delivers a clear lifecycle cost advantage without compromising certification or compliance.

Interchangeability and documentation remain essential. FAA-PMA parts are supplied with approved certification, such as FAA 8130-3, clear PMA identification, and PMA Supplement Index documentation confirming eligibility and interchangeability. At NEDAVION, documentation is reviewed and supplied as part of the standard handling process. Applicability is confirmed against aircraft and component approval data rather than inferred through part number similarity.

There are circumstances where OEM parts may still be required, including specific operator policies, lease return conditions, or authority-imposed limitations. A PMA-focused approach does not exclude OEM supply where necessary. It simply recognises that PMA is often the more effective solution when evaluated against real operational constraints.

NEDAVION actively promotes FAA-PMA safety equipment because it consistently delivers equivalent or improved product performance, significantly shorter and more reliable lead times, and materially lower cost, while remaining fully compliant with applicable aviation regulations. This position reflects how aircraft are maintained and operated in practice, not a theoretical or marketing preference.