How JSSI Reduces the Financial Burden of AOG Through Engine and APU Leasing

Across aircraft maintenance, the primary goal is to minimize downtime. For commercial operators, time on the ground is time an aircraft isn't making money. And for private operators, the time taken by an AOG is the time an operator loses the utility of a multi-million-dollar investment.

Occasionally, grounded aircraft experience engine or APU issues, resulting in the loss of a primary energy source for the aircraft. Groundings of this nature can cause aircraft to be inoperable for several weeks at a time, especially in the current climate of supply chain constraints and extended shop visit lead times. This results in a significant loss of time and money.

However, there's a solution. Nowadays, aircraft operators can lease engines and APUs for their aircraft while their original parts are undergoing service. Companies that operate these leasing networks are called independent lessors and maintain a portfolio of parts ready to ship, 24/7, 365.

Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) is one such company. Founded in 1989, JSSI has become the industry's largest and most respected source of aircraft technical solutions, providing a wide range of services from parts leasing to aircraft financing and technical support. Since its beginnings in 1989 as the independent hourly cost maintenance (HCM) program provider, the company has built an impressive lease pool of 85 engines and APUs with close support for the G550, Global Express, Challenger, and much more.

JSSI Engine Offerings

JSSI APU Offerings

Global Logistics

JSSI Parts & Engines, the organization’s parts division, also leverages its third-party vendor network to provide an extended catalog for its clients. For engines not directly available in its 85,000 square-foot warehouse, the company utilizes its vast partnerships to source them from other companies. This ensures that even if a specific unit isn't in JSSI's immediate inventory, its customers are not left stranded.

The company also provides in-person support to its clients to help navigate the complexities of maintenance events. This support network includes representatives with expertise in the "Big 5" business jet OEMs the company services: Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, Textron, and Embraer. This interdependence also allows them to prioritize the operator's schedule and budget over manufacturer-specific quotas.

Scaling to Achieve Market Dominance

Recently, JSSI Parts & Engines has shifted its strategy to focus more heavily on larger-cabin aircraft and high-value components. As fleet ages increase and supply chain issues extend the duration of engine shop visits, the demand for high-quality rental assets has skyrocketed.

"One main focus for us is shifting our quality profile upmarket. We're highly focused on large cabin aircraft; this includes high-value components, rotable components," said Eric Callahan, Senior Director of Customer & Product Strategy for JSSI Parts & Engines. "We primarily support program customers, ensuring that the quality of product that we provide to the market is at the same level or better than what the OEMs can provide."

By strategically aligning with evolving industry dynamics, the firm has realized a period of sustained and consistent growth.

"Lease engines are lasting longer because shop visits are taking longer," further noted David Durham, JSSI Parts & Engines Director of Global Sales for Engine Products. "Our primary focus is to figure out a solution to keep their aircraft flying through vendors, suppliers, and our own assets."

Third-Party Market

While JSSI is rooted in its HCM programs, its third-party operation – supporting operators not directly enrolled in a JSSI program – has become a growth engine in recent years. This includes Charter and Part 91 operators who require rapid solutions under quick timelines. 

JSSI’s Parts & Engines division prides itself on being the biggest independent provider of engines and APUs, with extensive background knowledge that enables it to provide a level of trust and reliability to its customers that is difficult to find anywhere else. Whether through its 85,000-sq-ft inventory or its global procurement network, the firm remains committed to keeping aircraft flying while lowering maintenance costs for its customers.