Aircraft operators depend on both Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) providers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to keep their fleets airworthy. Yet, many still struggle to understand the distinct roles each plays in aviation operations. In this article, we’ll clarify the key differences between MROs and OEMs, how they complement each other in the aviation supply chain, and how SOMA Software helps airlines seamlessly integrate both into a single smart maintenance ecosystem.
🛠️ Image Suggestion: Visual infographic comparing MRO and OEM responsibilities (placement: after first paragraph)
🔧 Example: Lufthansa Technik (MRO) may service components from various OEMs.
📷 Image Suggestion: A graphic showing the typical lifecycle of a part — from OEM production to MRO servicing.
When comparing the roles of OEMs and MROs in aviation, several key differences stand out. The primary role of an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is to design and manufacture aircraft parts and systems, whereas an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul provider) is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and overhauling those components throughout the aircraft’s service life.
In terms of their relationship with the airline, OEMs function primarily as product suppliers, delivering original parts and technical documentation. MROs, on the other hand, act as service partners, ensuring aircraft remain airworthy through scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.
When it comes to intellectual property ownership, OEMs hold full rights, including control over technical manuals and software updates. MROs typically have limited access and must rely on OEM-provided documentation to perform their work in compliance with aviation regulations.
The support timeline also differs: OEMs are most involved in the early stages of the aircraft lifecycle, while MROs provide support throughout the entire operational life of the aircraft.
Examples of OEMs include Rolls-Royce and Airbus, known for manufacturing engines and airframes respectively. Leading MRO providers include AAR Corp and ST Aerospace, which specialize in servicing aircraft across fleets and manufacturers.
SOMA Software acts as the digital bridge between OEM-provided data and MRO execution:
🔗 Features That Support Integration:
Airlines shouldn’t choose MRO vs OEM — they need both. And to operate efficiently, they must manage these partnerships with the right software backbone. SOMA empowers airlines to centralize OEM data, MRO operations, inventory, and compliance—all in one place.
Managing a fleet shouldn’t involve depending on spreadsheets, worrying about regulatory compliance, or dealing with unexpected downtimes.
With SOMA Software, you gain total control—integrating all key areas of your technical operation into one intelligent, intuitive platform.
Our aviation experts will guide you through a personalized demo, tailored to your specific operation, so you can see exactly how SOMA helps you operate more efficiently, faster, and with complete confidence.
🚀 Book your personalized demo today and experience what a truly optimized workflow looks like.
