Talking to TP Aerospace CEO Nikolaj Jacobsen
AviTrader: TP Aerospace is a key player in the wheels & brakes business. Can you tell us a bit about the history of the company?
TP Aerospace: The company was founded in 2008 and was built on a vision to bring simplicity to a highly complex niche within the aviation industry, and this is still the case today.
We have evolved to become a one-stop shop for aircraft wheels and brakes, supporting a recurring and growing customer base.
What are the core services that TP Aerospace offers?
TP Aerospace prides itself on being more than a service provider. It is a value chain optimiser. By working closely with OEMs, maintaining robust inventory buffers, and aligning with its airline partners, it helps reduce waste, increase efficiency, and ensure continuity even during supply chain disruptions.
We offer a fully integrated exchange Flat-Rate Programs where the customer pays a fixed rate per landing and Land For Less (LFL) Programs that provide a less-integrated solution where customers pay a fixed fee per exchange event.
In addition, we have the largest spares stock in the aftermarket and is an active purchaser of inventory, either serviceable or in need of repair. We also offer a 24/7 service for AOG situations or routine delivery.
The third leg of the business is distribution of new OEM wheels and brakes piece parts and assemblies across all types and platforms.
What are the key factors of the company´s success story?
Airlines demand more than just repairs, they want predictability, transparency, and peace of mind. They want a partner who understands the intricacies of the wheels and brakes ecosystem and who can proactively mitigate risks. The great thing is that OEMs also want a partner that can handle this part of the value chain and that is why TP Aerospace partners with both sides.
TP Aerospace has embraced this shift, with a service model built around end-to-end lifecycle support, ensuring that customers can focus on flying while it handles the rest. From predictive maintenance to inventory planning, it is helping airlines turn uncertainty into reliability.
What trends do you see in the wheels & brakes market?
A clear trend is emerging that airlines are increasingly seeking long-term partnerships with specialised providers like TP Aerospace. They’re not just looking for a repair shop – they want a strategic partner who understands their operational needs and can deliver tailored, efficient solutions that are agile and trustworthy. This shift spans all airline segments, from cargo to passenger and ACMI operators.
Looking ahead, how do you see future developments and embracing transformation?
Investments are being made, automation, and digital tracking, as well as a focus on AI and machine learning in the planning process. The latter helps to predict and mitigate supply chain disruption, again reducing the pain for airlines and OEMs.
Innovation is a continuous journey. We are constantly evaluating how to make the repair and overhaul processes more efficient and sustainable, especially as some steps are quite tough and labour intensive and involve chemicals that we are actively working to reduce or replace. These improvements not only benefit the environment but also enhance employee safety and reduce costs, savings that can be passed on to customers and invested in upskilling the workforce.
Company profile
TP Aerospace: Simplifying Aircraft Wheel and Brake Solutions Globally
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, TP Aerospace has established itself as a leading aftermarket supplier of aircraft wheels and brakes. With a dedicated focus on this niche, the company offers comprehensive solutions that combine market expertise, extensive MRO capabilities, and a global footprint to deliver trusted, predictable and agile solutions to customers worldwide.
TP Aerospace operates a global network of MRO facilities across Europe, the USA, and Asia, strategically located to support airlines and maintenance providers efficiently. In 2023 TP Aerospace opened two new facilities. One being the new 10,000 sqm flag-ship MRO facility in Brno, the Czech Republic and the other in Brisbane, Australia, being the second establishment in Australia for TP Aerospace.
To address the diverse needs of the aviation industry, TP Aerospace has structured its operations into three synergistic divisions to become a true one-stop shop:
- Programmes: Offering tailor-made, all-inclusive solutions designed to simplify wheel and brake maintenance and repair activities. These programmes provide flexibility and cost transparency, with options like pay-per-landing models.
- Components: Maintaining the largest ready-to-go wheel and brake inventory in the aftermarket, this division supports customers with both routine and AOG (Aircraft on Ground) deliveries worldwide.
- Distribution: Providing airlines, repair facilities, and brokers with easy access to new OEM wheel and brake piece parts and assemblies across all major commercial platforms.
TP Aerospace’s commitment to quality and service excellence is further exemplified through strategic OEM partnerships.
Quality and safety are at the core of TP Aerospace’s operations. The company holds certifications such as AS9120 Rev. B and ISO 9001:2015 across multiple sites, including Denmark, Singapore, and the USA. These certifications underscore TP Aerospace’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in its services and processes.
