Kadex Aero Supply

What Kadex Aero Supply does

Kadex Aero Supply is a Canadian independent aircraft parts distributor founded in 1994 in Peterborough, Ontario, specializing in OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and FAA-approved PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) components. The company stocks over 200,000 parts sourced from more than 70 manufacturers across three strategically located facilities in Canada, supported by same-day shipping and 24/7 AOG (Aircraft on Ground) emergency response. Its authorized distributor relationships span major aviation brands including Champion Aerospace, Goodyear, AeroShell, Ice Shield, Superior Air Parts, Whelen Aerospace Technologies, Concorde Battery, and Donaldson, with a small proprietary manufacturing arm (KAD Aerospace) producing items such as the STC-approved HYPERION II LED Wing Tip Light Assembly for the Beechcraft King Air 350.

The company serves a horizontally diverse customer base including commercial airlines, regional operators, MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul organizations), business and corporate aviation, rotorcraft operators, general aviation, government and defence, and other parts distributors. Revenue is generated through per-part sales at quote-based pricing (Net 30 terms for approved accounts, payment in advance for first orders, with prices valid for 30 days and shipped FOB Peterborough or Calgary), repair and overhaul coordination through subcontracted approved partners, and a core exchange program for time-expired components. Go-to-market is sales-led, leveraging direct relationships, industry platforms (ILS, PartsBase, StockMarket), tradeshow participation, and a multi-channel digital presence.

As of April 2026, Kadex was acquired by Chorus Aviation Inc. for approximately CAD $50 million (funded by $43M cash plus contingent consideration), positioning it as the parts provisioning arm within Chorus's diversified aviation services group that includes Jazz Aviation, Voyageur Aviation, and Cygnet Aviation Academy. The existing Lavery-family management team continues to lead day-to-day operations under the new ownership structure.

Name

Kadex Aero Supply

Legal name

KADEX AERO SUPPLY LTD

Website

https://www.kadexaero.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Kadex Aero Supply is a Canadian independent aircraft parts distributor founded in 1994, stocking over 200,000 OEM and FAA-approved PMA parts from 70+ manufacturers across three facilities, serving airlines, MROs, business/general aviation, rotorcraft, and government customers. Acquired by Chorus Aviation in April 2026.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Parts Distribution

NAICS

Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Aircraft & Parts (3720), Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)

akta.pro primary industry

Aerospace & Defense (TLAIALAB)

Keywords

• Aircraft parts distribution
• OEM and PMA parts
• Aviation MRO services
• AOG parts supply
• Aviation component distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Peterborough

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Parts Distribution: Sale of OEM and PMA aircraft parts and supplies. The company stocks over 200,000 parts from more than 70 manufacturers. Revenue generated approximately $60 million in 2025.
2. Repair and Overhaul Services: Customer property repair and overhaul services. Kadex partners with approved, experienced organizations for subcontracted repairs including plating, bore repairs, rewinds, and other specialized services.
3. Exchange Sales: Core exchange program where customers return time-expired units for overhaul. Core charges may apply and deposits required for customers without open Net 30 accounts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kadex Aero Supply is an independent distributor of OEM and FAA PMA aircraft parts, supplies, and repair/overhaul services for the aviation industry. The company stocks over 200,000 parts from more than 70 manufacturers across facilities in Peterborough, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta, offering same-day shipping, 24/7 AOG (Aircraft on Ground) emergency support, and comprehensive parts inventory serving commercial airlines, MROs, business aviation, general aviation, and government/defense operators worldwide.

Product overview

Kadex Aero Supply is a family-owned aircraft parts and service distributor founded in 1994, operating as a single unified distribution platform offering OEM and FAA/PMA parts, supplies, and repair and overhaul services. The company stocks over 200,000 parts from more than 70 manufacturers across strategically located facilities in Peterborough, Ontario (headquarters) and Calgary, Alberta. The core product portfolio includes de-ice boots (Ice Shield), aviation tires (Goodyear, Michelin), aircraft batteries (Concorde), LED lighting systems (Whelen, HYPERION II), ground power units (StartStick), and Champion Aerospace ignition/filter products. The company also provides 24/7 AOG emergency services and repair/overhaul management through partnered service organizations. As of 2026, Kadex became a subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc., expanding access to resources while maintaining day-to-day operations under existing management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aircraft Parts Distribution Independent distribution of OEM and FAA-approved PMA aircraft parts and supplies for airlines, MROs, corporate operators, rotorcraft operators, distributors, and government/defense entities. Includes over 200,000 part numbers from more than 70 manufacturers with same-day shipping and 24/7 AOG support.
• Ice Shield De-Ice Boots Ice Shield prop and wing de-ice boots for aircraft ice protection, including FAA-approved PMA parts for DHC-8 series, King Air, PC-12, and over 120 general aviation aircraft models.
• StartStick 20Ah Ground Power Unit (GPU)

Quantifiable outcome

• Significant maintenance cost reduction through FAA PMA parts specialization

Named customers3 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Champion AerospacecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 May 2023Kadex Aero Supply appointed as distributor for Champion Aerospace, a renowned manufacturer of aviation ignition systems, filters and more. Partnership provides customers worldwide with a greater range of high-quality piston and turbine products including twist on filters, spark plugs, slick mags, slick mag repair kits for piston, PT6, and helicopter operators.
• Shell Aviation (AeroShell)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply appointed as Authorized AeroShell distributor by Shell Aviation. Shell provides global aviation community world-class fuels, greases and lubricants. Shell is a consistent winner of 'Best Technical and Operational Performer' awards.
• GoodyearcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply appointed as distributor for Goodyear Aviation tires. Goodyear is a leading supplier of aviation tires for commercial, military and general aviation aircraft worldwide with over 100 years of aviation industry experience.
• H3R Aviation IncminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply distributing H3R Aviation Inc products, including wheeled and handheld fire extinguishers for commercial and general aviation use.
• Aero Parts MartcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply appointed as distributor of Aero Parts Mart products. Aero Parts Mart is a recognized and awarded leader in the development of FAA-approved PMA parts.
• Jet Parts EngineeringcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply appointed as distributor of Jet Parts Engineering products. Jet Parts Engineering is a recognized and awarded leader in the development of FAA-approved PMA parts and engineered repairs.
• KAD AerospacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKAD Aerospace is the manufacturing arm of Kadex Aero Supply. Developed HYPERION II LED Wing Tip Light Assembly for Beechcraft King Air 350, which is distributed through Kadex. Represents an internal manufacturing capability.
• Ice ShieldcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply stocks Ice Shield prop and wing de-ice boots. Ice Shield is the world's leading manufacturer of FAA approved replacement parts for Lycoming and Continental aircraft engines and develops de-ice products for commuter and charter class aviation including DHC-8 series.
• Superior Air PartscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply stocks Superior Air Parts replacement cylinders and engine parts. Superior Air Parts is the world's leading manufacturer of FAA approved replacement parts for Lycoming and Continental aircraft engines.
• Whelen Aerospace TechnologiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply serves as go-to supplier for aviation lighting needs from Whelen Aerospace Technologies, offering LED upgrade products for various aircraft including Landing & Taxi Lights, Anti Collision Beacons, Wingtip, Tail Lights, Upper/Lower Beacons, Interior lights and more.
• Concorde BatterycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply distributes Concorde Battery products including RG series batteries. Concorde Battery Corporation is recognized worldwide as manufacturer of premium valve regulated sealed lead acid aircraft batteries serving US and foreign militaries, airframe manufacturers, and business and general aviation operators.
• Raisbeck EngineeringminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply appointed as Canadian distributor for Raisbeck spare parts. Raisbeck Engineering is an innovative leader in aviation performance and comfort solutions for business and commercial aircraft.
• Tanis Aircraft ProductsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply distributes Tanis Preheat Systems. Tanis Aircraft Products is the leading manufacturer of aircraft engine preheat systems, first to develop systems for piston engines, helicopters, and turbine engines, and first to meet FAA Supplemental Type Certification requirements.
• DonaldsonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKadex Aero Supply distributes Donaldson Filters. Donaldson offers an ever-evolving portfolio of filtration solutions for ground vehicles, airplanes, rotorcraft, space and marine vehicles in the aerospace industry.
• Chorus AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChorus Aviation acquired Kadex Aero Supply in April 2026 for approximately CAD $50 million. Chorus Aviation is a Canadian publicly traded aviation holding company with portfolio including Jazz Aviation (largest regional airline in Canada), Voyageur Aviation (specialized technical, component and flight solutions), Cygnet Aviation Academy (accredited training organization), and Elisen & Associates (aviation engineering services). Kadex becomes part of Chorus's diversified aviation services group.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Aviall (Boeing Distribution): Aviall, now part of Boeing, is one of the largest aerospace parts distributors globally, supplying OEM and aftermarket parts to commercial, business, and general aviation operators. Directly comparable to Kadex as a broad-line aerospace parts distributor, though at substantially larger scale.
• Wencor Group: Wencor is a leading aerospace distributor and PMA parts manufacturer serving commercial, business, and rotorcraft operators worldwide. Highly comparable to Kadex in business model (authorized distribution plus PMA), product mix, and customer base.
• HEICO: HEICO is a publicly traded aerospace and electronics company that designs and manufactures FAA-approved PMA parts and is one of the largest independent distributors in the segment. Directly comparable to Kadex in PMA parts focus, though much larger and primarily manufacturing-led.
• International Aircraft Parts (IAP): IAP is an independent aircraft parts distributor specializing in rotables, consumables, and expendables for commercial and regional operators. Directly comparable to Kadex's horizontal distribution model and customer segments.
• Preferred Airparts: Preferred Airparts is a US-based aircraft parts distributor specializing in parts for Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, and other general aviation platforms. Directly comparable to Kadex's general aviation parts distribution focus and customer base.
• SkyTech Aviation: SkyTech is an aircraft parts distributor and broker specializing in rotables and consumables for commercial aircraft operators. Comparable to Kadex in distribution model and customer overlap, with similar scale.

Broad incumbents

• StandardAero: StandardAero is a major independent MRO and aerospace services provider that also distributes parts across engine and airframe platforms. Overlaps with Kadex on parts distribution and MRO services but operates across a much broader portfolio including heavy engine maintenance.
• Duncan Aviation: Duncan Aviation is a large business aviation MRO and parts distributor serving corporate operators worldwide. Comparable to Kadex on business aviation parts distribution and component repair services, with broader MRO scope.
• B/E Aerospace (now part of Rockwell Collins/Collins Aerospace): B/E Aerospace, now part of Collins Aerospace, manufactured aircraft cabin interiors and a range of aerospace components. Comparable to Kadex's distribution of aircraft interior and lighting products (e.g., Whelen lighting line), though at substantially larger scale and as an OEM.

Others

• Parker Aerospace: Parker Aerospace is a major Tier-1 supplier of flight control, hydraulic, fuel, and pneumatic systems and components. Adjacent comparator as a manufacturer whose products flow through distributors like Kadex, illustrating both supply dependency and competitive threat.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kadexaero
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/KadexAeroSupply
• Facebookfacebook.com/KadexAeroSupply
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kadex-aero-supply
• Instagraminstagram.com/kadexaero

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kadex Aero Supply