Global Filtration

What Global Filtration does

Global Filtration, Inc. is a privately held aerospace filtration manufacturer founded in 1995 by Rick Caouette and headquartered in Waco, Texas, with a sales and operations office in Houston. The company specializes in FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA)-certified filtration products that serve as cost-effective replacements for OEM parts in commercial, regional, corporate, general aviation, rotorcraft, defense, and MRO fleets. Its product portfolio spans metal fiber hydraulic filters, cabin air filters (particulate and HEPA), oil and fuel filters, nitrogen gas generation system (NGS) filters for fuel tank inerting, pre-bundled 100/300/600-hour inspection kits, and supporting filter hardware.

The company's core technical differentiation is a proprietary stainless steel sintered metal fiber filtration media that replaces traditional microfiberglass filters. The sintered construction prevents media migration under pressure and vibration, captures sub-micron particles, resists thermal breakdown, and is cleanable and reusable across four to five cycles. Over 75 FAA-approved PMA elements and more than 36 specialized products have been developed since founding, with documented customer outcomes including a 90% reduction in filter failures for a helicopter operator and 30-70% cost savings versus OEM equivalents.

Global Filtration operates a hybrid go-to-market combining direct enterprise field sales and custom filtration consulting, a network of geographically-based distribution partners (Kellstrom Aerospace, Avyon Parts, Textron Aviation, Aero Parts Africa, Jet Avion/HEICO) covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa, a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at shop.globalfiltration.com with quote-based pricing, and contract manufacturing services for other PMA sellers. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of PMA-certified filters and kits, with secondary revenue from custom filter design consulting and ultrasonic filter maintenance/cleaning services. Customers include Boeing, United Airlines, Southwest, American, JetBlue, Air France, China Airlines, Air Canada, Avianca, Copa, Spirit, PSA, Air Wisconsin, Lycoming, HEICO/Jet Avion, Dassault Falcon Jet, General Dynamics, DynCorp, GE, and Hamilton Sundstrand.

Name

Global Filtration

Legal name

Global Filtration, Inc.

Website

https://globalfiltration.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Global Filtration manufactures FAA PMA-certified stainless steel sintered metal fiber aircraft filtration products, including hydraulic, cabin air, NGS, oil, and fuel filters, plus inspection kits, serving commercial, regional, corporate, general aviation, rotorcraft, MRO, and defense operators worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aircraft Filtration Products (PMA-Certified)

NAICS

Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Aircraft & Parts (3720)

akta.pro primary industry

Aerospace Actuation, Hydraulics & Pneumatics Components (IMABANAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Separation & Filtration Equipment (Filters, Centrifuges, Membranes) (IMAHAEAB), Industrial Filtration Media & Dust Collection Textiles (Air/Liquid Filtration) (IMAOADAC)

Keywords

• Aircraft filtration products
• PMA certified filters
• Hydraulic filtration systems
• Cabin air filters
• Aviation parts manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Houston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. PMA Aircraft Filters (Product Sales): Global Filtration generates revenue primarily through the sale of PMA-certified aircraft filtration products including metal fiber filters, cabin air filters, hydraulic filters, oil and fuel filters, nitrogen gas filters (NGS), inspection kits, and hardware. All products are factory new and fully traceable with FAA 8130-3 airworthiness tags.
2. Contract Manufacturing: The company acts as a contract manufacturer for other PMA sellers, producing filtration parts on behalf of distribution businesses. This B2B manufacturing service is targeted at partners who want to focus on distribution while Global Filtration handles production.
3. Consulting & Custom Filter Design Services: Aircraft filtration consultation, custom filter design, and maintenance optimization services provided alongside product sales to help operators assess filtration issues and develop tailored solutions.
4. Filter Maintenance & Cleaning Services: Ultrasonic filter cleaning and aircraft filter maintenance services using Stoelting equipment, conforming to OSHA, FCC, and EPA standards, offered on demand to extend filter life.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Global Filtration manufactures and sells FAA PMA-certified aircraft filtration products, including proprietary stainless steel sintered metal fiber hydraulic filters, cabin air filters, nitrogen gas generation system (NGS) filters, oil and fuel filters, bundled 100/300/600-hour inspection kits, and supporting hardware. The company also provides custom filtration design, filter maintenance/cleaning services, and contract manufacturing of PMA parts for other aviation parts sellers.

Product overview

Global Filtration is a PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) certified aircraft filtration products manufacturer founded in 1995, specializing in advanced filtration solutions for commercial, regional, corporate, general aviation, and rotorcraft aircraft. The product portfolio centers on metal fiber filtration technology as the core innovation differentiator, complemented by traditional cabin air, hydraulic, fuel, oil, and nitrogen gas system filters. Products are organized as PMA-certified replacement parts (metal fiber filters, cabin air filters, NGS filters, hydraulic filters, oil/fuel filters), bundled inspection kits for scheduled maintenance, hardware accessories, and supporting services including custom filter design, maintenance programs, and contract manufacturing. The company holds over 75 FAA-approved PMA elements and has developed 36+ specialized filtration products, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to OEM parts with 30-70% savings while meeting equivalent safety standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Metal Fiber Filters PMA-certified stainless steel sintered metal fiber filters for aircraft hydraulic systems that capture sub-micron particles, resist thermal breakdown, and can be cleaned and reused 4-5 times for extended service life versus traditional microfiberglass filters. Targeted at commercial, military helicopter, and other aviation operators seeking superior hydraulic fluid cleanliness.
• Cabin Air Filters PMA-certified aircraft cabin air filters that remove airborne contaminants including microbes, pollen, and dust from recirculated cabin air. Available in particulate and HEPA configurations with pleated metal fiber designs that capture particles without shedding micro glass fibers into the air supply. Used by commercial, business, and general aviation operators to improve in-cabin air quality.
• Nitrogen Gas Filters (NGS) PMA-certified nitrogen gas generation system filters for aircraft fuel tank inerting, available in hollow fiber and spiral wound configurations for Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Reduce oxygen concentration in fuel tank ullage to prevent explosive fuel-air mixtures and extend on-wing fuel life. Used by commercial aviation operators.
• Hydraulic Filters PMA-certified hydraulic fluid filters for all aircraft types from small general aviation to large commercial jets. Use metal fiber filtration technology to remove contaminants from hydraulic fluid that powers flight controls, landing gear, and braking systems. Targeted at commercial airlines, business aviation, and rotorcraft operators.
• Oil and Fuel Filters PMA-certified oil and fuel filters including micronic, water separator, and magnetic filters. Oil filters feature full-flow and bypass designs; fuel filters remove water, debris, and metallic particles. Available for P&W, Bombardier, Allied Signal, Boeing, Honeywell, Embraer, and other OEM platforms. Used by commercial, business, general aviation, and piston engine operators.
• Inspection Kits Pre-bundled aircraft inspection kits containing essential filters, O-rings, gaskets, and packings for 100, 300, and 600 hour maintenance inspections. Streamline maintenance procedures by providing all required filtration components in ready-to-go packages. Used by MROs and line maintenance organizations.
• Filter Hardware Supporting hardware products including filter housings, seals, packings, and related components required for aircraft filter installation and maintenance. Sold as accessories to complement Global Filtration's filter product line for airline, MRO, and aviation maintenance customers.
• Custom Filter Design Engineering consultation and custom filtration solution design services for aircraft operators with unique requirements. Includes assessment of filtration challenges, custom inspection kit development, and tailored solutions for specific fleet and operating-environment needs. Targeted at commercial, business, military, and rotorcraft operators requiring specialized configurations.
• Filter Maintenance and Replacement Programs Aircraft filter maintenance services including ultrasonic cleaning using Stoelting equipment, reusable filter identification, and customized cleaning process development that meets OSHA, FCC, and EPA standards. Offered on demand to extend the reusable life of metal fiber filters. Targeted at airline and rotorcraft operators seeking to maximize filter service life.
• Contract Manufacturing PMA parts contract manufacturing services for other PMA sellers, offering flexible and responsive production with quality assurance at competitive prices so distribution partners can focus on distribution while Global Filtration handles manufacturing. Targeted at aviation parts distributors and other PMA holders needing outsourced production.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% reduction in filter failures and significant increase in meantime between failures for a US helicopter operator switching to metal fiber filters
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers23 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Textron AviationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTextron Aviation serves as a distribution partner representing Global Filtration's PMA-certified filtration products within its geographic coverage area. Textron Aviation is a major manufacturer of business aircraft including Cessna and Beechcraft.
• Kellstrom AerospacecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKellstrom Aerospace is a distribution partner providing geographic coverage for Global Filtration's filtration products. Kellstrom Aerospace specializes in aerospace parts distribution.
• Avyon PartscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAvyon Parts serves as a distribution partner for Global Filtration's products, providing regional coverage and access to airline customers within their territory.
• Aero Parts AfricacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAero Parts Africa is a distribution partner providing geographic coverage for Global Filtration's filtration products across African aviation markets.
• Jet Avion (HEICO)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJet Avion, part of HEICO, serves as a distribution partner representing Global Filtration's PMA-certified filtration products. Jet Avion specializes in PMA parts distribution for the aviation industry.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Avtron Aerospace: Provider of PMA parts and MRO services for aircraft components including filtration and accessory systems; directly comparable as a mid-sized PMA-focused aerospace parts competitor.
• Kellstrom Aerospace: Aerospace parts distributor and PMA holder that is both a Global Filtration distribution partner and a peer in supplying PMA-certified replacement components to airlines and MROs.
• Hydro Inc. Specializes in aerospace filter MRO, cleaning, and replacement services; competes with Global Filtration's ultrasonic cleaning service and reusable filter offerings.
• HEICO: Largest publicly traded PMA parts manufacturer and distributor; owns Jet Avion (a Global Filtration distribution partner) and competes directly in aircraft filtration and other replacement parts categories.

Broad incumbents

• Donaldson Company: Industrial and aerospace filtration giant; the founder's former employer and a broad incumbent serving commercial aviation with filtration products, competing with Global Filtration in OEM and aftermarket channels.
• Parker Hannifin: Major aerospace systems and components supplier with a substantial filtration and fluid conveyance portfolio, competing in hydraulic and fuel filtration across aviation.
• Honeywell Aerospace: OEM of avionics, propulsion, and environmental control systems with adjacent aftermarket filtration offerings; controls several filter platforms that Global Filtration competes against as a PMA alternative.
• Pall Corporation: Large diversified filtration company serving aerospace and industrial fluid systems; competes in hydraulic, fuel, and air filtration for commercial and military aircraft.
• Eaton Aerospace: Tier-1 aerospace supplier of hydraulic and fluid systems including filtration; competes with Global Filtration on hydraulic filter replacements for commercial and rotorcraft platforms.

Emerging players

• Velcon Filters: Filtration specialist serving aviation fuel and fluid handling with both OEM and aftermarket positions; comparable as a focused filtration competitor with overlapping aviation fuel/hydraulic product lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/globalfiltration
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/global-filtration-inc-

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 Global Filtration