Aerospace Packaging: Essential Considerations, Standards and Solutions

In the aerospace and aviation industries, precision is everything. From the smallest parts to the largest, aircraft components must adhere to tight tolerances and demanding specifications. To ensure that replacement parts remain in peak condition, aerospace packaging must also be engineered to precise specs. How can your organization choose the right packaging for the unique challenges of aerospace applications?

Factors That Impact Aerospace Packaging Decisions

Aerospace part packaging is available in countless shapes, sizes, and materials. The right solution depends on the manufacturer’s needs.

Part Size

Some materials are ideal for cushioning and protecting smaller electronic parts, such as ECUs. Larger components like landing gear require multiple heavy-duty layers.

Type of Protection

Different types of aerospace packaging protect components against:

• Vibrations
• Thermal fluctuations and extreme temperatures
• Impacts and shocks
• Moisture and corrosion
• Dust, debris, and gases
• Electrostatic discharges

Selecting ESD-resistant materials is vital for electronic parts. Semiconductors also require support to prevent damage from impacts during transport, unloading, and storage.

Customization Needs

High-cost components benefit from enhanced protection. Many aerospace manufacturers invest in custom packaging for assemblies, electronics, and precision parts with tight tolerances.

Thermoplastics can provide outstanding support and protection that fits like a glove. These aerospace packaging solutions are often cost-effective, too.

Key Aerospace Packaging Standards

Quality is non-negotiable when selecting aerospace packaging. Every aspect of maintenance, repairs, and manufacturing for air travel is tightly regulated. Packaging must adhere to important national and international standards:

• HMR Part 173: The Hazardous Materials Regulations standard covers testing and packaging requirements for hazmat goods transported by air in the U.S., including flammable or corrosive materials.
• UN certification: UN-certified packaging undergoes rigorous testing for leaks, spills, vibrations, and other performance requirements. This certification is a gold standard for international aerospace packaging and flexible intermediate bulk containers.
• AS9100: This quality management system framework applies to all aerospace manufacturing, including packaging. The International Aerospace Quality Group developed it to work in conjunction with ISO 9001.
• ATA Specification 300: ATA/A4A Spec 300 outlines materials, quality, and security standards for Category I, II, and III aerospace packaging, from single-use bags to reusable containers.
• MIL-STD-2073-1: This standard for mil-spec packaging applies to the aerospace supply chain for government and defense contractors.

Aerospace packaging manufacturers follow several ASTM testing standards, depending on the desired resistance. ASTM D1748 applies to corrosion resistance, ASTM D880 is for impact shocks, and ASTM D6653 covers high-altitude testing.

Main Types of Aerospace Packaging

The full list of available packaging depends on component size. Here are a few common designs for packaging aerospace products:

• ESD-resistant bags, packaging foams, and films
• ESD-resistant thermoplastic trays and containers
• Trays, clamshells, blister packs, and pouches with ESD shielding 
• Heat-sealable bags and pouches
• Vapor-proof and corrosion-resistant bags
• Shock-absorbing cushioning materials, including foam

Secondary and tertiary packaging for aerospace parts includes durable corrugated boxes, wood boxes, and heavy-duty wood crates.

Discover High-Performance Aerospace Packaging Solutions

At Ready-Made Plastic Trays, our team has worked with aerospace manufacturers for decades. We provide high-quality, high-performance aerospace packaging solutions for ESD, thermal, vibration, corrosion, and moisture resistance. Our customized packaging design, engineering, and production meet the highest quality standards. Request a quote today.