Global Filtration, Inc.

A tenfold reduction in aircraft maintenance costs is not something airlines hear every day.

Yet that is exactly what some operators have achieved through cleaner hydraulic systems and longer-lasting components, thanks to Global Filtration, Inc.’s breakthrough in filtration technology. By replacing traditional micro-fiberglass media with sintered metal fiber, the company has redefined performance expectations across the aerospace sector. The results are reflected in fewer maintenance cycles, reduced part failures, and more efficient fleet operations.

In a market dominated by multinational OEMs, Global Filtration has established itself as a rare independent innovator. It is the only small manufacturer to have mastered NGS filters for both Boeing and Airbus systems. This technical milestone speaks to its precision, perseverance, and deep engineering expertise. From its earliest days, the company has prioritized doing things differently through rigorous testing, collaborative design, and a steadfast refusal to compromise on quality.

The company’s story begins in 1995, when Rick Caouette, now President and CEO, set out to solve problems he had observed during his 15-year career at Western Filter and Donaldson. Over time, he and his team developed a reputation for tackling the hardest challenges: the contamination issues that conventional filters could not fix, the supply gaps that slowed maintenance teams, and the reluctance of airlines to adopt PMA-approved alternatives due to warranty concerns.

Global Filtration addressed these challenges directly through transparency, verified performance data, and long-standing relationships with trusted manufacturing partners.

Today, Global Filtration’s PMA portfolio includes more than 36 specialized filter products, with several more awaiting approval. These filters serve a wide range of critical systems, including oil, fuel, hydraulic, air, NGS, and water, and are built to withstand the harshest operational conditions. What truly sets the company apart is its hands-on approach. Rather than simply delivering parts, Global Filtration works alongside airline engineers to evaluate real-world conditions and develop tailored solutions that extend the life of onboard systems.

That philosophy was clearly demonstrated in the company’s collaboration with Southwest Airlines. The airline faced significant contamination in its A/B return air system hydraulics. Instead of relying solely on laboratory testing, Global Filtration partnered with SSI Laboratories to replicate true flight conditions. The team designed a 316 stainless steel sintered metal fiber media capable of capturing contaminants at the microscopic level.

The results spoke for themselves: significantly cleaner systems, dramatically reduced maintenance costs, and a tenfold improvement in overall reliability. The same technology has since been adopted by the U.S. military in Blackhawk and Apache helicopters, underscoring its robustness in mission-critical environments.

Innovation continues to drive the company’s evolution. Global Filtration is now developing HEPA media treated with antimicrobial coatings that can eliminate airborne bacteria and viruses without restricting airflow. For commercial airlines, these advancements represent an important step forward in improving cabin air quality and passenger safety while maintaining efficiency across ventilation systems.

“Aircraft maintenance is about more than just swapping out a part. It is about ensuring safety and maximizing performance. That is why we take a comprehensive approach to filtration systems, addressing the needs and challenges of each fleet,” says Caouette.

The global aerospace filtration market, valued at roughly US$1 billion in 2018, is expected to double by 2027, growing at a steady CAGR of 7.8 percent. As demand rises, so too does the opportunity for specialized manufacturers that bring agility, innovation, and real-world problem-solving to the table. Global Filtration stands ready to meet that challenge.

Three decades on, the company’s mission remains the same: to build cleaner, smarter, and more efficient filtration solutions that help aircraft and the industry perform better every day.