AeroShell 33 Grease: Applications, Benefits and Buying Advice

Aircraft maintenance relies on using the correct lubricants in the right applications. Selecting the wrong grease can lead to premature component wear, increased maintenance costs and unnecessary downtime.

One of the most widely recognised aviation greases is AeroShell 33, a multi-purpose airframe grease developed specifically for modern aircraft operating in demanding environments.

Whether you're an MRO organisation, OEM, airline, military operator or aerospace procurement team, understanding where AeroShell 33 should be used can help improve maintenance efficiency while ensuring compliance with manufacturer requirements.

• What AeroShell 33 is
• Typical aerospace applications
• Key product benefits
• Storage and shelf life considerations
• What to look for when choosing a supplier

What Is AeroShell 33?

AeroShell 33 is a synthetic lithium complex grease developed by Shell Aviation for use across a wide range of aircraft lubrication applications.

It was designed to reduce the number of different greases required during aircraft maintenance by providing a versatile product capable of operating across a broad temperature range.

Today, AeroShell 33 is specified by many aircraft manufacturers where approved and is commonly specified within commercial aviation, military aircraft, helicopters and business jets.

Its combination of corrosion protection, oxidation resistance and water resistance makes it suitable for demanding operating conditions.

Key Features of AeroShell 33

AeroShell 33 offers several performance characteristics that make it a preferred lubricant throughout the aerospace industry.

Excellent Corrosion Protection

Aircraft operate in some of the harshest environments imaginable.

Moisture, salt, humidity and changing weather conditions can all contribute to corrosion.

AeroShell 33 helps protect components by creating a durable lubricating film that resists corrosion over extended periods.

Wide Operating Temperature Range

Aircraft experience significant temperature changes during operation.

Ground temperatures may exceed 40°C while high-altitude conditions can fall well below freezing.

AeroShell 33 maintains lubrication performance across a wide temperature range, helping ensure consistent operation.

Excellent Mechanical Stability

Repeated loading can cause some greases to separate or lose their effectiveness.

AeroShell 33 maintains its structure under mechanical stress, reducing lubrication breakdown and extending service intervals where approved.

Water Resistance

Exposure to rain, cleaning fluids and humid environments can reduce the effectiveness of some lubricants.

AeroShell 33 offers excellent resistance to water washout, helping maintain protection in demanding conditions.

Reduced Inventory Requirements

Historically, operators often needed multiple greases for different aircraft systems.

Because AeroShell 33 covers a broad range of applications, many maintenance organisations can simplify inventory management and reduce the number of products they need to stock.

Common Applications for AeroShell 33

AeroShell 33 is commonly used throughout aircraft maintenance operations.

Typical applications include:

• Airframe bearings
• Flight control systems
• Hinges
• Landing gear components (where approved)
• Control cables
• Actuators
• General aircraft lubrication points
• Helicopter components
• Military aircraft maintenance
• Commercial aircraft servicing

Always consult the relevant Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) or OEM documentation before selecting any lubricant.

Which Industries Use AeroShell 33?

AeroShell 33 is used across numerous aerospace sectors, including:

Commercial Aviation

Airlines rely on approved lubricants that provide consistent performance while supporting scheduled maintenance programmes.

Military Aviation

Military aircraft often operate in harsh environments where corrosion resistance and durability are essential.

Helicopter Operators

Rotorcraft contain numerous moving components requiring reliable lubrication under varying loads.

Business Aviation

Private aircraft operators frequently use AeroShell products to support maintenance programmes and minimise downtime.

Aircraft MRO Facilities

Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul organisations require reliable access to genuine aerospace consumables supported by complete documentation.

Why Procurement Teams Choose AeroShell 33

For procurement professionals, selecting aerospace materials is about more than simply ordering the correct product.

Other important considerations include:

• Product authenticity
• Remaining shelf life
• Manufacturer approvals
• Traceability
• Certificate of Conformance (CoC)
• Technical Data Sheets (TDS)
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Packaging options
• Lead times
• Global availability

Working with a specialist aerospace distributor helps reduce procurement risk while ensuring products arrive with the required documentation.

Storage and Shelf Life

Like many aerospace consumables, AeroShell 33 should be stored correctly to maintain product integrity.

General recommendations include:

• Store in a cool, dry environment
• Keep containers sealed until use
• Protect from contamination
• Rotate stock using first-in, first-out (FIFO)
• Monitor remaining shelf life before installation

Purchasing products with sufficient remaining shelf life helps minimise waste and supports maintenance planning.

Choosing the Right Aerospace Supplier

Not every distributor offers the same level of support.

When sourcing AeroShell 33, procurement teams should look for suppliers that provide:

Genuine Products

Only source genuine products from trusted supply chains.

Full Technical Documentation

Every order should be supported by relevant documentation, including:

• Certificate of Conformance
• Technical Data Sheet
• Safety Data Sheet

Technical Knowledge

Specialist distributors can assist with:

• Product identification
• Packaging options
• Cross references
• Lead times
• Alternative approved products (where appropriate)

Reliable Stock Availability

Unexpected maintenance events require suppliers who can respond quickly.

Working with a distributor that maintains strong supplier relationships helps reduce delays.

Why Choose Aero Distribution Group?

At Aero Distribution Group, we support aerospace organisations worldwide with the supply of approved aerospace consumables, adhesives, sealants, lubricants and specialty chemicals.

Our team understands the importance of delivering not only the correct product but also the documentation and technical support needed to keep maintenance programmes running smoothly.

Customers choose ADG because we provide:

• Genuine aerospace materials
• Global sourcing capabilities
• Fast RFQ response
• Technical product support
• Certificate of Conformance (CoC)
• Technical Data Sheets (TDS)
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Flexible packaging options
• Competitive pricing
• Reliable customer service

Whether you're sourcing AeroShell 33 for scheduled maintenance or urgent AOG requirements, our team can support sourcing and documentation checks for the correct approved material for your application.

Request a Quote for AeroShell 33 grease

Aero Distribution Group supports aerospace buyers with genuine materials, responsive RFQ handling, documentation checks and worldwide sourcing support.

Send your requirement to ADG with product code, quantity, packaging, delivery location, required date, shelf-life expectations and any CoC, TDS or SDS requirements.

FAQs

AeroShell 33 grease FAQs

What is AeroShell 33 used for?

AeroShell 33 is a synthetic aviation grease used across a variety of aircraft lubrication applications, including airframe bearings, control systems, hinges and other approved components. Always follow the aircraft manufacturer's maintenance documentation.

Is AeroShell 33 suitable for all aircraft?

No. Lubricant selection should always follow the aircraft manufacturer's approved maintenance manuals and specifications.

How should AeroShell 33 be stored?

Store the product in a clean, dry environment with containers sealed until use. Maintaining proper storage conditions helps preserve product performance and shelf life.

Does AeroShell 33 come with technical documentation?

When purchased from a specialist aerospace distributor such as Aero Distribution Group, products can be supplied with documentation including Certificates of Conformance (CoC), Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), where applicable.

Can Aero Distribution Group supply AeroShell 33 globally?

Yes. Aero Distribution Group supports customers worldwide with aerospace materials, helping procurement teams source genuine products with the documentation required for their operations.