Having investigated the use of drones for aircraft inspections for several years, ST Engineering’s aerospace division has moved a step closer to rolling out the technology after gaining approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to carry out general visual inspection work.
PTC says digital trends such as augmented reality, Internet of Things and predictive data analytics have become even more valuable during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
An expected surge in used serviceable materials (USM) poses a risk to new-parts sales, but structural fundamentals in global fleets and customer preference should limit the downside for many parts suppliers even as opportunities for used-parts specialists increase.
Commercial aftermarket revenues are on track to fall 50% in the second quarter (Q2), in line with an industry consensus that has global airline activity slowly increasing after hitting bottom in April, two new surveys show.
The MRO has signed a new line maintenance contract with Air Wisconsin Airlines and is adding technicians and facilities to support growing freighter operations across the U.S.
China’s domestic flights had recovered to almost 80% of January levels by May 31, up from 20% in late February, according to RadarBox. That is a recovery in flights, not passenger counts or airline revenues. Nevertheless, it has meant a substantial recovery in work on narrowbodies for China’s MROs.
Social distancing on aircraft would mean the era of “cheap travel is over,” according to IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac. While this would be bad news for airlines, it does present an opportunity for innovative cabin solutions, especially for seat manufacturers.