Airlines use predictive maintenance to slash costs, convert unscheduled maintenance to scheduled events and reduce asset downtime. They have been doing it on engines for some time, and now airlines can perform predictive maintenance much more effectively because new aircraft yield more data, and the tools for exploiting it have improved dramatically. Yet ways of thinking and business processes also must change, which often is more difficult than tapping sensors.

Aerovision International has disassembled five of the 10 young Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft it acquired last August and is in the process of parting out a sixth, which marks the first retirements of the 50-seat regional jet other than that of one prototype. But the Muskegon, Mich.-based company is repairing the other four in hopes of finding airlines willing to buy or lease them, says President and Co-owner Jeff Barnes.

Asia, the Middle East and North America are emerging as the most attractive likely markets during the next three years for Boeing 777 widebody heavy maintenance visits and C checks, underscoring the potential for a capacity crunch heading the industry’s way. According to data in the Aviation Week Intelligence Network’s MRO Prospector tool, today’s active 777 fleet will need $684.9 million worth of heavy maintenance visits (HMV) and C checks in a 36-month period ending in September 2015, the most recent study period.

Industry has 30 more days to comment on proposed new requirements for air carriers that contract out maintenance, as FAA granted an extension requested by the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association.

Boeing says it is working with engine maker CFM International and the fuel supply chain to resolve a rare but potentially serious thrust instability observed in the CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737NG fleet.

1. Aeria Luxury Interiors MRO: ST Aerospace Locations: Singapore and San Antonio Capabilities: ST Aerospace launched Aeria Luxury Interiors in 2012 to offer total support packages for airline interior completion and refurbishment projects. The MRO also offers this for VIP completions. DRB Aviation Consultants, a design specialist in San Antonio that holds an Organization Designation Authorization, supports ST Aero.

Europe's environmental aspirations and targets are once again set to stir up the aviation industry.

A Lufthansa Technik employee has created a muffler that cuts the noise that avionics ventilation can cause in a hangar. The device, dubbed Silencer, is now being produced by maintenance equipment specialist Franke Care System for widebody and soon narrowbody aircraft. Employee Gunther Adamczyk was rewarded under Lufthansa Technik's “Impulse” internal premium scheme.