MRO providers and OEMs are preparing to use data streaming from new aircraft and components to improve predictive maintenance, reducing failures and service disruptions for airline customers.
Engine makers are tackling the challenge of seemingly mutually exclusive goals: How to operate at pressure/temperature levels not seen before in commercial service, while offering reliability and better time-on-wing than today’s engines.
Johannes Bussmann became chairman of Lufthansa Technik’s executive board in April. He talks with Aviation Week’s MRO Edition editor-in-chief about what’s in store for LHT.
Even a hangar may not provide a sufficiently contamination-free environment needed for certain types of repairs, but sealed-off portable, inflatable shelters can provided the needed conditions.
Aircraft retirements—accelerated by a restructuring process—have allowed Qantas to consolidate its heavy maintenance facilities, the engineering workforce has been pared back significantly, and efficiency gains have been realized in line maintenance and other areas.
Chinese MRO pay rates may now be rising no faster than the rate at which efficiency can be improved. Competition for staff from other industries is lower, and the supply of skilled people looks increasingly adequate.
Entry into service of new commercial airliners, along with growing stream of data from aircraft and parts, creating challenges and opportunities for MRO providers.
With steady growth in commercial aircraft leasing, Ireland-based lessors still dominate the global market, though MRO to support leases may be done elsewhere.
Ireland-based independent MROs, with the benefit of low costs and proximity to Europe, are strong competitors in many service areas, notably leasing support.
