A scan of recent supply chain- and logistics-related product announcements underscores that aviation is placing a premium on keeping real-time tabs on high-value goods. On the production line, manufacturers are marking parts with tags designed to help everyone from line mechanics to vendors. In the aftermarket, using sophisticated sensors to monitor parts and key shipments—from components sent to bail out a grounded aircraft to the tooling needed to do the job—is becoming bigger business.
As the only all-new engine developed for one of the most ambitious aircraft models built in the jet age, General Electric's GE90 family has more than held its own. Nearly three out of every four Boeing 777s delivered are powered by GE90s, and the percentage will only grow—every undelivered current-generation 777 listed in Boeing's backlog is slated to have GE power as well. Boeing figures show 991 777s delivered through Sept. 30, including 730 powered by GE90s. Another 328 777s—a mix of -200LRs, -300ERs and freighters—remain on order.
Integrating process management software into an MRO operation is no longer cutting-edge—it is core to an efficient operation's success. MRO providers benefit from a range of choices, from products developed by providers that want to solve their own problems to technology companies that look at aircraft maintenance management challenges and see endless opportunities to help a surging part of the aviation industry. 1. Wings Aloft Supplier: Applied Database Technology
Washington Cabin 'Crewmembers' Take Note The aviation maintenance world needs no introduction to the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Typically, MRO-related OSHA rules are linked to hangars or back shops and associated with risks such as exposure to chemicals. But an FAA policy issued in August and effective Sept. 26 brings OSHA regulations to aircraft cabins and reads broadly enough to cover mechanics that work in them.
EASA Outlines Upcoming Rulemaking The European Aviation Safety Agency's (EASA) four-year rulemaking outlook includes little of significance to MRO in 2014, but work on several key initiatives with longer-term deadlines is featured prominently. Reviewed annually, the planning document sets deadlines for the following year and tentative schedules for the three subsequent years. EASA released the 2014-18 version in late August.
Landing gear overhaul is experiencing a spike thanks to aircraft delivery cycles. The aircraft made as a result of the 2004-05 order boom are coming due for gear overhauls. The Aviation Week commercial aviation forecast shows demand for overhauls of nearly 4,100 nose gear and more than 4,000 shipsets of main gear for that fleet through 2015. 1. Gear and More Supplier: Iberia Maintenance
Congressionally mandated budget cuts that prompted the FAA to put a hiring freeze in place created an additional challenge for the safety agency's inspector workforce, which was already hampered by an ineffective staffing model, a government audit found.
If there are winners in a high-stakes, high-expectations program that generated a mere 262 orders in its first 13 years, then the engine OEM with a 55% share of the business would qualify. Measuring by total aircraft in service and awaiting delivery, the Engine Alliance (EA) GP7200 is the preferred powerplant for Airbus A380 customers, winning 134 of 243 orders with engine choices specified. (Three orders on the books—officially, at least—totaling 19 aircraft remain without engine choices.)
An oft-overlooked but crucial link in the MRO chain is tooling. Having proper tools—and keeping track of them—is a necessary element to every repair station's success. Here is a look at a few companies that are helping the industry get it right. 1. Safety First Supplier: CEJN
The aircraft brake market—like much of the rest of the industry—is changing rapidly. New materials and new technologies are allowing operators to gain improved useful lives out of lighter-weight products without sacrificing performance. Here are a few companies that are keeping the aircraft brake world moving forward. 1. Coast to Coast Supplier: Heico
As airlines continue to watch engine expenses, MROs are being asked by their customers to design customized approaches to service and provide material solutions. The conversation is forcing MRO vendors to search for answers outside their facilities.“A decade ago, the focus of engine maintenance contracts was on supporting the customer—at the time of the shop visit,” says Kristin Kenny, director of Pay Per Hour Programs for Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Now, contracts must be structured to take into account a complete understanding of the customer's operation.”
1. Parachutes To Pontoons Supplier: Aerazur Offerings: Aerazur, part of the Zodiac Aerospace group, has been supplying emergency survival gear for more than 60 years. The company makes everything from parachutes and pontoons to life jackets and life rafts for commercial, general aviation and military aircraft. www.aerazur.com
The Transportation Department's June report on significant rulemakings revealed that the draft rule on drug-testing of certain foreign repair station employees is now expected to be released this week, pushed back from late May. And the FAA's projected publication date for a final rule on safety management systems for Part 121s slipped to early October from early September. Washington A Tough Transition
1. Performance Excellence Manufacturer: Huntsman Advanced Materials Applications: Huntsman Advanced Materials, part of the Huntsman family of companies, specializes in synthetics, adhesives and laminating systems for both aircraft manufacturing and repair. The company is just one of fewer than 600 suppliers to earn a 2012 Boeing Performance Excellence award. www.huntsman.com
The RB211 program bankrupted Rolls-Royce, forcing the U.K. government to step in and save the project and the company. Both recovered—Rolls-Royce is still delivering and developing engines, and the RB211 will go down as one of the most versatile and successful engine series of the jet age.
1. By The Book Provider: Aeronautical Repair Station Association Offerings: ARSA specializes in regulatory compliance training. The association's courses focus primarily on the requirements of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations pertaining to design, production and maintenance, and on gaining Inspection Authorization acceptance from the FAA. Standard and customized courses are available. www.arsa.org Link 606 2: More Lean Provider: Duggan Associates
