Japan Airlines (JAL) is tapping services from Boeing and Collins Aerospace to enhance operations on its Boeing 787 fleet. The airline signed deals with both OEMs at the Paris Air Show on June 20 related to predictive maintenance tools and interior modifications.
The carrier currently operates 52 787 aircraft, including 30 787-8s and 22 787-9s. Under its deal with Collins Aerospace, JAL will install the OEM’s Ascentia predictive maintenance tool on its entire 787 fleet.
Ascentia is a cloud-based service that uses advanced data analytics and machine learning (ML) algorithms to improve maintenance operations and increase aircraft reliability. The tool analyzes flight data and maintenance records in real time to predict potential maintenance issues and recommend corrective actions. Collins says Ascentia helps airlines reduce unscheduled downtime and improve aircraft availability.
Building further on its predictive capabilities, JAL has agreed to adopt Boeing’s Insight Accelerator digital predictive maintenance solution. Insight Accelerator uses artificial intelligence and ML to identify premature part degradation and malfunctions. Boeing says the tool reduces unscheduled maintenance and can reduce unnecessary inspections by up to 85%.
Boeing released Insight Accelerator in September 2022 with competing Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways, which was its launch customer for the new tool. However, JAL was one of the partners that helped the Boeing develop Insight Accelerator. According to a representative for Boeing, JAL assessed a prototype version of the tool to provide feedback through product testing and evaluation.
“For several years, JAL has been working to develop prognostics for predictive maintenance. Their engineering knowledge and expertise obtained through daily maintenance experiences has been the key to developing good predictive maintenance logic,” says the Boeing spokesperson.
In addition to these new predictive tools, JAL has previously used Boeing’s Airplane Health Management and Self-Service Analytics services for predictive maintenance and performance analysis.
Inside the cabin, Boeing’s latest deal with JAL will also entail providing the airline with upgraded 787 interior configurations. It will perform the engineering work and supply component kits for the reconfigurations.
Boeing declined to comment on details and timeline for the reconfigurations and JAL has not yet responded to Aviation Week’s request for more information.
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