Knowing in advance when a system or component is going to fail, removing the offending part from an aircraft, and having a replacement positioned where and when it needs to be ready for installation, test and sign off -- all with little or no human intervention -- is the Holy Grail in terms of aircraft support. In such a world, there would be dramatically fewer maintenance-related flight delays and cancellations.

PMA suppliers have lobbied airlines and their lessors to approve their products for years. With the entry of Pratt & Whitney into the PMA business, their efforts may have turned the corner.

Crew rest areas have typically comprised dedicated seating in the first or business class cabins, or main-deck bunks. Now, Timco, in conjunction with Austrian Airlines, has developed a crew rest solution that doesn't sacrifice valuable passenger revenue space.