When it comes to implementing drone inspection, using virtual reality and launching 3D printing operations in their hangars, several airline and MRO leaders expressed interest, and caution, about emerging technology at Aviation Week’s MRO Middle East Summit.
UK independent MRO Caerdav expects its pending multi-million-pound investment from the Middle East, which will lead to new facilities and training capabilities, to be finalized in the new few months.
In a record year for its MTU Aero Engines parent group, revenues in the commercial aftermarket division of MTU Maintenance declined slightly in 2019 as a result of changes related to ordering and billing processes for V2500 aftermarket work.
A February report to the U.S. Congress by the Government Accountability Office found only mixed evidence on the much-discussed mechanic shortage, but urged FAA to increase collaboration and data efforts to develop what GAO called “a robust, diverse,” mechanic workforce.
Rolls-Royce has entered the digital platform arena by launching Yocova, a cloud-based solution for the aviation industry to manage data. The site is designed to allow data exchange and collaboration in a neutral environment.
MRO providers represent a growing source of competition for established engine lessors, a fact underlined by Total Engine Asset Management’s move to grow its portfolio of spare engines for rent.
Technician recruitment is a challenge impacting all parts of the world. This is very much the case in Australia, a country where MRO providers are looking at the tips and traps for recruiting new aviation mechanics.
The coronavirus outbreak and trade tensions with the US may mean that China has sunk down the list of attractive business destinations for the time being, but Western MRO companies remain committed to a country where many have already accumulated substantial experience.
Engine companies’ position at the forefront of technological change in the MRO sector has been highlighted by Pratt & Whitney’s latest revelations about its aftermarket operations in Asia.
Despite Lufthansa Technik’s ownership of 25% of Ameco, China’s largest maintenance provider, Lufthansa Airline has sent some important work south, to another major Chinese MRO.
Aerospace equipment OEM Collins Aerospace plans to add wheels and brakes maintenance capabilities at a new facility it opened in late 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas.
On Capitol Hill, industry stakeholders highlight the need for modernizing aviation maintenance curriculum as a key barrier in filling empty AMT positions.
The aftermarket boom in the Middle East, primarily driven by the expansions of carriers Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways has provided a boon for MROs in the region while outside companies have set up shop its growth epicenter the United Arab Emirates.
