Inside MRO

The International Civil Aviation Organization forecasts the upward trend to continue in 2017.

Engine retirements are slowing, and ramp-up in certain engine overhauls is increasing, which puts pressure on serviceable material supplies.

Innovative design and engineering has reduced the weight and drag penalties of new nacelles, but it may have complicated maintenance.

South African Airways has only added two additional aircraft to its fleet size over the past 10 years.

Ethiopian Airlines has seen a 125% increase in fleet size in the last 10 years.

The radome from Lufthansa Technik material layers allow frequencies in the Ka-band, which means double the speed of data transfer.

Mexicana MRO Services plans to add two more narrowbody aircraft production lines in the second quarter, bringing its capacity to 10.

Boeing and Airbus will continue to dominate the Middle East market, making up a combined 89% of the in-service fleet by 2021.

Aircraft takeoff and landing requires a robust maintenance and overhaul of wheels and brakes. Without a good support system, the operation can fall hazardously flat.

GE-Lufthansa Technik engine joint venture locates in Poland to serve operators in both Eastern and Western Europe.

After production teething problems, aftermarket players are positioning for the geared turbofan market, which should see its first overhaul in 2024.

What’s driving Boeing to expand MRO in the UK

While building up facilities to service its Leap engines, CFM reaffirms commitment to aftermarket competition.

Mexico’s Chihuahua Aerospace Cluster supports growth of domestic commercial aviation while also producing for export customers.

The watchword for 2017 may be uncertainty, but the focus should be off of politics and on the rules.

As Monarch Airlines and its maintenance division prepare for the Boeing 737 MAX 8, the MRO also is upgrading a software system and is experimenting with mobile devices for line maintenance.

New tests under development for FAA-approved mechanics will update standards and eliminate obsolete questions.

Advisory circular from FAA targets improved fatigue risk management procedures for MROs.

New FAA circular is intended to help MROs create and maintain their own human factors training programs.

Lufthansa launches short-haul broadband service; Amazon’s role in Pemco purchase; Airbus supports China Airlines maintenance buildup.

As oil prices affect airline usage and fleet decisions, MRO providers need to focus on productivity.

The International Air Transport Association says 2016 profits fell short of previous year’s all-time high due in part to rising oil prices.

Fluids and lubricants are designed for an engine’s life cycle so evolution with technology development can be slow.

New uses for additive manufacturing, sometimes in combination with more traditional methods, could be a game-changer in the spare parts industry.

Accident investigations stand to gain from improved speed and information via streaming data from flight recorders.