Inside MRO

It’s been an exciting year for commercial aero-engines, with new-generation turbofans entering service and subtle, but important shifts in the aftermarket taking hold.

An inevitable consequence of the new broadband satcom capabilities that satellite-communications network providers and avionics companies are teaming to provide both to the passenger cabins and to the flight decks of aircraft is that pilots’ electronic flight bags (EFBs) are beginning to offer real-time updates of operational information.

Once airports are equipped for data communications, the next big phase is set for 2019.

Engine shutdown on a Braathens ATR 72 interrupted most recent incident, in Nov. 2014.

Enabling on-site MRO technicians to collaborate interactively with experts is a worthwhile goal, but obstacles remain in making it a reality.

MRO providers highlight expansion of capabilities and facilities

Mario Araujo, vice president of engineering at TAP Portugal, talks with Inside MRO about the airline’s aftermarket strategies.

MRO operators are beginning to reap the benefits as fluid dynamics and simulation potential is being realized.

In this month’s MRO Links: Connecting pilots and maintenance providers, clean-sheet controls, and optimal navigation and flight planning.

The investigation into the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 has finished examining several aircraft parts washed up on east African beaches and nearby islands.

Regulators, Rolls-Royce are unclear on the exact cause of an internal rubbing problem, so the EASA is mandating checks on the issue.

Rolls-Royce updated production instructions to correct an issue with Trent XWBs at the source.

Avionics upgrade plan prepares 737 NG fleet for ADS-B and adds capabilities for flight data management.

As manufacturers make design improvements to wheels and brakes to improve durability and ease of maintenance, MRO shops and airlines will benefit.

Russian airline traffic may have taken a hit due to economics and sanctions, but it is another story for local MROs.

Knowing the lease-return process cold can help cut costs.

Dwindling number of parked aircraft underscores Airbus narrowbody model’s appeal.

For most of the world, the machinery of global aviation is a mystery, but organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization keep it all working.

U.S. low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines could explore more joint venture and partnership opportunities with aftermarket providers during the next decade as its expansion continues with the introduction of more aircraft and engines.

Foreign countries still have advantages because of U.S. trade restrictions, the Aeronautical Repair Station Association notes.

With the next-generation air traffic management era commencing in North America and Europe in 2020, the airline avionics retrofit market will grow as more legacy aircraft see extended service.

With new engines generating about 1 TB of data per flight, the opportunity for predictive maintenance soars, if the right insight is available.

How two companies are harnessing information flowing from aircraft and engines for predictive maintenance.

Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co. (Gameco) has become Satair Group’s first Chinese customer for its Airbus Managed Inventory (AMI) service, an automated inventory management solution.

Over the next decade, the North American MRO demand is expected to reach more than $209 billion. Engine maintenance will have the majority at 34%, followed by components at 28%.