Inside MRO

Big Data may be coming, and when it does, it will have company.

This year’s MRO Asia-Pacific in Singapore offers an opportunity to showcase the region’s strong MRO industry.

Aircraft retirements—accelerated by a restructuring process—have allowed Qantas to consolidate its heavy maintenance facilities, the engineering workforce has been pared back significantly, and efficiency gains have been realized in line maintenance and other areas.

Chinese MRO pay rates may now be rising no faster than the rate at which efficiency can be improved. Competition for staff from other industries is lower, and the supply of skilled people looks increasingly adequate.

New figures indicate that the 787 is not an airframe MRO provider’s dream.

The flight tracking mandate is supposed to enhance safety, but a working group cautions that unintended consequences may add risk.

Entry into service of new commercial airliners, along with growing stream of data from aircraft and parts, creating challenges and opportunities for MRO providers.

With steady growth in commercial aircraft leasing, Ireland-based lessors still dominate the global market, though MRO to support leases may be done elsewhere.

With more automation in the pipeline, using unmanned aircraft to inspect aircraft for damage looks increasingly attractive.

As MRO needs change over the next few years, carriers are looking for innovations in the aftermarket that will help them be more cost-effective.

The FAA has taken a major step in explaining how maintenance manuals should be distributed—but has anything changed?

Ireland-based independent MROs, with the benefit of low costs and proximity to Europe, are strong competitors in many service areas, notably leasing support.

This year’s event in London offers an opportunity to showcase the nation’s strong MRO industry.

Independent MROs need new strategies to survive as next-generation, high-tech aircraft come into service.

EASA’s recommendations to curb fan cowl door- loss incidents could be followed by mandates.

AMG CEO sees synergies, better customer service for airlines and improved technical capabilities resulting from merger with Barfield, which is nearing completion.

The CF34 fleet size will be both the same and very different in 2025.

Big data is coming, but “small data” is already helping align operators and MRO providers

Ultrasound camera developed by DolphiTech proving its value for detecting defects in composites.

Innovation is happening at major MROs, on the line at airlines and among engineers in the many small companies that supply or support aircraft maintenance around the world.

Is the wait for a bigger MRO rebound being supplanted by a new normal growth rate?

Europe is on record as rejecting the kind of drug and alcohol tests required at U.S. MRO shops.

Technology advances including lasers, software and imaging in inspection devices are making MRO fixes more reliable and more efficient.

The V2500 has been in service since 1989—but when will the model’s annual overhaul volume peak?

Technological innovations are exciting, but they also require an engaged workforce.