The maintenance division of Finnair has signed an agreement with aircraft parts platform provider SkySelect to accelerate the digitalization of aircraft parts procurement.

Founded in 2017, SkySelect is a robotic process automation platform that uses algorithms, running via Amazon web services, to automate around 70% of an airline or MRO’s parts purchasing.

It says the deal with Finnair will help further drive the digitalization and automation of parts purchasing processes. It has existing deals in place with carriers including Azul, Iberia, LATAM, TAP and JetBlue. 

In addition, the move could have environmental benefits with the provision of tools for Finnair to consolidate and reduce its carbon footprint. This will occur through the platform helping to combine shipments, simplify logistics and minimize the number of shipments, SkySelect says.

The airline has a target to be carbon neutral by 2045 and cut its net CO2 emissions by 50% by 2025.

“SkySelect’s transformative approach to parts purchasing, using advanced AI algorithms, makes us overall more efficient while aligning with our top-level company strategic cornerstones of innovation and sustainability,” says Pete Reinikkala, Finnair head of supply chain management.

The national airline of Finland has a fleet size of approximately 80 aircraft, comprising of Airbus, ATR and Embraer aircraft.