Delivering MRO Solutions As A Bundled Service

Credit: ST Engineering

As an integrated lifecycle fleet solution provider, ST Engineering enhances customers' experience and service quality so that they can focus on their operations.

ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business is taking a one-stop approach to aircraft maintenance by offering “bundled services”, or packaged services that cover airframe, engine and component MRO solutions, all under one roof. Supported by a global network of facilities, integrated lifecycle support capabilities and extensive experience gained from its diverse customer base, ST Engineering tailors its MRO bundled services to meet each airline operator’s unique needs.

Supporting operators’ fleets with bundled MRO services

As the world’s largest commercial airframe MRO service provider, ST Engineering’s airframe services range from line, light and heavy maintenance to turnaround servicing and checks and even structural repair and modification work, including freighter conversion, full-scale modernization and cabin reconfiguration.

ST Engineering’s hallmark Maintenance-By-the-HourTM (MBHTM) program for components provides integrated component supply, repair, logistics, asset management and warehousing solutions for airline customers. Leveraging this experience, it has further developed its component capabilities and ramped up its component assets to support new-generation aircraft such as the Boeing 737 MAX Boeing 787 and Airbus A320neo. With 24/7 customer support and program management, its MBHTM logistics network spans the Asia-Pacific region with a fast-growing footprint in Europe and the Middle East, supporting over 1,000 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

ST Engineering’s engine MRO business

With facilities in Singapore and Xiamen, China, ST Engineering’s engine MRO business serves customers regionally and globally in total engine support. Building on its extensive MRO capabilities for CFM56 engines, ST Engineering became the first independent Asian MRO provider in 2023 to join CFM’s LEAP MRO network, enabling it to provide the full range of LEAP-1A and -1B solutions for operators transitioning to new-generation aircraft. It expects to achieve test capability for the LEAP-1B and -1A by late 2023 and early 2024 respectively, and full performance restoration shop visit capability for both by early 2025.

Providing greater value propositions through bundled services

Possessing breadth and depth in MRO capabilities, ST Engineering understands that the natural next step would be to bring them together as integrated lifecycle fleet solutions, unlocking even greater value for its international clientele. Originally promoted as a standalone service for existing customers, its bundled services approach has since matured to a longer-term contract model which synergizes across all its MRO offerings.

By tapping on the knowhow of its global network, ST Engineering closely evaluates the gaps between various needs and services to develop and promote bundled services and cross-selling opportunities. For example, customers looking for airframe heavy maintenance services will benefit from its engine repair & overhaul as well as component support services as part of the overall package, enjoying consistent service and simplified communication and contracting arrangements under a single solution provider.  

Growing Market Share

These results are also made possible through smart MRO practices on the shopfloor. As part of continuous improvement, ST Engineering turns increasingly to digitalization, automation, data analytics and additive manufacturing to reduce cost and turnaround time for its customers. For instance, through ST Engineering’s MAESTRO digital platform, MBHTM customers can place and monitor their component orders, retrieve repair information and documentation, and leverage analytics for component health management anytime and anywhere.

More than MRO: bundled services that encompass the full value chain

More than being an MRO provider, ST Engineering has a growing range of OEM and asset management capabilities that include nacelles and cabin interior solutions, Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions and aircraft and engine leasing. Through the extension of its bundled service offerings beyond MRO to its other services, ST Engineering is able to provide even more integrated lifecycle fleet solutions for its customers. For instance, freighter operators are able to lease converted Airbus A320P2F and A321P2F aircraft, and opt for MRO services, all through ST Engineering. As the aviation industry becomes increasingly complex, such services aim to strongly support airlines by addressing their various needs with ease, so that they can better focus on their operations and stay ahead of competition.