Airbus and Delta TechOps’ Digital Alliance partnership expanded in July to include GE Digital. The companies plan to combine their knowledge of aircraft systems, maintenance, digital analytics, operational data and front-end user applications to develop solutions that curb operational disruptions and reduce unplanned maintenance events.
With GE’s addition to the alliance, its analytics capabilities and systems portfolio will integrate into Airbus’ Skywise platform. The companies say that GE’s addition to the Digital Alliance will approximately double both the number of analytics algorithms and the number of aircraft parts which can be monitored by its analytics.
Skywise Health Monitoring Gets South Asia Launch Customer
Credit: H. Gousse/Airbus
AirAsia India signed a 10-year contract in August to become the launch customer of the Airbus Skywise Health Monitoring (SHM) digital solution in the South Asia region. Under the contract it will also adopt the Skywise Core aviation data integration platform.
The airline will use both solutions for its Airbus A320 fleet. Skywise Core will be used to make data-driven decisions to improve its fleet’s operational reliability and SHM will support its maintenance and engineering teams through real-time management of aircraft events and troubleshooting.
New Carrier Picks GE Digital Software
Credit: Avelo Airlines
New U.S. carrier Avelo Airlines adopted GE Digital’s Electronic Flight Operation Quality Assurance (eFOQA) solution in July. Avelo is using the flight data monitoring and processing solution to help develop and validate data-driven safety and efficiency protocols.
The solution integrates disparate data sources like weather and flight plans into one source, helping to bridge the gap between flight operations-specific information and insights such as maintenance faults and variations between two different flights on the same route.
Saudia Taps GE Digital for Records Management
Credit: Saudia Airlines
Saudia Airlines signed a contract with GE Digital in July to implement its Aviation Software Asset Records solution. The software enables airlines to digitize, index and archive maintenance records and match them to the relevant maintenance and engineering system.
The airline expects the software to streamline records management between its operations and other entities, such as lessors. Saudia says it also anticipates time savings for engineering, easier data retrieval and optimization of asset transfers.
TRAX Secures New Airline Customers
Credit: Air Europa
Aircraft maintenance software provider TRAX secured two new airline customers this summer. In July, Oriental Air Bridge implemented TRAX eMRO software to manage maintenance activities on its fleet of Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft. The software will enable it to access documentation and data, view assigned maintenance tasks and receive real-time updates on maintenance work.
In August, Air Europa Lineas Aereas implemented TRAX eMRO and eMobility software. The eMobility software enables offline capability and automatic synchronization when network connectivity is available, which helps keep users connected wherever they work. TRAX says Air Europa is now the first Spanish airline to have its entire maintenance management system digitalized.
SR Technics Malaysia Goes Paperless
Credit: SR Technics Malaysia
SR Technics Malaysia selected Ultramain MRO software in August to perform paperless maintenance execution across its seven component overhaul lines. It will use Ultramain Mobile Mechanic software to digitally sign electronic task cards and the software’s built-in dashboards and analytics will provide real-time visibility of component repair processes.
According to Ultramain, the software will help SR Technics quickly identify work stoppages and bottlenecks, leading to shorter turn times and increased efficiencies. SR Technics Malaysia plans to use the software for all aspects of the component repair lifecycle, including quoting, contracts, supply chain, maintenance execution, billing and quality assurance.
Automated Parts Purchasing
Credit: TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal signed a contract in June with startup SkySelect, a robotic process automation platform that automates parts purchasing operations for airlines and MROs. The airline says it will use the platform to provide cost savings and streamlined parts purchasing.
Magnetic MRO also extended its contract with SkySelect in June. Natalja Lagno, strategic purchasing manager, Magnetic MRO, says the platform helps to find “hidden gems” in the aviation market.
Connecting Resources to Solve AOGs
Credit: Embraer
Embraer’s advanced air mobility spinoff, Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions, officially confirmed in July that it plans to leverage the OEM’s Beacon maintenance coordination platform. The platform connects industry stakeholders with resources and aftermarket supply chain to collaborate in real-time on AOG situations.
In June Embraer signed Beacon partnership agreements with The Mobile Repair Team and ABS Jets, an executive operator and maintenance organization in the Czech Republic. The companies plan to use the platform to reduce out-of-service time and streamline communications. Inflite The Jet Centre signed onto the platform in August.
Castle Aviation Opts for WinAir Software
Credit: Castle Aviation
Castle Aviation, a private passenger airline and cargo carrier, completed its rollout of WinAir Version 7 aviation management software in July. It is using the software to handle tracking and management of aircraft maintenance inventory, parts and labor, as well as for generating work orders and overseeing planning and forecasting.
It says the software has provided it with the ability to combine its maintenance and parts departments into one platform for better collaboration, which has improved ability to accurately track and report the cost and materials for each aircraft on the line.
A rundown of new digital MRO collaborations, contracts and software rollouts.
Lindsay Bjerregaard is managing editor for Aviation Week’s MRO portfolio. Her coverage focuses on MRO technology, workforce, and product and service news for AviationWeek.com, Aviation Week Marketplace and Inside MRO.