HAECO has introduced remote inspection technology at its Chek Lap Kok maintenance hangar at Hong Kong International Airport. Its 24/7 On-wing Structure Support (OSS) team recently completed an on-wing nacelle modification in collaboration with an OEM following what it says were months of preparation.
According to HAECO Hong Kong, its OSS team introduced remote digital inspection capability in response to challenges posed by COVID-19. The system includes voice-controlled goggles paired with a communication interface accessible via computer or mobile device. While mechanics and inspectors use the hands-free goggles to follow digital workflows, take photos, share files and capture field data, they can also collaborate in real-time with remote experts.
The system’s software enables each party to connect to the system and see through the mechanic or inspector’s field of view to ensure work meets safety and quality standards. According to HAECO, the system ensured a seamless live collaborative environment between its team in Hong Kong and the OEM technical support teams based in Singapore and the U.S.
HAECO says its OSS team is continuing to leverage remote inspection technology in other aircraft maintenance projects. It is also using the system in its Xiamen facilities to improve communication between the cockpit and the ground during maintenance operations.
Although HAECO is not sharing details about which specific smart glasses and software products it used for the on-wing nacelle modification, it says it is trialing various platforms and hardware to identify performance for additional use cases and to measure associated benefits. It plans to continue using remote inspection technology post-pandemic, with HAECO Group chief commercial officer Richard Kendall noting that it believes the technology will bring value post-COVID and enhance customer experience.
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