The Latest Eco-Friendly MRO Products And Initiatives

Every year, Boeing releases an environmental report, announcing initiatives in design and development, manufacturing and operations, in-service footprints and end-of- service efforts. In early 2016, Boeing and Swiss International Air Lines signed agreements for maintenance optimization for the carrier's Boeing 777 fleet. The tools include Airplane Health Management, Maintenance Performance Toolbox and Loadable Software Airplane Part Services.

The optimizations positively affect or minimize the environmental impact by physically reducing paper and record keeping, as well as by improving the fleet's efficiency. Boeing is responding to updated restrictions and regulations on chemicals in the aviation industry by researching and implementing more environmentally responsible alternatives to critical chemicals, such as fire-retardant chemicals used in the passenger cabin.

In late October, Magnetic MRO received ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. ISO 9001:2015 specifies requirements for a quality management system to demonstrate the organization’s ability to “consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements,” as well as enhance customer satisfaction via processes for improvement of the company’s systems and assurance of conformity, according to the ISO website www.iso.org. The ISO 9001 certificate will apply to Magnetic MRO’s spare parts trading and asset management. The ISO 14001:2015 standard sets criteria for an effective environmental management system by mapping out a framework for the company to follow. Magnetic MRO's aircraft maintenance, painting and end-of-life asset management and tear downs will be covered by the certification.

ATR announced during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, Morocco, that it will work toward a 1.5% average annual fuel-efficiency improvement through 2020, carbon neutral growth from 2020 and a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide by 2050 from 2015 baselines. The manufacturer says the ATR 72-600 has the lowest fuel consumption per seat in its category over distances of 350 nm or less, consuming 40% less fuel than similar-size regional jets (2.6 L/100 km or .68-gal./62 mi. for a 550-km or 341 mi. trip on a per-seat basis). 

According to ATR’s 2021 Environmental Vision, it hopes to improve environmental performance by eco-designing aircraft, making production sites environmentally friendly and responding to customers’ environmental challenges. Specifically, ATR is working to manage and control waste on sites, reduce the consumption of natural resources and fossil fuels, manage chemical products and limit ground, air and water pollution. The company is also working toward a global approach based on ISO 26000, the International Standard Organization’s guidance on social responsibility, and G4 sustainability reporting standards.

Cleano developed a volatile-organic-compound (VOC) and-chemical-free concentrated cleaner in 2013 and applied for Boeing certification for military specification and civilian applications. In 2014, Cleano was granted Boeing specification D6-17487 certification that includes proof that the product causes no excess corrosion in different exposure settings, acrylic crazing, paint softening or hydrogen embrittlement. In November, Cleano entered into a distribution agreement with Barfield, a manufacturer of aircraft testing equipment, for Cleano’s Aviation Grade concentrate. At $7.50 for 4 oz. to $2,300 for 55 gal., the product can be found on Cleano’s website.

Whitmore also is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 registered company. It provides lubricants, lubricant equipment, coatings, cleaners and degreasers for industrial sectors, including aviation. Whitmore’s water-based wet and dry wash products contain no solvents, are biodegradable and are approved for Boeing D6-17487, AMS 1526C and Airbus AIMS 09-00-002 specifications and applications.

Whitmore’s aviation cleaner and degreaser has low VOC with 0.06 VOC lb. per gal., is Boeing D6-17487 certified and can be used for many exterior aircraft surface cleanings including wing to body fairing, landing gear, flap and slat and jet bridge entry. The products contain no ammonia, phosphates, hazardous air pollutants and do not require ventilation or special equipment.