MRO Americas Preview: Conducting Business In A Fast-Paced Digital World

Kevin Larson, Chief Information Officer, AAR Corp

"Big data will have as much an impact on MRO as radar did for air traffic control in the 1950's."

John Johns, Director, Strategy & Global Relations, Technology Services, Northrop Grumman

“We are facing a readiness crisis driven by neglect of the basic principles of good maintenance exacerbated by over a decade of engagement and fiscal pressure—we must break this downward spiral now before our next enemy decides to challenge us.”

Ron Dimuro, Vice President, Digital MRO, GE Aviation

“The best airlines/MROs worldwide are launching serious efforts to tie predictive analytics for AC and engines to downstream actions. The ultimate prize being closed-loop, fully planned maintenance for their fleet.”

H. Brent Baker, Sr., VP, Worldwide Federal Aerospace and Defense, PTC and Maj Gen (Ret), USAF

“AR is quickly changing the way MRO companies conduct business, bridging the digital and physical worlds, providing value across the enterprise. For example, companies are using AR to train a whole new group of young mechanics using highly immersive training aids, which really resonates with a more technically savvy workforce as well as increases worker efficiency.”

George Small, Chief Technology Officer, Moog

“3D printing and blockchain-based provenance could redesign MRO supply chains, creating new possibilities for our customers in the aerospace market and beyond.”

Brigadier General John Kubinec, Commander, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, USAF

“A challenge for the future of military MRO is how to adopt additive manufacturing without become fixated on it to the detriment of other promising technologies such as predictive maintenance. We need to ask what new technologies are truly foundational for future mission accomplishment and innovation.”

Michael Wm. Denis, Director, Aviation & Aerospace, Capgemini

Q: Why is collaboration between companies within MRO important for digital innovation?

“Aircraft fly by the synchronized collaboration of men and women across the digital thread of multiple organizations. Every node of airworthiness has a note to play in the innovation of flying things.”

Paul Dolan, Chief Operating Officer, Aviation Technical Services

“Operators sourcing heavy maintenance are demanding ever more efficient turn times while maintaining absolute compliance. This is driving MROs to invest in organic capabilities and efficiency initiatives in order to lower costs and reduce turn times.”