Poll: Will the aviation industry see more 3D printing this year for aircraft parts?

Back in December 2019 British Airways (BA) announced they are exploring the idea of using 3D printed parts, printed locally at outstations, to improve schedule reliability and cut logistics-related emissions.

Releasing details of the initiative on Dec. 9, BA said it plans to trial 3D-printing technologies as a follow on from its 100-year anniversary "BA2119: Flight of the Future" program.

British Airways is exploring the possibility of using 3D printers to create aircraft parts in the future. These printers would be located at airports around the world to reduce delays for customers and emissions caused by transporting items, BA said, Dec. 9.

Read more about 3D printing advancement.

BA went on to suggest 10 potential applications for 3D printing, including cutlery, products for amenity kits (such as toothbrushes or combs), tray tables, aircraft windows, inflight entertainment screens, seats, baggage containers, circuit boards for electrical components, flight deck switches and aircraft shells.

To share your views on other areas of the aftermarket, take a look at the previous weekly MRO polls here.