Cloud computing is considered to be the next major trend in electronic-documents management, but still to be decided is how much data will be controlled by airlines, and how much by original equipment manufacturers. Best practices devised to keep engines on-wing longer is one of the issues, says Paul Mingler, GE Aviation's chief consulting engineer of product safety.

The proliferation of mobile devices and software that enables increasingly more complex data distribution and handling could lead to the most significant evolution in maintenance documents management since the transition from paper to electronic formats.

Evolutions in materials and technology are happening so quickly, one of the big challenges for OEMs is designing a product today that can accommodate unexpected changes tomorrow.

AIM Aviation has begun building a new factory adjacent to its Galleys Div. in Byfleet, England. The new facility will add 31,000 sq. ft. of production and testing capability, bringing total space to 80,000 sq. ft. Completion is targeted for summer 2014.

A scan of recent supply chain- and logistics-related product announcements underscores that aviation is placing a premium on keeping real-time tabs on high-value goods. On the production line, manufacturers are marking parts with tags designed to help everyone from line mechanics to vendors. In the aftermarket, using sophisticated sensors to monitor parts and key shipments—from components sent to bail out a grounded aircraft to the tooling needed to do the job—is becoming bigger business.

As the only all-new engine developed for one of the most ambitious aircraft models built in the jet age, General Electric's GE90 family has more than held its own. Nearly three out of every four Boeing 777s delivered are powered by GE90s, and the percentage will only grow—every undelivered current-generation 777 listed in Boeing's backlog is slated to have GE power as well. Boeing figures show 991 777s delivered through Sept. 30, including 730 powered by GE90s. Another 328 777s—a mix of -200LRs, -300ERs and freighters—remain on order.

Rapid advances in technology and materials, along with intensified competition for passenger loyalty, are driving a wave of innovation and investment in aircraft interiors. The hallmarks of today's newest cabins are improved materials, hardware design and technologies that enable faster, more effective maintenance. In the past few months alone, major carriers have announced these actions:

The global nature of aviation maintenance means technicians from different countries and cultures can suddenly find themselves working side by side. When this occurs, maintenance organizations face an added layer of complexity in the area of human factors.