The Technologies that can help Airlines and MROS stretch their wings again

The commercial aviation sector is beginning to stretch its wings once again as international travel resumes.

This revival has spotlighted a number of pinch points to be dealt with-such as reintroducing stored aircraft and converting passenger planes to cargo configurations and back again, all while balancing remote working and financial overheads to secure a long-term period of renewed growth and profitability. Technology is providing the answers. As OEMS, airlines, and MROs focus on integrating new technologies into their value chains and embracing digital transformation, we look at three key areas where new advancements can be most valuable and easily integrated to help gain competitive advantages in a sector where there is a fine line between profit and loss. Rob Mather, Vice President Aerospace & Defence Industries, IFS, explains. 

Since 2020 the aviation industry has faced unprecedented change, instability, and shock which has rippled throughout the entire sector-from flight restrictions and a host of quarantine regulations to complete state-wide commercial shutdowns that OEMs, airlines and MROS are still recovering from.

Cancelled flights, mothballed planes, and aviation uncertainty

Initial pandemic pressures saw onsite work change drastically. New restrictions, staff shortages due to isolation and stringent social distancing restrictions have all been challenges for businesses. In some cases, this has opened new opportunities for companies who have unlocked the potential-examples are the boom in freight and the corresponding uptick in 'preighters', the conversion of aircraft from passenger to cargo configuration, and the FAA using remote working channels in the evolution of the 737-MAX.