Page 26 - AAA SEPTEMBER - OCOTBER 2017 Online Magazine

MRO FEATURE XXXXXXXXX XXXX
LANDING GEAR
TURE
MRO FEA

The implementation of new
materials, manufacturing
methods and repair
processes is a continuous
process in the MRO industry
through a sequence of predetermined stages, second course “Composite Advanced Repair” Boeing 787 composite aircraft MRO market
from disassembly to stripping, damage moreover provides practical exercises to learn is growing at a much faster rate, a CAGR
assessment, electroplating and beyond. The about the detection of certain damages and of 17.9 per cent, from US$348 million to
disassembly of an aircraft’s landing gear complex repair procedures of all kind. US$1.81 billion by 2030. On average, the cost
sometimes brings surprises to light. Corrosion, “This self-acquired experience is very to repair a composite aircraft component
for example, can call for especially extensive important, because for the use and handling is roughly one-third the cost of replacing
repair work. To minimize episodes like this, of composite materials only very few norms the component. The speed of repairs is also
Landing Gear Services works closely together and regulations exist to date. But since important, as the average composite repair
with Lufthansa Technik’s Line Maintenance to international standards would make the takes nearly 15 hours. Grounding an Airbus
optimize washing and lubrication protocols, work on composites much easier, Lufthansa A350 for an entire day could cost over US$1
resulting in measurable cost savings and Technik actively participates in numerous million in lost revenue for the airline company
reduced scrap rates. boards and committees that work on such (US$40,000 per hour).
Additionally, Lufthansa Technik co-operates standardizations,” he adds. As one of the leading Over the next decade, the world’s major
in basic research with universities, for instance MRO-providers, Lufthansa Technik is also a airlines are slated to add 20,444 planes, of
in pioneering the automated stripping of landing member of the Commercial Aircraft Composite which 17,390 are new technology aircraft,
gear components, which reduces undesirable Repairs Committee (CACRC), in which for and to retire 10,311 older planes, according
material stress. We’re also anticipating future example aircraft manufacturers, research to Oliver Wyman’s Annual Fleet and MRO
technologies such as HVOF, Zn-Ni plating and institutes and airlines work on international Forecast. This will enlarge the global
composite parts. All these efforts ensure that standards for the handling of composites. fleet by a net 10,133. By 2027, 58 per cent
Lufthansa Technik is ready for new materials, Moreover, Lufthansa Technik participates in the of aircraft in-service will be comprised
manufacturing methods and repair processes German aviation research program (LUFO4), of fuel-efficient planes designed and
as soon as they are implemented. which grants the company research funds of produced since 2000.
up to 1.2 million Euros for the development of Meeting this exponential demand will
Safe Handling of Composite Materials an automated repair procedure for composite require innovative solutions that rely on
Despite all technology, even more important for structures. “Through all the research conducted the latest technology to match the learning
the handling of composites are highly qualified Lufthansa Technik is well prepared, even for requirements of a new generation. The
technicians. In this regard, Lufthansa Technical future airplanes. Those will feature composite Oliver Wyman MRO Survey 2017 identified
Training (LTT) train their technicians in two materials not only in secondary structures, but three emerging technologies vital for the
different courses to prepare them perfectly nearly in the complete airframes of Boeing 787 next generation of aircraft maintenance
for working with the new materials. According and Airbus A350,” the official says. technicians: including composite
to an official of LTTT, the first training course material repair and manufacture (62 per
“Composite Fundamentals” teaches the basic MRO Growth Unlimited cent); collection and reporting of data
knowledge about all different composites in The worldwide MRO is expected to grow at a for advanced analytics, big data, and
use, from production methods and material compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8 predictive maintenance (51 per cent); and
characteristics to special requirements per cent reaching about US$65 billion by the the newest avionics and electrical systems
regarding the handling of such materials. The year 2020. In contrast, the Airbus A350 and (51 per cent).
26 MAINTENANCE REPAIR OVERHAUL JULY / SEPTEMBER 2017 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/AAA