Page 8 - AAA JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 Online Magazine

Connector, and AirVault Analytics. The com-
pany, with its Predix software platform, is also
a pioneer in the industry in the use of “Digital
Twin” technology, which it uses to create pre-
cise computer models of its jet engines.

Making their Presence Felt
MRO providers too have been busy introduc-
ing digital innovations to stave off competition
from OEMs. Lufthansa Technik’s “Aviatar,” intro-
duced in April 2017, is a digital platform that
offers a variety of digital products and services
for MRO by combining multiple apps, all in one
place. The platform, which allows external apps
to be connected to it, serves as a connecting
hub for apps that offer digital products and ser-
In 2017, Airbus teamed up with Palantir Technologies, an American vices for the aviation industry. Each one of apps
software company that specializes in big data integration and ana- on the platform can also be used as a stand-
lytics, for its cloud-based open aviation data platform – Skywise. alone product, with clients having the freedom
The company is also collaborating with Singapore-based UnaBiz to pick and choose according to their needs.
for research in digitalization of aircraft maintenance operations
through the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. MRO major AAR has investing significantly in
Unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2017, Skywise has received data-driven applications and has introduced
an enthusiastic response from carriers, with AirAsia, Hong Kong products such as Airvolution, a repair cycle
Airlines, Peach, Delta Air Lines, jetBlue, Emirates and easyJet the management application. The company’s
first ones to sign up. While easyJet has opted for Skywise for pre- PAARTS store provides full visibility of more
dictive maintenance services across its fleet of nearly 300 aircraft, than 1 million new and used parts in its inven-
Hong Kong Airlines is using big data to avoid fuel overconsump- tory of overhauled, serviceable, and repairable
tion on descent and approach. In February 2018, AirAsia, Asiana airframe and engine parts.
Airlines and Etihad Airways become the first airlines to use Skywise
Predictive Maintenance services. Air France Industries KLM Engineering &
At the 2018 Farnborough Air Show, Airbus announced that it had Maintenance, which has “The MRO Lab,” has
extended the scope of platform by including three applications teamed up with Ramco Systems to create
– Dispatch, Object Explorer, and Spotlight – intended to benefit “The MRO Lab Singapore.” The company
the supply chain. Ten ‘early adopter’ suppliers, including those also has come up with “Prognos,” a predictive
dealing in cabin, propulsion, aerostructures, materials and equip- analysis program that uses big data. Prognos
ment/systems, are currently working with Airbus to test the new provides two maintenance solutions that pre-
supplier-related components of the platform. dict possible failures and optimize scheduled
“The scope and power of data integration technology, which only maintenance work - Prognos for Engine and
became available recently, is now bringing productivity gains Prognos for Aircraft. MTU Maintenance has
which benefit all stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem – from introduced “Go! Act,” which supports on-site
suppliers and airlines to OEMs,” says Marc Fontaine, Airbus’ Digital operators of MTU-powered equipment, and
Transformation Officer. “Go! Manage,” for fleet managers. In February
Airbus’ H160 helicopter is built on a 100-per cent digital shop 2018. SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) and
floor, says Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus CaseBank Technologies announced that they
Helicopters. “There are no paperwork inspections. Every worker were collaborating in the field of data analytics.
has their own tablet connected in real time to a manufacturing
execution system. Everyone on the shop floor can see in real time The Road Ahead
the progress of each aircraft in production.” Blockchain technology, comparatively new to
In December 2017, engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce launched the industry, is finding increasing acceptance
R2 Data Labs as part of its efforts to take its digital efforts up a as it can help companies keep virtual records
few notches. The platform uses data analytics, Artificial Intelligence of anything relevant for maintenance, including
and machine learning techniques to develops data applications information regarding the procurement of parts,
that improve design, manufacturing and operational efficiencies. the maintenance history, and the modifications
The company, which has started to work along with Microsoft and that were done. As the industry continues to
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as part of its digitalization efforts, embrace new technologies, the struggle to
unveiled its IntelligentEngine project at the 2018 Singapore Airshow. find the right mix between technology and the
GE Aviation offers a variety of digital services to customers, includ- human element will be an issue that industry
ing Asset Performance Management, AirVault Workflow and MRO experts will be keeping a close eye on.

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