AFI KLM E&M and SkyThread, a provider of a neutral industry data network applied to aviation, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to partner around the 'SkyThread for Parts' solution, to be implemented on AFI KLM E&M's component services pool.
The innovation aims to facilitate, accelerate, and secure the tracking of components from manufacturing to decommissioning. Developed and successfully tested in its initial version for 787 component support, for which AFI KLM E&M is one of the world's major players, 'SkyThread for Parts' is designed to adapt to the needs of component market players.
Blockchain becomes increasingly relevant to facilitate the recording of transactions and tracking assets across an ecosystem. As it is immutable, decentralized and scalable, a private blockchain overcomes the trust barrier which is the main obstacle to a seamless and controlled exchange of data belonging to heterogeneous organizations.
SkyThread for Parts is based on a private and secure blockchain technology, where users and their stakeholders can record all events related to the life of the component: certificate of origin, shipping notes, maintenance certificates, repairs, transfer to an aircraft, ownership transfer, etc. By digitizing the tracking process and eliminating human interfaces - often a source of errors - this approach allows users to benefit from reliable data, without additional costs or validation time.
The blockchain solution developed for 'SkyThread for Parts' is particularly well adapted to the complexity of the aviation sector and the multiplicity of its stakeholders such as airlines, OAM/OEMs, MROs, lessors and brokers. This solution enables the verification of user rights at each stage. It guarantees each stakeholder the respect of the ownership of its data, with the possibility to decide at any time when, how and with whom to share it.
"Our solution does not replace the legacy IT systems used by airlines, MROs, and OEMs, but rather runs in cooperation with them," said SkyThread co-founder and CEO Mark Roboff. "SkyThread for Parts resolves the inefficiencies, waste, and delays that plague commercial aviation due in large part to the challenges of manually sharing part history data between siloed systems. We are very proud to have developed this product with the unique industry expertise of AFI KLM E&M, and we look forward to deepening this collaboration".
"This partnership reflects AFI KLM E&M's long-standing commitment to innovation, especially digital innovation, for the benefit of its customers and the advancement of aviation maintenance," said Executive Vice President Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, Anne Brachet. "I am convinced that this type of collaboration is essential to deliver the efficiency and safety gains promised by data technologies to the entire aviation industry, and we are very pleased to be able to continue to explore this pioneering path with SkyThread over the coming years."
"This agreement lays the foundation to work on important technologies that benefit the future of our aviation industry," said Thom Grobben, VP Engineering KLM Engineering & Maintenance. "An optimized data flow network will contribute to efficiency, transparency, and safety. Considering SkyThread's experience and knowledge in transformation and digital technology, I look forward to our collaboration with full confidence."
