9 topics

Technology

What is changing about how the work gets done

The fleet and engine pages track what is happening to the aircraft. These track what is happening to the job: how records are kept, how failures are predicted, how parts are made, and how the regulator decides an aeroplane is safe.

On the aircraft

Technology that changes what a technician touches, inspects and signs for.

Electronic technical recordsElectronic tech logs, paperless records, digital signaturesin service, adoption accelerating Health monitoring and predictive maintenanceACMS data, engine trend monitoring, prognostics, digital twinsin service, uneven across fleets Composite primary structureCarbon fibre fuselage and wings, composite fan blades, damage assessmentmature on current widebodies AI assisted inspectionBorescope image analysis, blade inspection, damage flaggingin service and spreading quickly

In the factory and the shop

How parts are made and repaired, and why that reaches the line.

Additive manufacturingPrinted turbine parts, consolidated assemblies, repair applicationsin production Powder metallurgyPowder metal turbine and compressor discs, contamination, inspectionmature, and the cause of the largest current fleet disruption Engine durability engineeringTurbine blade coatings, cooling geometry, time on wingactive across every current engine family

Around the aircraft

The systems and rules the aircraft operates inside.

Air traffic modernisationSMART, traffic flow prediction, ageing telecom infrastructureentering service Certification reformPost MAX oversight, delegated authority, the current reform pushunder political pressure