The global grounding of aircraft during the pandemic dealt a devastating blow to the aviation industry and its extended supply chain. Airlines alone suffered economic losses of $168 billion in 2020, as per insights. Even before the pandemic, the aviation industry faced challenges, with airlines averaging an annual economic profit loss of $17 billion between 2012 and 2019. Africa was particularly affected, risking 44.6 million jobs supported by the industry. However, Africa has managed to recover to 93% of its pre-pandemic level, outpacing the rest of the aviation world. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts a return to profitability for the African aviation sector by late 2023 or early 2024.
Agility has always been a key challenge in the industry, requiring well-maintained fleets and efficient maintenance. The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) function plays a crucial role in minimizing disruptions, improving reliability, and ensuring compliance. The industry faces issues like fragmented information, outdated systems, and staff shortages. Digital solutions are now more important than ever, supporting streamlined workflows, automated planning, real-time access to aircraft information, and paperless execution. By leveraging these solutions, aviation authorities can address human resource gaps and achieve efficient maintenance operations, integrated materials management, optimized processes, advanced planning, and centralized governance.
One aspect in which successful aviation companies have excelled is in establishing a workforce that is interconnected. This is particularly relevant for businesses that recognize the significance of data and ensure that the relevant information is readily available to the appropriate individuals in real time. By enabling direct communication with line technicians and providing them with up-to-date views of work assignments and status, these companies simplify the process of making decisions on the spot and troubleshooting. Consequently, this leads to quicker resolutions of issues, such as raising or closing faults, and allows mechanics to release an aircraft promptly right from the aircraft itself.
Through the utilization of digital tools supported by a centralized platform, companies equip their teams with the necessary resources for collaborative deferral management. This approach enables swift, efficient, and documented decision-making while eliminating the reliance on paper-based tasks that can give rise to duplicate entries and transcription mistakes. The connected workforce extends throughout the entire organization, encompassing various roles from pilots to technicians, ground and office crews, maintenance and service departments, as well as planning and take-off operations.
To achieve the optimal state, a reliable MRO IT solution is vital. It should handle complex maintenance processes, improve operational efficiency, and ensure planned tasks are completed. IFS solutions have enabled over 432 million passengers to travel annually. Technodyn understands the importance of providing proven technology solutions to the aviation industry, conducting real-time validation for better compliance. Technology empowers airlines to benefit from the global aviation recovery; without it, they risk becoming AOG airlines.
