Tracking the component lifecycle and ensuring traceability of some aircraft parts are enormously vital processes. AviTrader's Keith Mwanalush, speaks to AerFin's Chris Hooley who examines how current trends in the industry are impacting these operations.
During the COVID pandemic, industry experts have seen several things trending with aircraft component management.
At AerFin they see many unserviceable parts removed from aircraft and being held pending repair. “As we exit the global restrictions on flying there is potential for this to result in extended turn times at the repair shops due to backlog, compounded by the effect on the supply chain for access to piece parts required to support the repair,” notes Chris Hooley, Director – Airframe Division at AerFin.
AerFin recognise the importance of airlines having reliable access to high-quality stock and therefore they have a large inventory available for immediate dispatch in advance of exchange activity. “This supports airlines and MRO’s with an economical solution to ensure minimal impact to airline operations.
Additionally, we are also seeing prolonged inactivity of the operating aircraft and therefore resulting in increased removal rates particularly on external sensors, pitot, static and AOA sensors.” Owing to reduced fleet operations and cash constraints, Hooley observes that there has been a reduction in high-cost component and major asset purchases. “However, component exchange activity has increased whilst operators seek a more economical solution to meet immediate demand.”
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