CASE STUDIES: CONDOR • SAS • TUI AIRLINE • AIR FRANCE-KLM
WHITE PAPER: EXSYN • LUFTHANSA SYSTEMS
NEWS UPDATES
AUTUMN 2023 • V12.3
Condor implements a data transfer solution Managing Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines for optimum time on wing
SAS MAINTENANCE GOES PAPERLESS The benefits gained from an eTechLog
AIR FRANCE-KLM CHOOSE ONE SOLUTION Bringing multiple AOCs together
TUI’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION As part of a new digital ecosystem
LEVERAGING DATA FOR SUCCESS Preparing to get the best from data
DEVELOPING A DIGITAL TWIN: The story behind a new technology WHAT CAN IT DO: QOCO SYSTEMS VENDOR JOB CARDS: WEB MANUALS • SWISS-AS • QOCO • DENT & BUCKLE • 2MORO • FLYDOCS
Aviation Data Exchange as a Service
How Aviadex.io is changing the industry? For OEMs
For airframe MROs
Data access
Automated data feed of all
Airline work package
-Connects airline systems with
assets in operation from all
automation for improved
their partners
airline customers
planning and reduced capacity
-Validates data quality with
waste
business logic rules
For engine MROs and lessors Engine log transfer automation for reduced TAT
For airlines Utilization of M&E/MRO system data for optimized
Request a demo
asset usage and processes
For more information on our solutions, visit: www.qoco.aero
(+358) 105 014 001
hello@qoco.aero
AIRCRAFT IT MRO: WELCOME
COMMENT
Aircraft IT MRO: Expert comment and real-life cases about the latest development in software solutions for MRO and Engineering WORDS: ED HASKEY
AIRCRAFT IT MRO Publisher/Editor Ed Haskey E-mail: ed.haskey@aircraftit.com Telephone: +44 1273 454 235 Website: www.aircraftIT.com Chief Operating Officer Scott Leslie E-mail: scott.leslie@aircraftit.com Copy Editor/Contributor John Hancock E-mail: john@aircraftit.com Magazine Production Dean Cook E-mail: deancook@magazineproduction.com AircraftIT MRO is published bi-monthly and is an affiliate of Aircraft Commerce and part of the AviationNextGen Ltd group. The entire contents within this publication © Copyright 2023 AviationNextGen Ltd an independent publication and not affiliated with any of the IT vendors or suppliers. Content may not be reproduced without the strict written agreement of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of their companies or of the publisher. The publisher does not guarantee the source, originality, accuracy, completeness or reliability of any statement, information, data, finding, interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented.
O
ur themes for this issue are, more or less, going paperless, going digital and leveraging data for value. All familiar ideas to readers but, in this issue, we’ll be exploring how to get the best from those ideas and what users will need to do in order to gain value from them. There is a great case study from SAS about how their adoption of a state-of-the-art electronic log book not only improved reporting but also revealed new opportunities to save time and money with a paperless and digital solution. From TUI, we read how they have taken their engineering activities not only from paper based to digital but also embracing a new digital ecosystem that serves many of the airline’s needs. Everything built today will have a vast array of sensors constantly collecting condition data but for that data to be of any use, it will need to be sent to where it can be interpreted. Condor has a new fleet of aircraft using the latest Rolls-Royce engines that generate huge quantities of data and the article is about the solution they have adopted to get the data to the OEM and to get back from the OEM critical performance and action information. Air France-KLM operates several AOCs across the group and wanted to bring all of the MRO functions together. This case study tells the story of that
project from the earliest days, to the present and on to the future with the benefits that have been gained. As well as case studies, there are also informative white papers in this issue. Sander de Bree of EXSYN Aviation Solutions takes us through the preparation for, the process of and requirements for managing aircraft data before, during and after a digital transformation journey. And we step into the world of digital twins with Priscila Monroy at Lufthansa Systems when she walks readers through the use cases for, the processes that were gone through plus the factors that had to be considered when developing a digital twin. And, of course, we have the regular columns from Henrik Ollus, on getting the best value from data, and Allan Bachan, on choosing the most suitable IT for an upgrade. As usual, it wouldn’t be Aircraft IT without the vendors and there are more vendors than ever in every issue, including: Vendor Job Cards from Web Manuals, Swiss AviationSoftware, QOCO Systems, dent and buckle, 2MoRO and flydocs. Add to that our regular round-up of news and technology developments and the comprehensive ‘MRO Software Directory’ and you have Aircraft IT MRO: if it’s information about aviation IT solutions that you want, you’ll find what you need here.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 3
AIRCRAFT IT MRO: V12.3
CONTENTS 06 Latest News and Technology updates
Keep up to date with the changing world of IT.
36 CASE STUDY: Getting the best from new engines at Condor
Nicolas Schneider, AMOS Administrator & Dr. Almut von Schneidemesser, Senior Manager for Aircraft Communications IT, both at Condor, share an IT implementation An engine management & data transmission solution to get the full benefit of Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines.
42 VENDOR JOB CARD: Web Manuals
In the first Q&A piece, Julia Larsson, Director of Operations EMEA at Web Manuals, completes her ‘Job Card’ for Aircraft IT.
44 CASE STUDY: Achieving IT process continuity in Air France Industries and KLM Engineering & Maintenance Anne-Laure Propper, Olivier Demède & Arjan Otten share managing multiple maintenance organizations in one MRO system Managing multiple AOCs with different maintenance processes and systems, in one solution.
50 VENDOR JOB CARD: QOCO Systems
In the next Q&A piece, Ilari Neitola, CEO and Founder of QOCO, completes his ‘Job Card’ for Aircraft IT.
52 WHITE PAPER: Leveraging data for digital aviation success
78 VENDOR JOB CARD: Swiss AviationSoftware
58 VENDOR JOB CARD: dent & buckle
80 CASE STUDY: Digital transformation at TUI
Sander de Bree, Founder & CEO, EXSYN Aviation Solutions To use data properly you must first prepare. In another Q&A piece, Michał Schutty CEO at dent & buckle, completes his Job Card for Aircraft IT.
60 CASE STUDY: SAS’s journey to paperless maintenance
Yuliya Kornyeva, Maintenance Data Analyst and Dlovan Sandi, ELB Digital Service Owner, both at SAS — Scandinavian Airlines, and Rob Saunders, Director of Business Development of the Electronic Log Book at Ultramain Systems, share SAS’s transition to an electronic and paperless ELB solution SAS’s transition from a paper-based technical log book and maintenance alerting system to a fully digital system, and the benefits gained from that.
70 VENDOR JOB CARD: 2MoRO
In this Q&A piece, Marc SISTIAGA, Head of Aero-Webb Offer, 2MoRO, completes his ‘Job Card’ for Aircraft IT.
72 WHITE PAPER: Lufthansa Systems develops a digital twin concept for aviation Priscila Monroy, Junior Consultant at Lufthansa Systems shares the process that created this exciting new technology The story of how a revolutionary new technology was developed and what it will do for users.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 5
In a further Q&A piece, Kevork Agopian, Head of Marketing & Sales at Swiss AviationSoftware, completes his ‘Job Card’ for Aircraft IT.
Niklas Kropp, Programme & Projects Manager E&M at TUI Airlines, describes a journey to a digital system in a data driven ecosystem A case study from TUI Airlines on Digital Transformation of the Engineering and Maintenance organization using Lufthansa Technics new digital ecosystem including AMOS, AVIATAR and flydocs.
88 HOW I SEE IT: Upgrading IT
Allan Bachan, VP, Managing Director, MRO Operations, ICF A valuable guide to the options available when considering IT modernization, and how to determine which might best suit your business.
90 VENDOR JOB CARD: flydocs
In the final Q&A piece Lee Smith, Senior Technical Manager, flydocs, completes his ‘Job Card’ for Aircraft IT.
92 WHAT IT CAN DO: Getting the best value from data
Henrik Ollus, VP of Aviation Data Exchange Business at QOCO Systems Ltd. There’s plenty of data around but good structures and processes will ensure that its value is fully realized and applied.
94 MRO Software directory
A detailed look at the world’s leading MRO IT systems.
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
New vendors join Aircraft IT We are pleased to welcome four new vendors: Ecmanage, Motulus, IBM Maximo and Infosys. Announcing the new panel members, Aircraft IT COO, Scott Leslie stated, “Our new members will add significant value to Aircraft IT and we look forward to their future contributions.” Ecmanage is a wardrobe mangement system for aviation companies and airlines to control the complete ordering process of workwear, personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or tools. Ecmanage takes the stress out of obtaining and delivering workwear and PPE for your company and customers. In addition, it can be as simple as you like, and can be extensively customized to your needs. Many customers have chosen Ecmanage, such as the Royal Dutch Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and Keulen-Bonn Airport.The main reason that these parties have chosen Ecmanage is the security of the system. Ecmanage is ISO 27001 and NEN 7510 certified. Infosys Aerospace and Defense offers predictive asset maintenance solutions to enhance the airworthiness of aircraft with a patented knowledge system to digitize structural repair manuals with aircraft and component maintenance manuals. Infosys Aerospace and Defense’s knowledge engines simplify data interpretation for maintenance and repair of structures and components while the Asset Genome solution unifies data across operations, including performance data, fuel consumption, and wear-and-tear. It combines data from aircraft health monitoring systems, inspection reports, and MRO records to identify issues. At Motulus.aero they enjoy solving new problems. By combining algorithms with cloud computing they are able to tackle complex and large-scale problems. Specializing in crew scheduling, tail assignment and network optimization Motulus.aero helps organizations to: reduce crew costs, increase aircraft and equipment utilization, reduce fuel and operational costs, improve revenue opportunities, increase crew and colleague satisfactions, and improve operational robustness. IBM Maximo® for Aviation (MfA) is an Enterprise Asset Management solution designed to manage the lifecycle of aircraft and associated equipment. It empowers aviation companies to streamline the scheduling and management of aircraft maintenance, ensuring regulatory compliance, minimizing aircraft downtime, boosting flight availability and extending the lifespan of critical components such as airframes and engines. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 6
Time to upgrade
Perhaps it’s time to consider a new solution… ENVISION and its mobile apps combine intuitive user-interfaces with streamlined workflows to help your teams work faster and more effectively. The time saved on day-to-day tasks coupled with efficiencies gained from intelligent planning and analytics, allow you to increase profitability across your operations. So if you’re ready for an upgrade, why not discover what ENVISION could do for you
RUSADA.COM
t t t
Does your current software drive efficiency, or obstruct it?
AIRWORTHINESS MAINTENANCE FLIGHT OPS
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
PLAY Airlines selects KeepFlying® Fin Twin AI Platform In early September 2023, PLAY Airlines announced that it has selected the KeepFlying® FinTwin® platform to enable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology inside the airline’s Inventory Management department. Providing an always enabled Material Control platform, monitoring minimum, maximum and safety stock levels is managed with economic order quantity calculation to ensure that operational demand satisfaction of aircraft spares is met, with an eye on the commercial impact of holding stock of a given set of parts. In addition, the platform offers Vendor Rating and Service Level Agreement monitoring, to ensure that
third-party vendors maintain promised service levels. The platform also includes AOG risk analysis, considering the current supply chain status, stock levels, vendor performance and current operational plan, to highlight aircraft which are at risk of AOG, factoring in the demand profile of a specific set of components. “This partnership with PLAY aligns with our mission to deliver the very best of Artificially Intelligent and Machine Learned systems. Together, we will deliver emergent technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) into PLAY, to deliver explainable AI models that
deliver tangible ROIs inside one of the most regulatory complex industries.” Said Sriram Haran, CEO of KeepFlying®. “The partnership between KeepFlying® and PLAY Airlines creates an exciting opportunity for both of our companies to accelerate the adoption of AI inside the aviation market. PLAY Airlines is always looking for opportunities to innovate and the Fin Twin platform will drive value into our supply chain processes and deliver efficiencies at scale that are challenging to implement without the use of AI”, said Andri Geir Eyjólfsson, Executive Director of Operations / Deputy Chief Operating Officer at PLAY Airlines.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 8
KeepFlying®: KeepFlying® has been a leader in the delivery of AI and ML solutions since 2020. With a commitment to delivering the very best solutions utilizing the recent explosion in AI enabled technology, the company serves Operators, Lessors, Asset Owners and MRO Facilities worldwide. PLAY Airlines: PLAY is an Icelandic low-cost airline offering flights to popular destinations in a costefficient manner. Founded in Reykjavík in 2019 by a management team with significant experience in the aviation industry, the company has capitalized on the recent fastdeveloping and changing market to see impressive growth.
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Compass Cargo Airlines and Astral Aviation choose OASES In mid-July 2023, OASES, a leading provider of aviation maintenance software solutions, was pleased to announce the successful acquisition of two new customers, Compass Cargo Airlines and Astral Aviation. These partnerships mark significant milestones for OASES, as the company expands its global presence and strengthens its position in the aviation industry. Compass Cargo Airlines, a Bulgarian cargo airline founded in 2021, has recently commenced operations with a fleet of four Boeing 737-800 Freighters. As part of their commitment to excellence in aircraft maintenance, Compass Cargo Airlines has chosen OASES’ comprehensive suite of products, including CAMO, Materials, Line Maintenance, and the OASES Mobile app. With the implementation of OASES software, Compass Cargo Airlines aims to optimize maintenance processes and enhance operational efficiency. OASES is proud to
support the fledgling business as they establish themselves in the industry and continue their ambitious growth plans, including the expansion into long-haul operations. Astral Aviation, an all-cargo airline based in Nairobi, Kenya, and established 23 years ago, has selected OASES as their trusted partner for their maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. Operating a fleet of 14 Freighters, including Boeing 747, 757, 767, and 727, Astral Aviation has established a strong presence across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. With the implementation of OASES CAMO, Materials, Line Maintenance, and OASES Mobile, Astral Aviation aims to streamline their maintenance activities, improve aircraft availability, and ensure regulatory compliance. The team at OASES is thrilled to collaborate with Astral Aviation and provide them with the tools they need to maintain their fleet at the highest standards of
OLATU® is the interactive training platform to acquire knowledge and skills in aircraft fleet management, logistics, maintenance, and more...
safety and reliability. “We are delighted to welcome Compass Cargo Airlines and Astral Aviation to the OASES family,” said Saidhar Pathigari, OASES Vice President for New Business. “These partnerships signify our commitment to delivering world-class aviation maintenance software solutions that meet the unique requirements of each of our clients. We’re confident that OASES software will empower Compass Cargo Airlines and Astral Aviation to optimise their maintenance processes, reduce costs, and ensure maximum aircraft uptime. We look forward to working closely with both companies to support their long-term success.” OASES’ cutting-edge software solutions have gained recognition worldwide for their scalability and flexibility providing airlines, CAMOs and MRO organizations with a comprehensive suite of tools to manage their maintenance operations seamlessly.
Practice business scenarios using a real Maintenance & Logistics Information System, Aero-Webb®
www.2moro.com | 2moro.sales@2moro.fr
2MoRO Aircraft IT0823.indd 1
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 10
18/08/2023 17:21:48
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Veryon expands its portfolio of industry-leading solutions with acquisition of Rusada
Innovation driven by inclusion Our teams are united in pushing the boundaries of imagination and excellence. Join us.
In early October 2023, Veryon, a leading provider of information services and software solutions for the aviation industry, announced its acquisition of Rusada, a prominent player in the aviation maintenance management software industry since 1987. This strategic move solidifies Veryon’s commitment to innovation while strengthening its position as a trusted aviation management software market leader. “We are thrilled to welcome Rusada to the Veryon family,” said Norman Happ, Chief Executive Officer for Veryon. “The combined power of our teams, the expanded range of products, and our robust customer base will enable Veryon to serve aviation operators of all sizes around the world.” “This acquisition allows us to become part of the leading aviation platform and diversify and expand our market presence across the industry,” said Julian Stourton, Chief Executive Officer for Rusada. “We are confident that together is a way for our team to continue to be a leading-edge provider of aviation software.” Rusada’s software is used by nearly 100 customers that operate over 2,000 aircraft collectively. With the completion of this acquisition, Veryon gains access to Rusada’s extensive expertise, advanced technology, and global customer base from every corner of the industry, including commercial, charter, business, military, and government operations. Envision, the company’s key solution is a single hub for managing airworthiness, maintenance, and flight operations. These combined companies will provide aircraft operators with unparalleled features, including asset management, maintenance planning, supply chain optimization, compliance monitoring, and data analytics. Veryon and Rusada customers can continue to expect uninterrupted 24/7/365 support and ongoing product enhancements. The acquisition will allow both companies the ability to offer a wider selection of solutions while maintaining the trusted reputation and brand attributes of both providers. Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
boeing.com/careers Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 11
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
flydocs appoints Savas Toplama as new Chief Commercial Officer to drive growth strategy At the beginning of July 2023 flydocs, a leading asset management solution provider for the aviation industry, was pleased to announce the appointment of Savas Toplama as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). With extensive experience in the aviation industry, Savas will be responsible for accelerating flydocs’ global commercial strategy and driving business growth. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success in aircraft operations, business development and technology strategy with over 17 years of
experience across aviation and professional services. He will be succeeding and collaborating with John Bowell who was the company’s first CCO, and an instrumental figure in elevating flydocs’ commercial strategy through marketing, business development and customer success activities to drive business growth and market share which positioned flydocs as a leader in the digital asset management space. In his new role as CCO, Savas will lead flydocs’ Commercial and Marketing team, focusing on strengthening customer relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and
delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving digital needs of the aviation industry. With his deep understanding of the market and passion for customer-centric strategies, Savas will work closely with the flydocs’ Leadership team to execute the company’s ambitious vision and further establish its position as a preferred partner in aviation digital asset management. “We are delighted to welcome Savas to our leadership team,” said André Fischer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of flydocs. “His extensive leadership skills, vast international industry experience and
Delivering Seamless Aircraft Transitions YOUR DIGITAL RECORDS MANAGEMENT SOLUTION PROVIDER Trusted partner to 75+ global customers, delivering 750+ successful aircraft transitions
Aircraft Records Build & Audit
Onsite/Remote Project Management
Transition Planning & Consultation
Lease Contract Interpretation
Aircraft Inspections
Structural Damage Repair Review & Mapping
Savas Toplama
Limited Time
Complimentary Workshops FOR AIRLINES
Strategise New Lease Return Operating Models Explore Process Improvement Identify Bottlenecks
Book Now: sales@flydocs.aero
www.flydocs.aero AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 12
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
energy make him the ideal candidate to help us accelerate our commercial strategy and meet our growth OKRs [Objectives and Key Results]. He has the unique lens of understanding both the operational and commercial elements of our industry which will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on our agile organization Building on from the wonderful work that John did, we are confident that his insights and expertise will enable flydocs to forge stronger partnerships, expand our global footprint, and deliver unparalleled value to our customers.” Commenting on his appointment, Savas said: “I am honored to join flydocs, a company known for its commitment to innovation and excellence in supporting the digital transformation of the aviation industry. I look forward to working closely with the outstanding team at flydocs to capitalise on new growth opportunities, deepen customer relationships, and strengthen our position as a market leader. Together, we will continue to drive
advancements in digital asset management and deliver exceptional value to our customers.” Savas holds an MBA from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management along with several certifications in leadership, project management and Scrum. flydocs: flydocs is an asset management solution provider with the aviation industry’s most comprehensive solution for creating value out of aircraft maintenance data. We offer the tools and expertise that allow all industry stakeholders to drive sustainable innovation to help build the future of the commercial aviation asset lifecycle. Recognized as a global leader in digital records management, flydocs was founded in 2007 and is 100% owned by Lufthansa Technik. With over 300 employees in multiple locations spread across the globe, flydocs is trusted by over 75 airlines, lessors, and MROs to deliver measurable long-term operational and cost efficiencies.
Dent and buckle’s integration with Ultramain eTechlog Dent & buckle is currently integrating with Ultramain eTechlog for Cathay Pacific’s fleet. This integration will benefit users in two key ways… Efficient maintenance: engineers will have a unified platform for streamlining the process of raising a techlog and at the same time recording / updating structural defects in the dent & buckle chart without re-typing defect details, helping to reduce downtime and improving aircraft availability. Data-driven decisions: Ultramain eTechlog’s analytics will empower users to make informed decisions, optimizing operations and enhancing safety. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 13
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
only supplier of 2 MRO ‘best of breed’ plus
Offering DigiPLAN, DigiREPORTS, Analytics and B2B for DigiMAINT and WebPMI MRO systems. Our DigiDOC CMS is agnostic of MRO with proven integration with any competitors’ system, in addition to our own. iSPEC2200, S1000D, DITA, SPEC2000, SPEC2300
flydocs appoints Naveen Mangle as new Chief Digital and Technology Officer to accelerate innovation efforts At the beginning of July 2023 flydocs, a leading asset management solution provider for the aviation industry, was thrilled to announce the appointment of Naveen Mangle as its new Chief Digital and Technology Officer (CDTO). With a distinguished background in technology leadership and a passion for driving digital transformation, Naveen will play a pivotal role in advancing flydocs’ technological capabilities and propelling the company’s innovation strategy. Naveen is an award-winning CDTO who brings over two decades of diverse experience in strategic, leadership and technology roles working across cultures and markets of USA, Singapore, UK and India. He has a proven track record in building large-scale enterprise scalable products while fostering relationships with cross-functional teams, CXO, marquee investors and customers. He brings extensive experience in the aviation and technology sectors in delivering cutting-edge innovative solutions with a strong emphasis on driving digital excellence. In the role of Chief Digital and Technology Officer, and as a member of the flydocs Leadership team, Naveen will lead flydocs’ Product
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 14
Naveen Mangle
Innovation teams to shape the company’s technological vision and strategy. By leveraging emerging technologies, he will also be responsible for driving innovation, enhancing product offerings, and delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the growing needs of flydocs’ global customers. Commenting on the appointment, flydocs CEO André Fischer said: “We are delighted to welcome Naveen to the flydocs leadership team as a
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
valued partner. Very quickly, Naveen showed us how he is a multifaceted, tech-driven value integrator who consistently drives digital and business transformation whilst mitigating technology risks. As we pivot our strategy to be more product-led, I must say his extensive experience and forward-thinking mindset make him a perfect choice to lead our technology initiatives to drive our industry’s digital transformation. We are confident that Naveen’s expertise will enable flydocs to remain at the forefront of technological innovation in digital asset management in the aviation industry.” Speaking on his appointment, Naveen stated: “I am honoured to join
flydocs, a company renowned for its enhanced products and incredible people supporting their customers at all times. I look forward to collaborating with the talented teams at flydocs to accelerate innovation, enhance our technology stack, and deliver exceptional value to our customers. Together, we will continue to revolutionise the aviation industry and propel flydocs to new heights.” Naveen is also a CIO 100 Game Changer Award and IDC Insights Award winner, eminent speaker and mentor. He holds a PG Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and an MBA degree in International Business. Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
Dent & buckle’s web app new user interface Dent & Buckle launches its new user interface, designed with aircraft engineers in mind. The updated interface offers enhanced usability, improved intuitiveness, and promises to further optimize the workflow of valued engineers. With this userfriendly interface, dent & buckle aims to simplify complex tasks, streamline maintenance processes, and ultimately empower aircraft engineers to work more efficiently and effectively.
Key Features
Simplified navigation: The new interface offers an intuitive and user-friendly design, making it easy for
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 15
users to access critical information and perform tasks effortlessly. Data insights: The interface provides access to enhanced data analytics, empowering data-driven decisions for improved efficiency. Real-time updates: Stay informed with real-time updates and notifications, ensuring that you are always in the know about important developments.
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
AMOSeTL goes live
Streamlining aviation maintenance and operations with seamless eTechlog integration in AMOS 23.6
Around two years ago, Swiss-AS initiated its AMOSeTL project, and the first line of code was written in November 2021. In mid-July 2023, Swiss-AS was pleased to announce a major milestone: the release of AMOSeTL in AMOS version 23.6 ready for productive use. They were also thrilled to share that SunExpress, one of Swiss-AS’s esteemed funding customers, is scheduled to go live with AMOSeTL in October 2023, marking the first productive implementation of this innovative solution. AMOSeTL represents the culmination of extensive research, development, and dedication to delivering a mature and functionally advanced product. The strong traction and interest received from within the aviation industry confirms that Swiss-AS are on the
right track and are confident that this first implementation will showcase the full potential of AMOSeTL and further solidify its reputation as an industry-leading solution. SunExpress will complete the final phase of the “Paperless Aircraft Maintenance Operations Project” with the use of AMOSeTL, as it will ultimately replace the paper-based Technical Log System. SunExpress is the first airline to implement paperless aircraft maintenance in Türkiye and one of the few airlines to do so worldwide. The airline is constantly improving its processes for greater efficiency and sustainability.
AMOSeTL: redefining integration
One of the key selling points of AMOSeTL lies in its unique integration capabilities. Unlike other solutions, AMOSeTL eliminates the complexities and costs associated with configuring complex interfaces. The streamlined approach offers a
plug-and-play integration experience that is unparalleled in the industry. By leveraging AMOSeTL’s pre-built integration capabilities, AMOS customers can enjoy a seamless and successful deployment, saving valuable time and resources.
“The system is one of the biggest advances in Line Maintenance, Engineering and Operations that I have ever encountered.” Andy Pyett, Line Maintenance Control British Airways CityFlyer
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 16
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Concrete Examples of Seamless Integration: • When a pilot opens a PIREP, AMOSeTL instantly generates a workorder in AMOS; • Defect closures or deferrals by maintenance are automatically synchronized with AMOS, providing real-time updates. Furthermore, it offers a two-way communication, ensuring seamless integration across the whole product suite. Indeed, closing a workorder from AMOSmobile/EXEC or AMOS will update AMOSeTL in less than a second. Pilots, mechanics, cabin crew, and back-office staff will always have the most up-to-date data at their fingertips whenever connectivity is available. Additionally, AMOSeTL seamlessly works offline for several legs, automatically pushing data to AMOS as soon as it is back online. As Swiss-AS moves forward with the funding and new customers, their product roadmap is focused on continuous improvement, with regular updates and enhancements planned to ensure that AMOSeTL remains the natural choice for an AMOS customer looking for an electronic technical logbook.
M3 PLATFORM
Device management is complex, M3 Solutions makes it simple.
Output42 Cabin Survey integration with AMOS for Volotea
Output 42 was excited to announce that their software product, Cabin Survey, is currently being implemented at Volotea and seamlessly integrates with their AMOS maintenance system. This integration enhances Volotea’s maintenance capabilities and offers a more efficient and streamlined approach to managing their aircraft cabins. Output42 looks forward to continuing the collaboration and providing innovative solutions for the aviation industry. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 17
Bring your fleet of devices together with one platform for a holistic IT solution to ensure all your mission critical tools remain up-to-date, compliant, certified, and ready for business.
Synchronicity across all devices
www.m3-solutions.net
Increase operational efficiency
Maximize device readiness
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
AAR names Andrew Schmidt Senior Vice President of AAR Digital Services and Trax In mid-July 2023, AAR CORP., a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, named Andrew Schmidt its Senior Vice President of AAR Digital Services and Trax. Schmidt will work closely with the Trax founders and their leadership team to scale the Trax business by growing the customer base, enhancing customer support, and expanding product offerings through digital innovation. He will help to execute the company’s strategy for Trax, which includes building a foundation for a new parts ecosystem in coordination
with AAR and parts suppliers and more broadly incorporating AI into Trax’s offerings. Schmidt brings more than 30 years of experience across aviation, finance, and digital solutions, including serving as AAR’s Senior Vice President of Intelligent Solutions from 2011 to 2018. Under Schmidt’s leadership, AAR acquired and integrated Airinmar® and launched PAARTSTM Store, bringing the Company’s parts sales online to increase revenue and expand product reach to additional customers. In addition to AAR, Schmidt held various other senior-level roles, including with Seabury Capital, Macquarie Capital’s
Aviation and Aerospace Investments, and Oliver Wyman. “Opportunities exist to more rapidly deploy Trax’s entire portfolio of products and services for existing and new customers to realize operating efficiencies and productivity improvements in their workforces. We are determined to leverage Trax’s position in the mobile software market and expand it to encompass autonomous enterprise solutions,” said Schmidt. “I am excited to work with the Trax team to execute our shared vision.” “Andy has been involved in our relationship with Trax since the
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 18
Andrew Schmidt
beginning and recognizes the opportunities that exist to strengthen
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Trax’s foundation and potentially facilitate AAR’s investments in other complementary digital applications and businesses,” said John M. Holmes, AAR’s Chairman, President and CEO. “We are excited about his support to grow the Trax business and position AAR’s existing digital services for even greater commercial success.” AAR: AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR’s Aviation Services include Parts Supply; OEM Solutions; Integrated Solutions; and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul
(MRO) Services. AAR’s Expeditionary Services include Mobility Systems operations. Additional information can be found at aarcorp.com. TRAX: TRAX, a wholly owned subsidiary of AAR, provides comprehensive software solutions designed to manage all aspects of aircraft maintenance. TRAX is the premier provider of aviation maintenance mobile and cloud products in the global market today. TRAX products support digital signatures, paperless working including Workpacks and manuals, RFID-capability for logistics, Biometric security, offline capability for its suite of mobile apps, web-based applications, and the ability for users to work anywhere with easy access to real-time information.
Output42’s data migration for Sri Lankan Airline’s AMOS system Output42 is proud to be the trusted partner for Sri Lankan Airlines for data migration to AMOS. The software vendor’s in-house developed migration automation tools have revolutionized the process by speeding up Amos migration by an impressive 60% compared to traditional methods. Not only does it significantly reduce migration time, it also ensures very predictable ‘go live’ procedures. Output42 is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency and reliability in the aviation sector.
KEEP UP WITH IT DEVELOPMENTS
DocuNet
DocuNet for Engineering by Vistair
Simplicity, speed and seamless operations in aviation engineering. Saving time and scaling teams. DocuNet is the most complete digital Document Management System providing a powerful digital platform for aviation engineers to interact with critical information, quickly and seamlessly, using the latest handheld tech. Reduce aircraft turnaround time, increase operational agility and drive team effectiveness.
vistair.com/docunet-engineering
SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR FREE… AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 19
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
IHI transition to paperless maintenance with Rusada’s ENVISION V2500-E5 Engine
Japanese aircraft engine manufacturer and maintenance provider IHI, completed its deployment of Rusada’s ENVISION software in mid-July 2023, transitioning to paperless MRO in the process. IHI’s Life Cycle Solution Division, Aero Engine, Space & Defence Business Area, headquartered in Tokyo, focuses on the maintenance of V2500, GEnx, CF34, and PW1100G-JM engine components. Previously its maintenance teams used an array of spreadsheets and paper records to manage their library of task cards which caused numerous issues. This included the continuous updating of task card data upon OEM maintenance manual revisions, as well as the inability to record inspection results on the cards themselves. To address these issues IHI selected, and have now implemented, ENVISION’s Digital Task Card functionality.
MRO IT SYSTEM EXPERTS
Upgrades and Implementations Full System Health Checks Training & Development ETL and Data Migration System Help Desk
www.rota.technology +1 (321) 710-7682
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 20
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
“Our previous process was far too time consuming and made it difficult for regulators to see the decisions we had made and why” said Tomoyuki Chida, Head of Quality Engineering Group at the division of IHI. “With ENVISION now in place we can realise significant time savings, automatically validate task input, and provide our technicians with useful supporting information, all without the need for paper.” ENVISION achieves this through a series of functions. First, IHI imports manuals into the system, and the task cards within are extracted and set up as digital records. Users can then customize these with additional fields and functions such as electronic signoffs, feedback capture, and alternate task procedures. When manuals are revised, the underlying task card data can be automatically updated while keeping any customized content intact. “As a software provider it is always incredibly satisfying when we can take a very manual and timeconsuming process and create functionality that can perform it in the blink of an eye” commented Julian
Stourton, CEO at Rusada. “IHI’s willingness to adapt and their desire for continuous improvement is truly commendable and has made them the perfect early adopter of this functionality.” Rusada: Rusada is a leading provider of aviation software with over 35 years of experience in the industry. Its ENVISION software manages over 2,000 fixed and rotary wing aircraft for 150 operators, maintainers, and manufacturers in 50+ countries. With its headquarters in Switzerland and offices in the USA, UK, UAE, India, Singapore, and Australia, Rusada provides global support for a global industry. Specialising in the management of airworthiness, maintenance, and flight operations, ENVISION is developed solely for aviation. Its modern, web-based platform features a suite of integrated modules, enhanced by a series of native mobile apps. ENVISION’s easy-to-use interface provides users with clear, actionable information, enabling processes to be carried out quickly and efficiently, and all without the need for paper or spreadsheets.
More than just an Electronic Tech Log… We provide service, support & superior solutions. Learn More
Migrating structural damage charts to AMOS Introducing structural damage carts to AMOS can be a time-consuming process. Output42 has created a tool to greatly speed up and simplify this process. Whether you are doing a major migration to AMOS or simply introducing new aircraft to the fleet, this tool can really help. Innovation never stops at Output42. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 21
redifly.com
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Norse Atlantic Airways to digitize aircraft records with flydocs
Norse Atlantic Airways, the Norwaybased low-cost long-haul airline, announced in late July 2023 that it has selected flydocs, the leading digital records and asset management solution provider for the aviation industry, to digitise the records and asset management of its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline which was founded in 2021 will receive a seamless interface of flydocs’ platform’s enhanced integration with the leading M&E software AMOS, to support digital aircraft compliance on-demand and embrace a fully paperless approach to its records and asset management. Commenting on the partnership, Savas Toplama, Chief Commercial Officer, flydocs said; “As the airline industry continues to transform with an increased rate of technology adoption, developing digital capabilities that ensure smooth integrations with systems are essential to building resilience and creating transformational experiences. We stand committed to providing AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 22
top-notch service to our customers by listening to them and developing positive relationships to generate such experiences. We are excited to partner with one of the most modern and efficient airlines, Norse Atlantic Airways, which is committed to its journey to becoming a truly paperless airline with both flydocs and AMOS working together to provide improved operational efficiencies. Being selected as their customer solution partner of choice is an honour and we look forward to making their journey completely digitized within aircraft maintenance.” Ahmad Abu Nima, Vice President, Technical Operations at Norse Atlantic Airways said; “We are pleased to partner with flydocs, as it directly supports our core strategy at Norse. By harnessing the latest technology, we aim to continuously streamline and optimise our business operations, while significantly reducing costs. This collaboration marks a step forward in achieving our strategic goals.” Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
TGIS Aviation select Rusada’s ENVISIONfor new CAMO service Engine and aircraft consultancy TGIS Aviation announced in mid-August 2023 that it has chosen Rusada’s software solution ENVISION to support its new line of CAMO services. TGIS Aviation, based out of Derbyshire, United Kingdom, is a leading independent consultancy specializing in comprehensive aircraft and engine services for Airline Operators, Lessors, and Business Aircraft owners worldwide. With experienced consultants boasting over 30 years of industry experience, TGIS Aviation is set to provide exceptional support across a spectrum of critical aviation needs. With a remarkable 22-year history of successfully navigating intricate projects, TGIS Aviation has established itself as a trusted partner for operators and lessors worldwide. The company’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding valuable
assets and ensuring uncompromising compliance has solidified its reputation as an industry leader. TGIS understands and supports the issues that can arise from managing all the crucial elements that are undertaken by aircraft owners, which they consistently encounter. This strategic move comes after TGIS Aviation was approached by industry stakeholders, recognizing the company’s outstanding track record and experience in managing critical and time-sensitive projects. With the imminent launch of their CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation) service, TGIS Aviation is set to unveil a comprehensive solution. This offering will cover expert guidance and steadfast support across the entire aircraft lifecycle, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring seamless airworthiness management. To support this offering, TGIS Aviation will adopt ENVISION’s Fleet Management module, which allows organizations to maintain the continuing
INTUITIVE QUALITY & SAFETY MANAGEMENT
airworthiness of their aircraft, or those that they manage, through its web-based platform. “We selected ENVISION as our preferred software to bolster our CAMO offering due to its unmatched capabilities and advanced features.” said Ian Smith, Operations Director at TGIS Aviation. “ENVISION’s cutting-edge technology aligns seamlessly with our commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions, allowing us to provide meticulous and efficient support throughout the entire aircraft lifecycle”. Julian Stourton, CEO at Rusada added “The team at TGIS have a vast wealth of experience in technical asset management, so expanding into the world of CAMO provision makes a lot of sense. “We are no strangers to CAMO providers, as ENVISION’s modular configuration makes it a perfect fit for this business model. It allows them to only adopt the areas they require, but still get the depth of functionality that a full MRO solution provides.” Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
IQSMS is a well-proven web-based software suite for integrated and intuitive safety, quality and risk management based on and in compliance with ICAO, EASA, FAA, TC, and IOSA requirements used by over 250 aviation companies worldwide.
Userfriendly Makes your life easier.
Configurable Adaptable to your needs.
Customer support Available in your time zone.
asqs.net
IQSMS is a product by ASQS – Advanced Safety & Quality Solutions
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 23
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
flynas goes Live with AMOS With a contract signed at the beginning of 2022, and a successful 14-month implementation period, in mid-August 2023, flynas Company went live with AMOS. The Saudi Arabian-based company and the globally leading LCC can now benefit not only from the system, but also from its add-on products such as AMOSmobile/EXEC, enabling paperless execution of all line and base maintenance activities, as well as AMOSmobile/STORES, facilitating the daily operations of storekeepers via a mobile device. In addition, flynas is looking forward to using some of the AMOS-related interfaces, allowing them to further extend their use of the system.
Smooth Go-live
The implementation project to move from the legacy system to AMOS resulted in a smooth and positive transition for all flynas staff. The company has been pleased to see that AMOS streamlines their processes and allows them to effectively manage airworthiness
and maintenance data. In addition, thanks to a very dedicated and agile project team, flynas’ end-users have been able to acquire confidence and solid knowledge about AMOS’ capabilities. As in every software implementation project, the data transfer is one of the key success factors for a timely launch. To this end, flynas benefited from the expertise and experience of Swiss-AS, but also from its partners CrossConsense and AWS, who provided professional support throughout the entire project. flynas Company: flynas is the Saudi air carrier and the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East with 51 aircraft, operating more than 1500 weekly flights to over 70 domestic and international destinations. Since its launch in 2007, flynas has transported more than 60 million passengers. Recently in 2023, flynas has been ranked as the world’s 4th best Low-Cost airline and the best in the Middle East for the sixth time in a row in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. As per the prestigious Skytrax
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 24
which is the most important global forum for the aviation industry. flynas has earned several accolades, including the Middle East’s Leading Low-Cost Airline award from the World Travel Awards for eight consecutive years (from 2015 to 2022) as well as being ranked in the 4-star low-cost carrier category, the highest category of the low-cost airline in the world by APEX rating. Swiss AviationSoftware and AMOS: AMOS is a comprehensive, fully integrated MRO software solution being developed and distributed by Swiss AviationSoftware. Swiss-AS, a 100% subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik, has more than 200 customers worldwide and ranks among the industry-leading MRO software providers. The loyal customer base includes pure operators of all sizes, major low-cost, regional and flag carriers, large airline groups and MRO providers. In the Americas and in Asia, AMOS is distributed through a partnership with Lufthansa Systems. Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Web Manuals takes over the Triton with new headquarters
Web Manuals, a world leader in aviation document digitization solutions, is expanding to a new head office in Malmö, Sweden. Located across the top three floors of the Triton building, the 1,382m2 space is almost double the size of the company’s previous head office and provides room for 50 new employees. The move came after the company reported significant growth in the last year, having exceeded 540 customers globally, 307 of which are based in Europe. Staff numbers also increased, with 70% (50) of Web Manuals’ global team working from its European headquarters. Martin Lidgard, founder and CEO, Web Manuals said: “As we continue to welcome new team members and customers to the Web Manuals’ community, operating from a larger office space will ensure we have substantial room to keep evolving our product and delivering digital solutions to aviation companies around the world. Our partner network is also expanding and with greater room for growth, we hope to continue optimizing our offering.” The Triton building was recently nominated for the City of Malmö’s City Building Award, which rewards projects that demonstrate social and environmental sustainability, architectural quality, long-term thinking and have a positive impact on Malmö’s development. Martin added: “The team is excited to be moving into a building that was designed by Gert Wingårdh’s architect firm and one that has been nominated for the City of Malmö’s City Building Award. Together with Escandi, an interior design office in Malmö, we’ve carefully selected interior design features that speak to the diverse nature of our international team and customer base. We hope that by providing a unique working and socializing environment, we will inspire even more creativity within our community.” Web Manuals moved into its new head office on 8th August 2023. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 25
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) reaffirms its trust in Ramco Aviation In early August 2023, Global enterprise aviation software provider Ramco Systems announced that it will implement its next-gen Aviation Suite V5.9 at AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) a one-stop-shop for all engineering requirements. Ramco’s digital platform will further enrich the 20-year-old association with AIESL, thereby offering them operational efficiency, simplified processes and enhanced customer experience. Ramco Aviation Suite will provide AIESL with modules covering 3rd Party MRO services including Line, Hangar, Engine and Component Maintenance, Engineering & CAMO services, Supply Chain Management, and Digital Task Cards. The solution will also enable AIESL to connect with suppliers, thereby aiding seamless flow of information. Through an accelerated data migration and execution plan, the implementation of Ramco Aviation Suite will be streamlined for rapid integration and quicker deployment. Shri Sharad Agarwal, CEO, AI Engineering Services Limited and Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Customer Officer – Aviation, Aerospace & Defense, Ramco
Systems, at the signing ceremony held at AIESL’s office in New Delhi. Shri Sharad Agarwal, CEO, AI Engineering Services Limited, said, “Our decision to adopt Ramco Aviation Suite was driven by its unmatched compatibility with our strategic direction. Considering the comprehensive MRO-specific functionalities, and out of the box solution, we are keen to leverage Ramco Aviation Suite to drive efficiencies, transform our operations and support
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 26
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
our vision to provide best in class services to our customers by maintaining the highest standards of regulatory and safety compliance. With Ramco’s latest technology, we look forward to staying ahead on the innovation front and delivering superior and differentiated services to our customers.” Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Customer Officer – Aviation, Aerospace & Defense, Ramco Systems, said, “We are proud to be the preferred aviation software provider for AIESL. As we embark on this exciting journey with AIESL, we are dedicated to further strengthening the successful partnership that reflects the same excellence we have maintained over the years. Ramco’s best-in-class product capabilities embedded with the latest AI, ML stacks has been helping us distinguish ourselves as a leading aviation software provider. We look forward to supporting AIESL’s strategic direction.” Ramco Aviation: Ramco Aviation Suite is trusted by 24,000+ users to manage 4,000+ aircraft globally. With 90+ Aviation organizations onboard, Ramco is the solution of choice for top Airlines, 3rd party MROs, large Heli-Operators, leading Defense organizations, and major Urban Air Mobility companies around the world. Available on cloud, Ramco Aviation Suite provides accessibility with ‘Anywhere Apps’, significantly accelerating organizational efficiency and agility. Ramco is changing the paradigm of enterprise software with Artificial Intelligence based solutions,
intelligent voice enabled user experience, and advanced features such as digital task cards, offline maintenance capability, conversational chatbots, HUBs and cognitive solutions. AI Engineering Services Limited: AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) is a prominent player in India’s aviation sector, specializing in comprehensive MRO solutions that encompass the entire process chain. AIESL’s extensive offerings cater to both commercial and VIP/special mission aircraft, covering advanced Base Maintenance Services with cutting-edge hangars, skilled engine and component expertise, landing gear proficiency, cabin and seat repair facilities, and robust Engineering Support Services. AIESL’s capabilities span fleet management, maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, and significant structural enhancements, including advanced composite material repair. Backed by a capable workforce and efficient engineering, material, and logistical support, AIESL prioritizes quality at every stage using specialized equipment and precise processes. Centralized Maintenance Control ensures continuous round-theclock support. The company’s expertise covers A320 family, A330, B737 series, B747-400, B787, B777 airframes, and engines including V2500, CFM56-5B, CFM56-7B, PW4000-94, PW4000-100, GE 90-110, and GEnx Engines. Base Maintenance Services encompass diverse checks such as Phase Checks, ‘D’/’C’ Checks, and defect rectification.
AIRCRAFT FLEET VIEW New version with new feature: CAMO Release ■ developed for airlines ■ always up-to-date view
on your fleet‘s status
■ easy-to-grasp view on
events like current delays, cancellations and AOGs
■ specific views for
flight operations and maintenance
■ customizable
for airlines and users
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 27
marketing@crossconsense.de
CrossConsense.com
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
AMOSeTL gains momentum with Swiss International Air Lines and Edelweiss onboard Swiss AviationSoftware was delighted to announce in mid-August 2023 that Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and its sister company Edelweiss have officially signed up for AMOSeTL. This landmark partnership adds more than 100 aircraft to the current pool of aircraft operated by the ten funding customers, marking a significant milestone for AMOSeTL’s continued growth and industry adoption.
SWISS’s Valuable Contribution to AMOSeTL
Over recent months, SWISS has been a key contributor to the progress and development of AMOSeTL. Their active engagement and collaboration have played a crucial role in finetuning the solution to meet the unique needs of the aviation industry. The dedication and experience brought by SWISS have further solidified
AMOSeTL’s position as an industry-leading electronic techlog solution.
A trusted choice in best-in-class, seamless, intuitive eTL Solution running on the latest Tech Stack
SWISS’s decision to opt for AMOSeTL is a testament to their unwavering trust in Swiss AviationSoftware’s capabilities and extensive experience in delivering reliable features, products, and integrations. They have witnessed first-hand the successful launch of other solutions that work seamlessly from day one, cementing their confidence in AMOSeTL’s potential.
Optimizing aircraft operation and maintenance with AMOSeTL
AMOSeTL empowers airlines with a seamless integration experience, streamlining technical logbook management and maintenance procedures. With its unparalleled pre-built integration capabilities, AMOSeTL ensures that data flows seamlessly between the whole product suite (AMOS, AMOSmobile and AMOSeTL), allowing airlines to operate with unprecedented efficiency and accuracy. Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 28
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Eurowings Discover goes live with AMOS One common CAMO running on AMOS
Following the successful implementation of AMOS at Lufthansa German Airlines in 2022, the Lufthansa Group’s Technical Fleet Management launched a new project named BlueFins. With this new initiative, both Lufthansa Airlines and Eurowings Discover intended to build up a Business Group Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (BGC) covering the airworthiness management tasks and responsibility of Lufthansa Airlines and Eurowings Discover under the umbrella of Lufthansa German Airlines Technical Fleet Management business unit. Indeed, based on an initiative of Airlines for Europe (a group of 16 leading European airlines) and the Lufthansa Group to introduce an integrated CAMO option for airline business groups, a new EASA regulation is effective since Q2 2022 and allows several Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders to use the same CAMO. Such a joint setup reduces redundant structures and decreases existing organizational and processual interfaces. The new Business Group CAMO enables the Lufthansa Airlines Technical Fleet Management to streamline its organizational setup supported by the use of one unique IT solution, AMOS, that is already the leading CAMO and Part-145 software within the Lufthansa Group.
Eurowings Discover joins the AMOS Community
As AMOS is the fundamental base of the LH’s Technical Fleet Management business unit related processes as well as their IT infrastructure, the Eurowings Discover fleet of 22 aircraft (A320 and A330) was migrated into the existing AMOS centric ecosystem of Lufthansa Airlines on the 29th of June 2023. This brings the total fleet managed in both AOCs in AMOS to 325 aircraft. Post go-live, an agile operational fleet transition was immediately enabled between both Lufthansa and Eurowings Discover.
Establishing AMOS as the leading IT system for airworthiness management and maintenance execution supports the targets of further harmonization of processes and organizations of the affected hub airlines. Furthermore, the implementation of the off-the-shelf solution AMOS allows users to realize IT operation and maintenance cost savings by de-registration of the legacy product suite.
An efficient project organization and staffing to ensure an AMOS go-live within six months
From an organizational aspect, three sub-projects were formed to efficiently manage all aspects of the establishment of the Business Group CAMO: Organisational Update, Management System and Pricing & Performance, However, specific variants related to each AOC have been implemented when beneficial or legally required. Also, a fully harmonized management system has been defined and implemented. Consequently, the affected organizational governance, responsibilities and assignments have been established along the overall Group CAMO. To ensure the functional and technical transition of the Eurowings Discover fleet into the LH’s AMOS centric IT ecosystem, four sub-project areas were shaped: Processes and Training, IT Eco System, Data Migration and Go-Live Management. Hence, the previously defined individual processes of Lufthansa Airlines and Eurowings have been adjusted to be capable to manage the additional AOC of Eurowings Discover within the group’s CAMO setup. The existing IT ecosystem from Lufthansa Airlines has been extended to ensure an efficient and seamless integration with Eurowings Discover’s flight and technical operations. To ensure that the airworthiness and maintenance activities can be managed in AMOS, Swiss-AS’ data migration experts heavily supported the airlines’ project team in AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 29
migrating aligned airworthiness data and were responsible for the coordination of scripting resources. They scheduled the related workload, developed migration testing scripts, and provided their AMOS knowledge to the business teams to deliver regular testing, data cleaning and validation feedback. Prior the go-live and legacy system cutover, three complete data migration rehearsals have been performed to ensure the data validation according to the defined data quality. Both airlines’ project teams considered the data migration as very successful with an exceptional level of data quality achieved. Eurowings Discover: Eurowings Discover is the new leisure airline of the Lufthansa Group. Operating out of Frankfurt and Munich this carrier takes travelers to the world’s most beautiful short, medium and long-haul destinations. A tailor-made onboard product with numerous extras and dedicated service makes every flight a special experience. Travelers benefit from an end-to-end booking process and seamless transfers at the Frankfurt and Munich hubs as well as at many destinations of the Lufthansa Group and its partner airlines worldwide. Eurowings Discover is a wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, headquartered in Frankfurt. The airline currently operates a fleet of 22 aircraft and employs more than 1,700 people. Flights can be booked on eurowings-discover.com and lufthansa.com Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
FAA approves ATI’s IDMR eSign solution The world’s largest lessor of freighter aircraft, announced in mid-August 2023 the FAA’s authorization of its aircraft maintenance electronic signature. ATI implemented IDMR Solutions’ Hangar Electronic Signature (eSign): IDMR is a global leader in technical documentation management designed exclusively for aviation. IDMR’s integrated suite of applications has proven success while increasing operational performance and ensuring airworthiness, safety, and regulatory compliance at ATSG. During a prior implementation in 2019 of IDMR Solutions’ flagship application, InForm, ATI digitized its Task Cards, Engineering documents, and business processes. Implementing IDMR’s eSign solution marks the next phase of that digital transformation, offering cuttingedge and next-generation technologies with optimal user experience, live validations, and real-time visibility of their Maintenance operations. Israel Revivo, CEO and President of IDMR Solutions, said, “This implementation takes ATI’s technical operations to a new level where Task Cards, Engineering Orders, and other maintenance documents get electronically signed; enabling real-time validations, such as skills and signoffs with live maintenance progress tracking features, among other critical advantages. ATI has been a valued customer for half a decade, and we appreciate the opportunity to partner with the company to reach its
modernization goals. We are committed to continuing to provide airlines and MROs custom-built solutions that are highly scalable, adaptable, and easily integrate with other enterprise applications.” Revivo concluded, “By putting in place the next-generation solutions, ATI captures the best practices and functionality inherent to these applications.” “Implementing InForm’s eSign solution was a strategic project for ATI.” stated Paul Harding, Vice President of Information Technology at ATSG. “IDMR Solutions is one of the backbones for our Maintenance, Engineering, and Planning teams which enabled us to reach this crucial and decisive milestone capitalizing on a solid platform with leaner processes.” Matthew McKnight, Director of Quality Control at ATI, added, “We implemented an innovative end-to-end solution allowing the digital authoring and signoff process of our Task Cards and Engineering documents while also permitting the mechanics and inspectors working on the aircraft to electronically sign them while having the critical validations and verifications that are needed. This has been a game changer for Maintenance, whether in our hangars or on the ramps.” IDMR Solutions Inc.: IDMR Solutions Inc. is a global leader offering enterprise SaaS and mobile solutions for content management, document distribution, electronic task cards, and e-signatures in the highly
regulated aviation industry. InForm is a software engineered to provide end-to-end comprehensive business solutions integrated with leading M&E systems. InForm supports the industry leaders’ remote and mobile workforces enabling safe and efficient operations. Every day, thousands of engineers, maintenance planners, technical writers, and maintenance technicians rely on InForm for digital delivery of operational content, replacing paper-based documentation. With aviation leaders trusting IDMR, InForm is the solution of choice for several national carriers, Heli-operators, Defense, logistics contractors, and MRO organizations. ATI: Air Transport International, Inc. is an US airline based in Wilmington, Ohio. It operates freighter aircraft for express and e-commerce global operators plus combi charters for the United States Department of Defense. ATI currently operates 40 Boeing 767-300 freighters, six Boeing 767-200 freighters, and four Boeing 757-200 combis.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 30
ATSG: ATSG is a leading provider of aircraft leasing and cargo and passenger air transportation and related services to domestic and foreign air carriers and other companies that outsource their cargo and passenger airlift requirements. ATSG, through its leasing and airline subsidiaries, is the world’s largest owner and operator of converted Boeing 767 freighter aircraft. Through its principal subsidiaries, including three airlines with separate and distinct U.S. FAA Part 121 Air Carrier certificates, ATSG provides aircraft leasing, air cargo lift, passenger ACMI and charter services, aircraft maintenance services and airport ground services. ATSG’s subsidiaries include ABX Air, Inc.; Airborne Global Solutions, Inc.; Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services, Inc., including its subsidiary, Pemco World Air Services, Inc.; Air Transport International, Inc.; Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc.; and Omni Air International, LLC. Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Smartwings Group selects Conduce ELB solution Smartwings Group, the leading Czechia based airline, has selected the Conduce eTechLog8 solution for deployment across the fleet. The selection of Conduce, announced in early September 2023, was taken after fully evaluating the ELB market over a period of time. The evaluation process was both lengthy and detailed, including at one stage considering the option to develop an application internally. Ultimately the selection of Conduce as its ELB provider was made for several reasons. These included the fact that Conduce had a wide variety of airlines, including scheduled, cargo, ACMI and specialist operators, giving Smartwings the confidence that the application could handle all the operations conducted across the Smartwings Group. Also, during the evaluation period Conduce consistently gave honest and comprehensive product demonstrations, both remotely and onsite,
which built up the confidence levels within Smartwings that this was the right solution. Petr Hutla, Director of Technical Procurement at Smartwings stated that “By selecting Conduce to provide our ELB solution we know that we have selected an extremely competent partner to join us on the digitalization journey. During our evaluation and selection process we saw Conduce grow and further develop its solutions as more and more airlines subscribed to the service. We are convinced that Smartwings will benefit greatly from the adoption of eTechLog8.” eTechLog8 is part of a mission critical suite of applications and will provide flight crew, cabin crew and engineers alike with an intuitive, user-friendly electronic solution for the completion of flight logs, defect findings and actions, servicing and acceptance into service. Automatic data
transmission from the tail-assigned cockpit devices will give MCC / MOC real time aircraft technical status. Also included is full integration with the fleet MELs along with interactive LOPA charts for cabin defect reporting. This will allow for greater efficiency during both the aircraft turnaround phase alongside the enablement of proactive planning for maintenance tasks across the fleet. The project will also involve full integration with several of Smartwings’ existing solutions, including ACARS, CAMO/MRO systems and flight scheduling software. Paul Boyd, Managing Director at Conduce said, “Conduce is very excited and pleased to welcome Smartwings Group as its newest eTechLog8 customer. The project will be to implement eTechLog8 across the four AOCs under which the Smartwings Group operates, thus further increasing the reach of eTechLog8 in Europe. We are very pleased to be working with such a dedicated team based in Prague.”
@ConduceGroup
There has never been a better time to go paperless with eTechLog8 Find out more +44 (0)333 888 4044
info@conduce.net
www.conduce.net
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 31
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Volotea selects Aventus wind uplink service after successful evaluation In late August 2023, AVTECH Sweden AB (publ) and Volotea Airlines announced that they have entered into a 2-year agreement for AVTECH’s Aventus wind uplink service, with a start date of August 5, 2023 and an expected total value in the range of 1.1 to 1.9 MSEK dependent on fleet size and EUR exchange rate development. The Aventus service, utilizing the latest highresolution aviation weather forecasting from the UK Met Office, provides precise and tailored wind and temperature information in-flight to Volotea’s aircraft. This leads to improved flight execution, increased situational awareness, and reduced workload for the pilots. Aventus: The Aventus Full-flight Winds service provides optimized weather uplinks for each stage of a flight, including the climb, enroute and descent phases. Aventus is a unique and patented system, enabling accurate wind information and 4D Trajectories for flights, making use of the very best in atmospheric modelling to create wind data packages for the different phases of a flight. Data packages are uplinked in real-time to the aircraft to enable the onboard Flight Management Computer (FMC) to accurately calculate a flight profile and the time when each route waypoint will be reached. The Aventus solution is environmentally friendly as it enables aircraft to fly more efficient altitudes and RNP approaches resulting in immediate airline fuel and CO2 savings benefits. The service is also imperative for future time-based flight operations, an area where Aventus provides even larger overall environmental and operational benefits. Time-based operations will increase the efficiency and punctuality of individual flights and of the air transport system. Volotea: Volotea was founded in 2011 by Carlos Muñoz and Lázaro Ros, also previously founders of Vueling. It is one of the fastest-growing independent airlines in Europe in the last decade, increasing its
fleet, routes served, and seats offered year-on-year. This year, the airline has celebrated a milestone of carrying 50 million passengers throughout its whole network. Volotea reaches more than 100 airports and is currently based in 19 medium-sized European capitals: Asturias, Athens, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Cagliari, Florence (new in 2023), Hamburg, Lille, Lyon, Lourdes, Marseille, Nantes, Naples, Olbia, Palermo, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Venice, and Verona. This year, Volotea will operate more than 400 routes (with over half exclusive), offer close to 12m seats (+41% versus 2019), and fly approximately 70,000 flights. The airline operates a fleet of 41 Airbus A319 and A320. Volotea is dedicated to sustainable aviation and has committed to reducing 50% of its CO2 emissions per passenger and kilometer by 2030 (versus 2012). To date, Volotea has launched over 50 sustainability AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 32
initiatives that have already driven a reduction in carbon footprint per passenger and kilometer by 41%. Since 2022, the company has been working on developing emission-free alternative technologies, operating Airbus’ internal shuttle service with 34% of sustainable aviation fuel, and collaborating with manufacturers and the industry so that these fuels (now difficult to access) can be developed and become widespread as soon as possible. Volotea employs 1,750 people and actively contributes to the economic development and cultural landscape of the territories where it is based through sponsorship projects. The airline has won, for the second year in a row, the award as ‘Europe’s Leading Low-Fares Airline’ at the 2022 World Travel Awards, an awards organization recognizing excellence in the transportation and tourism industry worldwide.
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Frost goes for Rusada’s ENVISION Swedish charter airline Frost, announced in early September 2023 that it has selected Rusada’s ENVISION software to manage its airworthiness and maintenance activities. The recent start-up provides ad-hoc and specialist charter flights from its base at Malmö airport utilizing a fleet of four Saab 2000’s. There are also plans to add further aircraft to the fleet in the near future. Frost will utilize ENVISION’s Fleet Management module to manage their aircraft configuration, reliability & serviceability, and technical records, as well as for the forecasting, planning, and scheduling of maintenance activities. “It was very important for us to find a modern and technologically advanced solution that could foster a paperless environment for our operations” said Erik Nordén, Continuing Airworthiness Manager at Frost. “This includes the utilization of mobile devices for various inputs, plus integration with 3rd
party systems so we can feed in real time journey data, two things that were at the top of our wish list.” “We selected ENVISION as it could do all of this, plus it could be adopted quickly and with assured success” added Jonas Johnsson, Accountable Manager & Maintenance Manager at Frost. “From initial contact and throughout the evaluation process, Rusada has proven to have outstanding and forthcoming levels of customer support. We feel confident going forward knowing we can rely on their personnel to steer us through this project.” Rusada’s Client Services teams will now kick-off the implementation process, with a view to get Frost live on the system in the next couple of months. Julian Stourton, CEO at Rusada commented, “Frost were assessing a number of suppliers for their requirements so I am glad we were able to prove the
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 33
benefits that ENVISION will bring, and the credentials of our team, who have once again done an outstanding job during the evaluation process. Our work with other operators in Scandinavia also helped in their decision making, proving that a happy customer leads to more customers.” Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Elevating efficiency with Project Planning for Blue MRO: the comprehensive solution just got better
Fits Air, Sri Lanka signs off with Bytzsoft Technologies — India-based company for aviation Solution Management
In the intricate tapestry of aviation, efficiency is woven with precision, safety, and optimal resource allocation. Each aspect of management calls for dedicated tools and strategies to ensure a seamless operation. Recognizing this, MRX Systems consistently seeks ways to amplify the power of their software. In early September 2023, MRX proudly announced their latest leap in this direction with the introduction of the ‘Project Planning’ module for Blue MRO.
Fits Air is one of the leading international airlines operating Airbus A320 series aircraft connecting Colombo to various stations across Asia, Middle East and Africa. Fits Air which has adopted the slogan of “Friend in the skies”, announced in mid-September 2023 that it has found a perfect partner on the ground to support its maintenance and engineering activity with Bytzsoft Technologies leading aviation solution called FlyPal-Premium-AL. Bytzsoft Technologies, which markets all its cloud based product with trade name of FlyPal and FlyPal-Premium-AL suit, supports the airline to manage its CAMO (Aircraft Airworthiness), Fleet Management, Reliability Engineering, Line Maintenance Management, Procurement Management and Inventory management. Mr. Asitha Ranaweera, Dy CEO of Fits Air said, “We have evaluated various solutions for our Maintenance and Engineering needs and we zeroed on FlyPal because of its user friendliness, work flow management and functional utility. We found that BytzSoft philosophy of “Partnering in customer growth” has echoed with our strategy to grow our foot prints across more stations as well as add more aircraft into our fleet.”
Seamless Integration, Reinforced Benefits
While the Blue MRO has always stood out for its capabilities, the addition of ‘Project Planning’ not only amplifies its features but also brings them together in a more cohesive manner.
Why ‘Project Planning’ Matters?
Reinforced Task Management: Your hangar space is a precious resource. The new Project Planning module allows for meticulous distribution of work across different areas, ensuring every space serves a purpose and adds to operational efficiency. It also gives you an overview of all your work orders so you can be better organized. Empowered Project Scheduling & Technician Rostering: With the
designated planner already streamlining operations, ‘Project Planning’ ensures an even more holistic view of projects and technician assignments as it completes the existing features. Enhanced Resource Insights: While Blue MRO already offers insights into parts, tools, and materials allocation, the ‘Project Planning’ module helps optimize your work and refine workflow quality control. Safety Boosted: Organized spaces and tasks naturally lead to safer operations. The new module ensures the hangar environment remains both productive and safe. The addition of the ‘Project Planning’ module underlines MRX Systems’ commitment to continual improvement, recognizing the challenges of the aviation industry and striving to provide solutions that are not just innovative, but also comprehensive. As the aviation landscape evolves, so does MRX Systems. They invite their esteemed clients and partners to explore the amplified capabilities of Blue MRO with ‘Project Planning’. With this addition, they’re not just offering another module; they’re fortifying MRX Systems’ promise of a comprehensive solution tailored for today’s aviation needs.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 34
Mr. Yusuf Saifee, CEO-Bytzsoft Technologies Pvt Ltd is happy at the enlisting of Fits Air and said, “We have been supporting airlines and charter operators across regions over the last decade and we have been rated very high on customer satisfaction indices. We believe that this relationship will definitely add value to Fits Air in terms of improving its efficiency, performance and operating margins.” Mr. Nitin Deshpande, VP-Business Development & Customer Success said, “New Airlines as well as charter operators are looking for value for money propositions and we evolved the subscription plans based on customer needs without compromising on any module availability. Our inclusive approach to aviation is key to our success and we support airlines, business jet operators, helicopter operators and MROs as regard to CAMO Engineering, MRO Engineering, Flight Ops and Safety/ Quality Management System. We look forward to support Fits Air in ensuring highest safety and compliance standards.”
Is the sky the limit? Do more with Aircraft IT MRO
Webinars • eJournals • Software • Conferences • News • Advisory Unit Want to be involved? For more information, simply email scott.leslie@aircraftit.com
www.aircraftIT.com
AIRCRAFTMRO IT
CASE STUDY: CONDOR
Getting the best from new engines at Condor Nicolas Schneider and Dr. Almut von Schneidemesser share Condor’s experience of an easy IT implementation Photo credit: Condor
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 36
CASE STUDY: CONDOR
C
ase studies are a very valuable to look at a subject because, rather than the generic theory of how a solution is designed to work, the study records how it really has worked with an airline in real service. In light of that, the best way that we can start is by telling you about Condor, the airline in question.
CONDOR
Condor has been flying guests to their holiday destinations for more than 66 years and, every year, we fly more than nine million guests from the nine largest airports in Germany, from Zurich in Switzerland and Vienna in Austria, to around ninety destinations worldwide. The fleet of more than fifty aircraft is maintained by our own engineering business, Condor Technik, at the Frankfurt and Dusseldorf locations. At the end of 2022, Condor, as the German launch customer, took delivery of the first new Airbus A330neo long-haul aircraft. An average of one new long-haul aircraft will be flown
“… when Condor ordered the A330neos with the latest Trent 7000 engine from Rolls-Royce, the OEM introduced QOCO to Condor as Rolls-Royce’s software partner in facilitating the data transfer necessary to support the engine with the standard duty cycle method of managing engine life…” every month until 2024. Additionally, Condor has orders placed for forty-one short and medium haul aircraft of the Airbus A32Xneo with delivery commencing in 2024. The airline already had a relationship with Rolls-Royce through the A330ceo fleet using previous generations of the Trent engines. But when Condor ordered the A330neos with the latest
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 37
Trent 7000 engine from Rolls-Royce, the OEM introduced QOCO to Condor as Rolls-Royce’s software partner in facilitating the data transfer necessary to support the engine with the standard duty cycle method of managing engine life and time on wing. From then on, QOCO has worked directly with the airline to explain the solution and the value proposition.
CASE STUDY: CONDOR
Photo credit: Condor
WHAT QOCO DID FOR CONDOR
The Trent 7000 is able to generate significant volumes of data to be used in determining its condition in a continual process but, to be useful, that data has to be sent to Rolls-Royce for analysis. QOCO’s contribution is their engine data solution to enable data flows from Condor to Rolls-Royce so that the airline will be able to leverage the full benefit of the engine condition analysis and keep their Trent engines on wing for longer. The potential savings that will deliver can amount to fifty percent
additional time on wing, depending on how the engines are used. The key part here is the RollsRoyce analytics-based service which calculates what happens with the engine during each flight but, of course, for that they need the data. The alternative would be to manually input all of that data to the system in order for it to do the calculations but that would be a huge workload when you consider that data would have to be manually input for each flight with the Trent engines. For an airline with a large fleet, that would not be sustainable. What QOCO’s AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 38
engine data solution does is to automate the data flows which then enables that increased time on wing for the engines. We have found QOCO to be a very professional partner in the integration of Condor’s systems with a supplier such as Rolls-Royce. QOCO’s data exchange services have all of the normal elements that you would find on any data exchange platform, such as information security, ISO27000 standard, certified, and more. All of this is industry standard and there are other services also doing this well but QOCO is very specialized in the industry. There are three main things that mark QOCO out in the market. • First is their industry expertise; they understand the data in airline systems plus they understand the systems used by airlines and the processes involved; you might call it industry specificity. In many cases where QOCO is chosen, it’s often the case that the customer has tried something else and failed, at which point they have realized the complexity of the task which is when QOCO gets called in. There are a lot of nuances in the data stored in airline systems. However, in Condor’s situation, QOCO’s implementation was already part of the Rolls Royce engagement from the start. This was a big advantage for us as we were not forced to find an implementation partner in the market nor try to do the integration on our own. • Second is plug-ins, the integration capability. QOCO has plug-ins for all of the main systems in the industry which means that when they integrate, there is no development requirement, it’s all plug and play. What is needed is configuration in the QOCO system and the customer’s system with testing, validating the data coming from the airline. • Third is that QOCO provides a fully managed service. So, whenever there are any interruptions or challenges, they can always be pro-active in providing instructions and leading an investigation of the issue to ensure continuity of the service.
CASE STUDY: CONDOR
Photo credit: Airbus
WAYS OF WORKING BEFORE THE NEW SOLUTION Compared to our legacy fleet, the Trent 7000 engines come with new requirements with regards to IT integration. In the past, Condor used mostly email, generating PDFs from AMOS, our MRO system, and sent them to the engine OEM. Given the amount of required data for the Trent 7000, this process is no longer feasible. In truth, that system had already become quite impractical. The major pain point in the process was that it was very time consuming, requiring manpower to get it done because, not being automated, it had to be handled manually. It meant that there were delays in data delivery and, as whenever human intervention is required, there was always the risk of errors occurring. Because it was very time-consuming, that was a pain point in itself so the automation of the process was a significant improvement. We did not have any automated data exchange with OEMs before this and so there was no issue of integration in that sense.
“We will then receive an evaluation of engine condition from Rolls-Royce, that automatically modifies the cycles to standard duty cycles in our AMOS system on a daily basis.” USING THE NEW SOLUTION
The QOCO solution is one part of the data exchange between Condor and Rolls-Royce for the new Trent 7000 engine, it is delivering a well-designed out of the box interface for the data exchange. It will ultimately totally change the way Condor counts engine cycles. Currently, since mid-May 2023, Condor is using the QOCO solution to send data to Rolls-Royce every day in a fully automated way. In order to make use of the standard duty cycle method, and therefore writing the new cycle values back to AMOS, we are awaiting the authority approval that needs to be granted to Rolls-Royce AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 39
before we as a customer can make use of the new method. A huge advantage of having the QOCO integration in place from the very first flight is that all data is already now collected by Rolls-Royce, and, as soon as the approval is granted, all flights from the past will be re-evaluated with the new standard duty cycle method. When the approval has been granted, Condor will switch from daily cycles to standard duty cycles. We will then receive an evaluation of engine condition from Rolls-Royce, that automatically modifies the cycles to standard duty cycles in our AMOS system on a daily basis. From that, we will get updates on
CASE STUDY: CONDOR
secure way to integrate, but typically, airlines have specific IT requirements, a certain way in which they want to integrate things such as the managed file transfer systems. That said, QOCO will try to handle most of that integration for the airline as they have experience of that kind of project.
WORKING WITH QOCO
For Condor, it was an outstanding experience to work with QOCO. Based on the provided manuals and specifications, the implementation was done in an easy and straight forward way. Furthermore, QOCO provided the necessary technical configurations for AMOS and is committed to keep them up-to-date should there be future enhancements or changes. All round, it was a pleasure to work with QOCO and experience their excellent project management and communications during the project. As far as next steps are concerned, we have already said, the next milestone will be when Rolls-Royce obtains regulatory approval for the whole system so that we will be able to use the data coming back. Any system upgrades on Condor’s side will need to be reflected in the QOCO system also; but we are confident that this will not be a problem.
CHALLENGES FACED DURING THE IMPLEMENTATION Photo credit: Condor
the cycles but it will not be normal counters such as ‘takeoff’ and ‘touchdown’. So, if the actual wear on the engines is less, that will enable them to stay on wing for longer which will, in turn, be a real financial benefit for Condor. Instead of the time-limited cycles where every take-off and landing counts as one cycle, standard duty cycles consider the wear and tear caused by the use of the engine during a flight which, under sustainable handling, can be less than a daily cycle.
When QOCO integrates an airline such as Condor, which uses AMOS for its MRO software, the goal is always to utilize existing integration elements or modules of the customer’s system as far as is possible. For example, for the Condor/AMOS integration, QOCO provided detailed instructions as to how the airline’s system should be configured for the integration. Then, on a broader level, the airline needed to check their system architecture. QOCO provided SFTP (Secured File Transfer Protocol) in a AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 40
Challenges on Condor’s side were the implementation of the new set-up coming with the new type of engines requiring initial configuration by the Engineering department. However, from an IT point of view, we did not face any implementation issues and the set-up plan for the interface was very easy to follow. Of course, we had to test the processes internally to ensure that everything was set up correctly. When it came to challenges faced by QOCO during the implementation, the first thing that comes to mind is data. As Condor placed its original order for 16 A330neos with the new Trent 7000 engines,
CASE STUDY: CONDOR
there was not yet enough production data available when the project was started. However, Condor generated some test data which enabled QOCO to enter data into the system before the engines entered service. That was the biggest challenge at the beginning but everything went smoothly thereafter when the actual production data was able to be entered into the system. QOCO appreciated the professional approach from the Condor team in helping to move this along.
IMPACT ON DAILY OPERATIONS
One immediate impact is that we will not need additional manpower for the daily operations with everything now automated and ready to work in both directions once Rolls-Royce is cleared to do that, which will be a huge benefit for Condor. It was easy for us to implement the steps to support the QOCO and Rolls-Royce process within our overall processes. That said, some things did have to change. Since we switched to APN Line Maintenance Manager in AMOS, at more or less the same time, it was kind of a project to get it correctly set-up for the future so we had to manage dependencies here for internal purposes. In terms of the data transfer, we were easily able to get rid of the manual activities: we did not have to change the processes, it just meant that there will no longer be any manual work. It will save time and cost, and will eliminate the risk of human error which, itself, saves further time.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Having nearly completed this project and being impressed with the way it has gone, we would be very keen to undertake another project with QOCO should the opportunity arise. Of course, as far as the interface itself is concerned, Condor would not be involved with the development; that would depend on the requirements from Rolls-Royce. Overall, the project ran smoothly and the reliable and cooperative project approach of the whole QOCO team is highly appreciated by us. QOCO
“One immediate impact is that we will not need additional manpower for the daily operations with everything now automated and ready to work in both directions…” reacted on all requests in a very efficient and understanding manner with excellent project management and communication skills. That matters for a company like Condor which works with many providers and appreciates that sort of reliability.
That concludes this case study but we hope that it has given readers some insight into Condor’s adoption of an engine data solution from QOCO, how the implementation went and what we expect to gain from using that solution.
NICOLAS SCHNEIDER
Nicolas is one of Condor’s AMOS Administrators. He has 18 years’ experience in the military and civil aviation industry. As an AMOS administrator he is responsible to maintain and administer the AMOS database. This also includes projects such as Introducing AMOS Mobile, AMOS eTLB and the automated communication between Rolls-Royce and Condor.
DR. ALMUT VON SCHNEIDEMESSER
Almut has more than 15 years’ experience in IT and the Aviation industry. As a Senior Manager for Aircraft Communications IT at Condor, she is currently coordinating all IT activities that come along with the Condor fleet rollover program. This includes IT aspects of aircraft connectivity as well as IT integration support for entry into service of the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engines for Condor’s new A330neo fleet.
CONDOR
As Germany’s most popular leisure airline, Condor has been taking its guests to the world’s most beautiful holiday destinations for over 66 years. Every year, more than nine million guests fly with Condor from the nine largest airports in Germany, from Zurich in Switzerland and from Vienna in Austria to around 90 destinations in Europe, Africa and America. Condor operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft, which are maintained by the company’s own maintenance operation Condor Technik GmbH.
QOCO SYSTEMS
QOCO Systems helps the aviation industry to succeed in the changing world by creating new ways to work, to communicate, and to utilize data. The business’s solutions provide significant improvements to the industry’s complex processes. They enable customers to achieve more by doing less and to realize time-savings in labor-intensive tasks. They also bring visibility to customers’ operations to support decision-making based on real-time information.
INTERACTIVE GIVE US YOUR OPINION CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR COMMENT AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 41
INTERACTIVE SUBSCRIBE HERE CLICK HERE TO READ ALL FUTURE EDITIONS
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
VENDOR JOB CARD: WEB MANUALS
Julia Larsson shares the passion for documentation that is efficient to generate, and simple to keep up-to-date and compliant, that has made Web Manuals a pioneer in its field Julia is the Director of Operations, EMEA, at Web Manuals. She started working for Web Manuals as an Executive Assistant and Customer Delivery Coordinator in 2016 and, in 2022, took on her current position where she is responsible for leading Web Manuals’ operations, and overseeing all operational engagements in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Holding a master’s degree in economics from Lund University, Sweden, Julia has also attended business courses at Brown University and Boston University. Aircraft IT: Your name, your job title, and the name of the business? Julia Larsson: Julia Larsson, Director of Operations EMEA, Web Manuals. Aircraft IT: How did Web Manuals get started? JL: The business idea came from a prospect back in the day, when Martin Lidgard, our CEO, was trying to convince the prospect to buy our distribution tool at the time, but instead they requested a system that would enable them to write manuals in the cloud. That hadn’t been thought of before and this came to be the starting point for how we know the product today. Combining Martin Lidgard’s background in aviation and his realization that there was a need for a more efficient and streamlined process for managing aviation manuals and documentation, Web Manuals was born. With this vision in mind, he
set out to create a user-friendly platform that would revolutionize how aviation manuals were created, managed, and distributed. The result was a cloudbased solution that allows aviation professionals to digitize their manuals, collaborate on content, and distribute updates seamlessly across their organization. Aircraft IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives Web Manuals? JL: In the early phases of the business, we introduced a management system that serves as a foundation for the work we do, together with our values and culture we have built. The guiding business principle that drives Web Manuals is a commitment to empowering aviation companies with smart and user-friendly documentation management solutions. The company firmly believes in the power of AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 42
technology to transform the way aviation manuals are handled, leading to improved safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Our core philosophy is innovation and the commitment to staying at the forefront of technology and continuously innovating the platform to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry. Our passion is to continually strive for excellence in all that we do, and we achieve that through collaboration and teamwork. Aircraft IT: What has Web Manuals’ greatest business achievement been to date, and why? JL: Web Manuals has undoubtedly experienced remarkable business achievements throughout its journey in the aviation industry – the first launch of our app, opening new offices fully bootstrapped, and signing our 500th customer. One of Web Manuals’ greatest business achievements to date has
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDORJOB CARD
“The guiding business principle that drives Web Manuals is a commitment to empowering aviation companies with smart and user-friendly documentation management solutions.” been the successful expansion into new markets through the establishment of various offices worldwide. Each office launch represents a significant milestone, as it signifies the company’s ability to create local teams of experts and cater to the specific needs of diverse aviation communities. This expansion has not only strengthened Web Manuals’ global presence but also allowed us to connect with customers from different regions, gaining valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by various aviation segments. A significant factor contributing to Web Manuals’ success has been our phenomenal agility in responding to the ever-changing demands of the aviation industry. By continuously innovating and updating the platform, we have stayed ahead of the curve and positioned ourselves as pioneers in aviation documentation management. Our user-centric approach, combined with a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions, has earned us a loyal and growing community of customers who recognize the urgency for digital transformation in the sector. I would say we have an outstanding commitment and consistency in everything we do, which takes us through every new crisis and challenge. Aircraft IT: What have been your disappointments and what have you learned from them? JL: Part of having a business, and life in general, is also about making mistakes. However, it’s essential to view these setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. I believe that acknowledging and learning from our disappointments has been instrumental in shaping the success and resilience of our team. Through the product’s development and
evolution, we have had to reshape it based on customer feedback and industry insights. Some features we were initially excited about did not meet the desired expectations of our users. We learned to value feedback and iteratively improve our offerings based on real-world use cases. This approach has made us more customer-focused and results-driven, enabling us to deliver solutions that genuinely make a positive impact on our clients’ operations. Aircraft IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what Web Manuals does for aircraft MRO and engineering customers? JL: We reduce the manual and tedious work, by simplifying the digitizing of manuals to enhance operators’ control, compliance and agility. Aircraft IT: What do you feel will be the next big thing in MRO and engineering Aviation IT? JL: AI and ML technologies have the potential to revolutionize various aspects of aviation operations by e.g., enhancing efficiency and safety through predictive maintenance and fault detection. By analyzing vast streams of data from aircraft systems, AI can anticipate potential issues before they arise, allowing for proactive maintenance that minimizes downtime and improves aircraft reliability. This proactive approach can significantly reduce
operational costs and ensure smoother flight operations, enhancing overall safety for both passengers and crew. Moreover, AI-driven solutions can optimize routing and crew scheduling with precision and adaptability. By considering factors such as weather conditions, air traffic, and crew qualifications, these technologies can dynamically adjust flight plans, leading to more fuel-efficient routes and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, optimized crew scheduling ensures the right personnel are available when and where they are needed, optimizing crew productivity and improving crew satisfaction. With the increasing reliance on digital technologies, cybersecurity has become even more critical. As the aviation industry becomes more interconnected, robust cybersecurity measures will be essential to protect sensitive data and prevent potential cyber threats. Aircraft IT: What do you want your customers to say about Web Manuals? JL: That we facilitate and enrich their day-to-day work, by offloading the time-consuming yet crucial task that comes with a new revision of e.g., the company manual or operational procedures. Time is of the essence in the aviation industry, and we strive to streamline processes so our customers can navigate the complexities of compliance and regulatory updates with confidence and ease. Another invaluable aspect is that they can rely on us to keep them updated on new regulatory requirements and where in their operations that is impacting. Aircraft IT: Julia Larsson, thank you for your time.
“A significant factor contributing to Web Manuals’ success has been our phenomenal agility in responding to the ever-changing demands of the aviation industry” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 43
CASE STUDY: AIRFRANCE KLM
Achieving IT process continuity in Air France Industries and KLM Engineering & Maintenance
Anne-Laure Propper, Olivier Demède and Arjan Otten share the experience of managing multiple maintenance organizations and strong cultures in one MRO system AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 44
CASE STUDY: AIRFRANCE KLM
F
or any case study to be meaningful, readers will need to know the circumstances in which the case occurred. In this article, it was with one of the world’s great airlines, and here are few words about them.
KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES
Founded in 1919, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the longest continually operating airline in the world. Part of that longevity can be ascribed to an unwavering commitment to technology, innovation and transformation. Typically, in 2003, KLM saw the potential of an organization that was itself then just seven years old, and the power of their product as a maintenance and engineering system built for the world’s top airlines. It led to the airline selecting the IFS Maintenix product to run their engineering and MRO division. Less than a year after that, in 2004, Air France, a giant of the industry with seven decades as France’s flag carrier, merged with KLM to form what was, at the time, the world’s largest airline, Air France KLM. Since then, the two airlines have come together to build a truly world-class organization.
Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP) design philosophy • Create one repository with maintenance programs tasks (requirements) – – –
Select applicable requirements for an operator Issue AMP per operator independently of each other Issue Temporary Revision (TR) per operator
• Create (if required) a separate 145 organization per operator • Provide users with fleet they need • Blocking strategies for checks per operator
STARTING OUT IN 2004
When Air France KLM selected IFS Maintenix in 2004, one of the main criteria was that the organization should be able to maintain multiple maintenance programs for the different operators in the group. In the period from 2004 to 2015, all of the KLM fleet was inducted and from 2009 to 2020, the Air France fleet was inducted (figure 1), including the Airbus A380 which was being introduced at the same time.
Air France/KLM IFS Maintenix Journey • IFS Maintenix in use at KLM since 2004 –
“When Air France KLM selected IFS Maintenix in 2004, one of the main criteria was that the organization should be able to maintain multiple maintenance programs for the different operators in the group.”
Selection criteria: multiple maintenance programs
• 2004 - 2015 KLM fleet inducted • 2009 - 2020 Air France fleet inducted • Airbus: A220, A320CEO, A320NEO, A330, A340, A350, A380 • Boeing: 737PG, 737NG, 747-classic, 747-400, 777, 787 Note 1: bold types have multiple operators Note 2: light blue KLM and dark blue Air France Figure 1
At first, Air France maintenance had been using a legacy system, separate from IFS Maintenix but, after 2009, moved quickly to put the Air France fleet onto the new system. The combined airline had a few criteria that they wanted to meet with the new unified maintenance program (figure 2).
Figure 2
They wanted to create one repository with maintenance programs and tasks (requirements) applicable for different operators in the group and to be able to select applicable requirements for each operator. Also, they wanted to be able to select and issue maintenance program revisions for each individual customer, and that is possible in IFS Maintenix. Also, in the case of a temporary revision, with a requirement from the authorities that it has to be implemented immediately but where it only applies to one group of aircraft, they want to be able to implement the revision just for the group to which it applies whether that aircraft group is in one fleet or multiple fleets and that is also possible with IFS Maintenix. All of that was realized when Air France and KLM came together. Both airlines are regulated by EASA but also both have history, working in different ways in Paris and Amsterdam, and there are other customers who use Air France KLM MRO services who also have their own ways of working. Now, Air France KLM is able to create, for an aircraft type, a separate set of task cards dedicated for each customer operating that aircraft type. Air France will use the card for their 145 organization and KLM for their own 145 organization. With this program, Air France KLM is also able to provide access to the system user for only the fleet they need to see. So, a planner at KLM will see the KLM fleet whereas their colleague in Air France will only see the Air France fleet. KLM Engineering and Air France Engineering will see all the aircraft in their respective fleets. And a customer who only has two aircraft put into the system at Air France KLM Engineering will only see those two aircraft in the planning module and can work with those aircraft.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 45
CASE STUDY: AIRFRANCE KLM
The last thing that was important for the airlines was that they should be able to create a separate blocking strategy for each operator’s fleet. So, if one airline wants to have an A Check or a C Check or, over all the types, a D Check, or if a customer does not want A Checks and only wants the individual tasks but not grouped, all those things are possible within one aircraft type. So, for the Boeing 787, it has been possible to create one set-up for KLM, a different set-up for Air France and yet a further set-up for that other customer who does not want A Checks but will select specific tasks per visit. For all of them, it is possible to create a set-up which does that. In figure 3 is a schematic of how that works.
Schematic AMP process AMP requirements 1 AMP program (requirement repository)
AMP requirements n-1 AMP requirements n
Air France 787 AMP
KLM 787 AMP
Air France 145 organization
KLM 145 organization
“With this program, Air France KLM is also able to provide access to the system user for only the fleet they need to see. So, a planner at KLM will see the KLM fleet whereas their colleague in Air France will only see the Air France fleet.” looking at, and there will only be task cards for that operator, which helps a lot: but you can also, build your own custom report to meet a regulator’s requirements for specific data about a particular operator. Starting from the requirements, figure 4, moving left to right, shows aircraft and OEM requirements and alterations.
Airline 787 AMP
Note: 145 is performed by Air France and KLM for their own fleets
Figure 3
At the top of the figure, you can see the Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP) requirements numbered 1 to ‘n’, ‘n’ being whatever number it runs to which is usually between two and three thousand: for the Boeing 747s, due to their history, that was often up to five thousand tasks. They’re all part of the maintenance program requirement repository and, from there, it is possible to send them to the different AMPs of the different customers. For the Boeing 787, there are two independent sets of task cards, one for each of the two 145 organizations. Even if, say, the aircraft had been inducted in the KLM 145 organization but, in the end, it was maintained partly in Paris by Air France. Because they all use the one system, even if it was not their main organization, they could still perform work on that aircraft in Paris using the KLM organization task cards. IFS Maintenix also provides a reporting solution for AMPs; with a single button, you can issue a maintenance program for the operator that you are
Figure 4
Everything can be set-up in Maintenix from this document. You can do a maintenance planning scheme and organize each maintenance that you want to do on the system, be that a check, item outside of maintenance phase, or equalized blocks. You can do whatever you want in a way that is suitable for the airline and its operation. Then, to do this task, you’ll need everything — manuals,
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 46
CASE STUDY: AIRFRANCE KLM
parts, logistics, information — and basic information which can be set-up from the requirement, the Work Order and the work card instructions. This starts to be the transition between CAMO and Part 145. We have this set-up in the Work Order to be prepared for the mechanics in the Work Package. Then, in the end, Part 145 gets organized with the work that the Work Package contains to make it workable, and to make sure there are enough appropriate skills and parts available. Everything can be managed internally in the IFS software as long as it receives enough data. All the preparation and execution of the work is done within IFS Maintenix and must remain in the system while all the feedback goes back to the operators through reports or through the application itself.
BENEFITS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
The benefits and achievements from having IFS software include, as already mentioned, we can generate a maintenance program and a temporary revision (TR) which is a key point for Air France KLM. Using the legacy solutions that we had previously, it was really difficult to generate a TR, it was a very complex thing; so, this represents a great benefit for us. We can also now issue AMPs and TRs for individual operators; having fleets with multiple operators, as we’ve already explained, we can now ensure individual AMPs and TRs for each operator and are now able to work continuously on maintenance program revision. We can revise requirements at any time and place them into a box, AMP,
then can just release them when the operator is ready and in agreement. Another benefit is that we can create separate Part 145 organizations for each aircraft type. That helps a lot when there are different ways of doing things, especially if there are two or more organizations to work with, operating with different AOCs and different regulatory authorities.
Drive Aviation maintenance efficiencies with SAASbased fleet planner. Learn more IFS_Advert-Half-Page_A&D_05_23v3.indd 1
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 47
31/05/2023 16:37
CASE STUDY: AIRFRANCE KLM
Flexibility is another key benefit: IFS Maintenix is composed of a lot of modules, not all of which are used by Air France KLM; for example, we don’t use the Logistic module: however, users can use the modules they choose but should remember to pay attention to what they want to do and be able to run their process from end to end. There is a capability to define and to design your own reports plus there are almost paperless AMPs and task card processes: ‘almost’ because we choose to still print some work out for control purposes, but it could be paperless soon if we can devote some resource to achieving that. And finally, new and existing fleets can be incorporated efficiently. Entering a new fleet or a new aircraft to an existing fleet in Maintenix has never been so easy compared to past experience.
CONSIDERATIONS AND LESSONS LEARNED
IFS Maintenix is very flexible and, in leveraging that, we plan to get more guidance from IFS about what might be the consequences for what we might put in or not put in, or how it should be structured. We are aware that we have pushed the boundaries of the system and it’s logical that sometimes that can mean some trial and error which needs a good test environment. We also found that, if you issue AMP revisions to each operator at different times you need to be aware that the system’s active maintenance program view only shows you the latest released version of the task. It is possible to access older versions, but users have to bear that in mind. If not, you might think that something is missing that isn’t. In our particular solution, because of our integrated landscape, we have a challenge today around unique AMP requirement numbering for components. At the time of writing, we were discussing with IFS whether that could be remedied. Due to the fact that so many groups within Air France KLM utilize the
“…we can create separate Part 145 organizations for each aircraft type. That helps a lot when there are different ways of doing things, especially if there are two or more organizations to work with…” IFS Maintenix system — Planning, Part 145, Engineering, different organizations — if we want to fully activate, or publish, the maintenance program, we’ve found it’s best to co-ordinate across all parts of the maintenance organizations. Integration with other IT programs is complex — often the case with these sorts of programs. Although the combined Air France KLM was not very old when this implementation began, and so had very little history working together, we saw that different operators had had their inputs into the design of the system and IFS had created the input fields that were usual for those operators which meant that, in the end, there were quite a few fields which not everybody had to fill. Some were mandatory, others were optional. When deploying a sophisticated maintenance system like IFS Maintenix, it is therefore critical that you are really careful as to what you decide you are going to put in the system as part of your solution, because whatever data you put in, you then have to maintain for the rest of the life of the aircraft. If you choose to put in too much optional data, you are generating more work downstream for your team, so you should only do that where it’s providing genuine value.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 48
CASE STUDY: AIRFRANCE KLM
ANNE-LAURE PROPPER
Having started in IT consulting, Anne-Laure joined AIRFRANCE KLM in 2008, occupying various positions before joining the Engineering & Maintenance teams managing projects on aircraft, cabin retrofit and modification, and Airbus A380 entry into the AIRFRANCE fleet. Since January 2021, she has been in charge of the CM&C project for AIRFRANCE Engineering, transitioning from legacy systems, and integrating with supply chain and shop floor control systems for the group and its customers.
OLIVIER DEMÈDE
After twenty years on Part CAMO activities, Olivier was involved in Airbus A380 and Maintenix entry into service, in 2009. Then in the CM&C project to move Component Control Configuration to Maintenix. He is now in charge of improving Maintenix usage in the business and defining training material for most beneficial usage of Maintenix. This task relies on a large key user network in various skills, domains and maintenance sites within AIRFRANCE and KLM.
ARJAN OTTEN
PRESENT AND FUTURE AMP DEVELOPMENTS
At the time of writing, we were trying to integrate IFS Maintenix with our supply chain and shop floor control. We decided to go with SAP which was already used by KLM for this because it is going to be a company-wide or group-wide software, as a result of which we are facing quite a few issues. IFS has been very helpful because most of the issues we are facing are in the integration with the current legacy systems; two different legacies, complex ones with different requirements. Integration with SAP went better than expected. Integration with legacy is a bit more complex because of Air France KLM’s landscape. So, when you start choosing your product and working with it to be aware of what you are aiming to integrate and how; it’s one of the lessons that we learned that, if you don’t define all your requirements from the start, you might face some difficulties. We’ve been on this project for quite some time and will be happy to share our experience with anyone who contacts us. Our next step is an e-Techlog to have an interface between the cabin crew and the pilots for notifying and recording faults during the flight. We also need to integrate things with IFS Maintenix which has been a challenge given our previous IT landscape; see above. We want to use the tool to keep control of maintenance with the next step being the e-Techlog or e-Logbook to be integrated with IFS Maintenix. We have certainly appreciated the capabilities that IFS has delivered for Air France KLM and we hope that this case study has helped readers to better understand the solution and how it has worked for us in the real world of airlines.
After thirty years of aircraft manufacturing and airline experience as structure and maintenance programs engineer at Fokker Aviation, Arjan joined KLM Engineering in 1996. Since 2001, he has occupied several functions in maintenance programs for KLM and customers. Since 2003, he has worked with Maintenix software, in the selection process for and use of Maintenix. Arjan is presently responsible for the Boeing 747-400 and 787 maintenance programs for AIRFRANCE KLM and customers.
AIRFRANCE KLM GROUP
Air France-KLM is a major player in international air transport with flights to over 300 destinations, covered by Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Transavia. With a fleet of 522 aircraft (divided between Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Transavia), the Group serves up to 300 destinations in 120 countries, mainly from central hubs in Paris-Charles de Gaulle and AmsterdamSchiphol. In 2022, Air France KLM transported 83 million passengers worldwide.
IFS
IFS is a globally recognized provider of software solutions for global aerospace & defense (A&D), including airlines and fleet operators, A&D manufacturers, defense in-service support and independent MROs. IFS’s solutions support project and program-centric manufacturing; a complete spectrum of maintenance management capabilities for sea, land and air assets, from heavy, complex, and component MRO, to line maintenance or at-platform/asset support; as well as all types of procurement models. INTERACTIVE GIVE US YOUR OPINION CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR COMMENT INTERACTIVE SUBSCRIBE HERE CLICK HERE TO READ ALL FUTURE EDITIONS
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 49
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
VENDOR JOB CARD: QOCO SYSTEMS
Ilari Neitola sets out the commitment to high quality aviation IT solutions and successful collaboration that have made QOCO a trusted partner and IT solution provider Ilari Neitola is CEO and Founder of QOCO Systems. Establishing QOCO in 2009 enabled him to merge his love for aviation with software engineering. Committed to boosting efficiency in aviation’s technical operations, Ilari continually seeks innovative solutions to create a positive impact for QOCO’s current and future customers. His technical skill and entrepreneurial drive fuel an ongoing curiosity and excitement, reflecting his dedication to the combined worlds of aviation, IT, and a software business. Aircraft IT: Your name, your job title, and the name of the business? Ilari Neitola: Ilari Neitola, CEO & Founder of QOCO Systems Ltd. Aircraft IT: How did QOCO get started? IN: QOCO emerged from my passion for aviation and technology. Founded in 2009, our original mission centered on providing excellent user experience through software solutions for aviation professionals. As we’ve grown, we’ve maintained that focus while embracing the goal of enhancing collaboration and efficiency in maintenance processes through digitalization. This shift reflects our deep understanding of the aviation industry’s needs and
our commitment to innovation. Our start with consulting projects allowed us to identify unique challenges and transition to creating SaaS (Software
as a Service) products tailored to the industry. This blend of passion, vision, and hands-on experience has been the driving force behind QOCO.
“Our start with consulting projects allowed us to identify unique challenges and transition to creating SaaS (Software as a Service) products tailored to the industry.” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 50
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDORJOB CARD
“QOCO’s most significant business achievement has been starting the collaboration with Rolls-Royce, becoming their trusted partner for integrating their airline customers.” Aircraft IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives QOCO? IN: Our guiding principle is a commitment to our customers. We always strive to understand their needs and delight them with our solutions. This relationship drives everything we do, from product development to daily interactions. Emphasizing agility, especially in a regulated environment, allows us to adapt quickly to internal and external changes, ensuring our customers benefit from our skills. Our focus is not only on the present but also on the future. We aim to stay on top of new technological developments to help our customers benefit from the latest innovations. This means constantly improving our operations and creating products that set new standards for quality and innovation. Collaboration, productivity, and efficiency are at the heart of our business, and we uphold these values through continuous learning and a solid commitment to diversity. Aircraft IT: What has QOCO’s greatest business achievement been to date, and why? IN: To date, QOCO’s most significant business achievement has been starting the collaboration
with Rolls-Royce, becoming their trusted partner for integrating their airline customers. Our ability to maintain extremely high customer satisfaction, consistently exceeding expectations, sets this relationship apart. This collaboration has proven our capability and reliability as a service provider and validated our vision of a more connected industry ecosystem through digital data exchange. It’s a practical demonstration of how our solutions and approach can make a tangible difference in the aviation industry. Aircraft IT: What have been your disappointments and what have you learned from them? IN: In our early days at QOCO, we believed that good products would naturally find their market, so we didn’t give enough attention to sales and marketing. As we aimed to impact the industry positively, we learned the importance of communicating more about what we do and how we can help. That realization highlighted the need to balance our focus on product innovation with telling our story and connecting with the market strategically. This valuable insight continues to shape our approach and has been a key factor in our success.
“With MROTools.io, we enable our aviation maintenance customers to digitalize and streamline tool management processes…”
Aircraft IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what QOCO does for aircraft maintenance customers? IN: With MROTools.io, we enable our aviation maintenance customers to digitalize and streamline tool management processes, while Aviadex.io enhances collaboration and facilitates seamless and digital communication between airlines, OEMs, and MROs. Aircraft IT: What do you feel will be the next big thing in maintenance Aviation IT? IN: The critical concern of workforce availability is driving the push for innovative solutions. Among the approaches I see as most promising is digitalization, for its capacity to automate routine tasks and free skilled personnel for more complex work: also, the use of advanced AI in resource planning, which leads to optimal scheduling and resource allocation. A further focus must be on enhancing collaboration among industry players, allowing for smooth data exchange and coordination. This interconnected approach could revolutionize maintenance practices in aviation IT, breaking down traditional barriers and opening new avenues for growth. Aircraft IT: What do you want your customers to say about QOCO? IN: I want our customers to recognize QOCO as a trusted partner that understands their unique challenges and delivers innovative, reliable solutions that make their daily operations more efficient, productive, and enjoyable. Aircraft IT: Ilari, thank you for your time.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 51
WHITE PAPER: EXSYN
Leveraging data for digital aviation success Sander de Bree, Founder & CEO at EXSYN Aviation Solutions unpacks the importance of managing aircraft data as part of the digital transformation journey AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 52
WHITE PAPER: EXSYN
W
e want to make sure that data is properly maintained and managed as the foundation for digital success but, to bring that about, we must first understand the business’s past in order to inform decisions and actions in the future.
THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY
Because of the complexity of demands on, processes in and expectations of airlines, the old ways of working are no longer adequate to the job. Increasingly, airlines are moving to digital processes which are really good at harvesting, organizing and using the data in the business; at the same time, new aircraft joining the fleet generate huge quantities of data. So, it makes sense to harness all of that data through new digital systems to leverage the best possible ways of working. At EXSYN Aviation Solutions, we are often called upon to help an airline make the journey to digital; after all, while it will almost certainly be the first time that airline has tackled its digital transformation, it is a process with which EXSYN is very familiar and for which we have good experience-based understanding, plus we have developed some really good tools.
“At the start of any digital transformation journey, we will be asked by the airline’s Executive Leadership Team, ‘what will it need for us to get the basics right in order to be where we want to be?” At the start of any digital transformation journey, we will be asked by the airline’s Executive Leadership Team, ‘what will it need for us to get the basics right in order to be where we want to be?’ The first thing that usually comes to mind is that the data needs to be cleaned (figure 2) dependent on the age of the fleet, usage of the aircraft, and the systems that might be at the starting point of that digital transition journey.
GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT
D I G I T I Z AT I O N A C R I T I C A L S U C C E S S FA C TO R
MAKING THE DATA STRATEGY WORK
Figure 1 illustrates the key transformation areas on which the success of any digital transformation will rest. CLEANING
ENRICHMENT
KEY TRANSFORMATION AREAS CRIT ICA L SU CCESS FAC TO RS
ALIGNMENT IN DATASETS
THINK OF FUTURE INTENTIONS
ITS NOT JUST ABOUT DATA; PEOPLE AND PROCESSES CREATE THE DATA
Figure 2
PEOPLE PROCESS
THE HEART OF YOUR BUSINESS’S SUCCESS
PREPARE YOUR WAY OF WORKING READY FOR THE CHANGE
SYSTEM
NEEDS TO SERVE ENDUSERS AND IS WHAT HOLDS EVERYTHING TOGETHER
DATA
SUPPORTS UNDERSTANDING AND INFORMS DECISION-MAKING
Figure 1
People will always be the first consideration because they are at the heart of any business and it is they who will have to carry out the digital transformation and work together to achieve the corporate goals.
Data has to be cleaned because, over time, it will have been entered by users and mistakes will have been made, ranging across common issues such as incorrect zeros, dashes and dots, but also including the more crucial part of data cleaning where it starts to potentially impact the data of the aircraft. This is mostly an unsung topic; however, data cleaning is not just looking at incorrect zeros, dashes and decimal points but. It also means, for instance, looking at the historic accumulation of utilization for the aircraft and how does the historic accumulation of flight hours and flight cycles add up to the current listed hours and cycles of the aircraft. They might not necessarily agree over time: data entry mistakes might have been made which have not been corrected and, before long, there will be a discrepancy between the actual hours flown by the aircraft and what is reported in the system. Uncovering any such discrepancy is an important part of data cleaning and one of five important steps towards getting the basics right.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 53
WHITE PAPER: EXSYN
“It also means, for instance, looking at the historic accumulation of utilization for the aircraft and how does the historic accumulation of flight hours and flight cycles add up to the current listed hours and cycles of the aircraft.” When that first step is out of the way, the second consideration is often that a customer is moving to a system landscape which is far more data intense and data hungry than what had been before. Coming from a landscape that is far simpler in terms of data also means that, in order to properly use the new systems, data needs to be enriched from other sources; not only from the data sitting in the MRO system but also using additional data sources to enrich the aircraft MRO data sets. This is when it becomes necessary to start thinking beyond current systems or legacy systems to look at alternative sources such as the AMMs (Aircraft Maintenance Manuals), the IPCs (Illustrated Parts Catalogs) and other OEM manuals that you might need to refer to in order to start enriching the data before it is actually moved into systems where it might be needed as part of the digital transformation. That brings additional challenges when it comes to getting the basics right because, if you are going to take data from multiple sources, to make sure that it fits the model of the systems where it is needed to support the digital transformation, people will need to start thinking about getting those data aligned in the data sets. You cannot simply take several different data sets, throw them together and then try to push that into whatever system you might want to use it for. That is the third item in figure 1, the technical part of getting the basics right, alignment of datasets so that the data will fit the purpose for which you want to use it and to ensure that you won’t be introducing new problems into the system that you want to use. In addition to the four items identified in figure 1, when it comes to getting the basics right, there is an unsung hero which doesn’t get emphasized enough, and that is, ‘thinking of future intentions’ while you go through the exercise. What we often see happening is that airlines need to migrate data, need to get data into a certain status in order to implement a system and get something up and running and we try to think of solutions to get that data into that system. However, once that has been achieved, we need to think about progressing on to something else: to start using analytics and/or to connect additional applications to it which, on its own, might drive further data cleansing requirements as well as more enrichment and alignment needs. It’s at that starting point where you want to get the basics right that it is useful to
think about future functions and include those in the data cleaning and data enrichment activities that you want to do because now you are actually actioning that data. The start of the digital journey is the right time to introduce that because, if you don’t do it then, once you have migrated into the new system with everything up and running, day to day processes and activities become the priority again and there’s a chance that you’ll end up with the same challenges and issues that you had a few years ago but just with a different system. So, at the start when aiming to get the basics right, also think about your future intentions that you want for the data, the place that you want to give it in your organization and the systems that it will ultimately need to drive, not just from an airworthiness compliance perspective but also from a business efficiency perspective. And last but not least, as a data business, we always like to think about the technical aspects; however, within maintenance and MRO management, a significant proportion of data is actually generated by users. In contrast to flight data which is generated by the aircraft itself and is fairly structured, most MRO datasets and maintenance datasets are generated by users every day. It’s not just about the data itself, it’s also important to start thinking about the underlying processes, the people, their skills, training, knowledge, etc., in order to maintain a certain level of data standards in the organization and to avoid, if you have gone through all those different exercises, further down the line, finding yourself again in that same situation. Another element is, from a cross-organizational perspective, to also learn from each other. The ideal long-term data strategy vision would be a state where a cross-departmental platform has been established in the business. If use cases can run right through the organization, that will unlock the full potential of the data. In this, we’re thinking of additional data such as load factors and customer satisfaction, but also financial data. Many of the airlines with which we work are already making some use of data even before any digitization program but in a sporadic and vertical manner. However, to get the best results, we encourage customers’ people to work in a cross-functional manner in order to learn from each other and work towards a cross-organizational flow of data.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 54
WHITE PAPER: EXSYN
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOOD OF ALL
Thinking of a recent customer, when they approached EXSYN, they stated from the outset that they wanted to collaborate with particular industry-leading partners and to involve EXSYN in that. How this will look in the context of day-today collaboration with what both the airline and EXSYN will bring to the table, can be structured in two specific areas. There is technology from EXSYN being used at the airline and there is a managed service element: it is the accommodation of these two that fuels the partnership. So, lets deep dive into those two elements (figure 3).
DATA STRATEGY: PARTNERSHIPS W H AT PA R T N E R S H I P B R I N G S
TECHNOLOGY (NEXUS) TO SUPPORT EFFICIENT, SAFE, SCALABLE AND CONTROLLED MIGRATION OF MISSION CRITICAL DATA
MANAGED SERVICE FROM EXSYN’S TEAM OF EXPERTS TO COORDINATE AND GUIDE THE MIGRATION PROCESS
Figure 3
Looking at technology: the data process starts with data coming from different systems into a particular system. To integrate that data between various different systems within the airline’s IT landscape, those data flows need to be facilitated — getting the basics right around data. This is where the technology that EXSYN brings to the program comes into play. It is a full platform that connects to the different systems in use at the customer airline as well as external systems such as OEM portals, in order to get the data that was identified from exercises like getting the basics right. Also, this is the time for enrichment and alignment. Then, using that EXSYN technology to have an integrated process, to extract that data and apply certain transformation rules that might be needed, alignment rules that might need to be applied to it plus cleansing that might need to be applied to that data. In short, all of the different technical workings with the data itself and ultimately moving them into systems and data warehouses where the data is needed. As you can imagine, with a large fleet you’ll need a powerful piece of technology in order to facilitate such a process in a cost efficient and safe manner. But just having the technology itself wouldn’t do justice to a partnership
“… just having the technology itself wouldn’t do justice to a partnership because it’s not just about the technology that needs to be brought into a collaboration: it’s also about bringing a particular service to the partnership in terms of the methodology that we apply…” because it’s not just about the technology that needs to be brought into a collaboration: it’s also about bringing a particular service to the partnership in terms of the methodology that we apply, several elements of which have been shown and discussed above. That includes experience not just in terms of systems but also on the data bits themselves and on the different aircraft types. Different OEMs follow different data strategies and all of that comes across when you engage in a data migration activity. If we now talk about the methodology, figure 4 illustrates the exercise that EXSYN went through with the customer airline but which would be typical of any customer.
DATA STRATEGY: PARTNERSHIPS T E C H N O LO G Y – T H E N E X U S P L AT F O R M
Figure 4
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 55
WHITE PAPER: EXSYN
“In this process, you could uncover some things that might have happened in the past to that data and could have referred to maintenance events such as task over-runs. These are all elements that you need to expect…” It starts with something very simple, a base line, taking all the data that needs to go into the architecture at some point. At this stage, there is no need to apply any complex transformations or rules, but just load the data in and see how things look in that future context where the data has to be. That identifies different gaps that need to be addressed as well as additional data sets that might need to be added and cleaning requirements in order to make sure that the data is fit for purpose. All of this is not only to run whatever system you might want to run at this point but also taking into account the future intentions for that data and those systems. From that point, we get into an iterative cycle of amending the data, enriching the data, cleaning the data, applying additional transformation rules, etc., to achieve a certain level of data readiness at which point we could say that, having gone through that entire integration and migration exercise, the data is ready not just for today’s purposes but also for our future plans and intentions. That’s the point where you move into a go-live scenario and then start managing the data according to the process every day. With the customer airline in question, it took seven different iterations to get the data into a state of readiness for the business to continue working with it and, through that iterative process, all of those different elements are covered. These include the different cleaning rules, the different transformations that the customer might want to apply to the data even the different corrections that might sometimes need to be done, corrections that can have critical impacts on the aircraft data itself. In this process, you could uncover some things that might have happened in the past to that data and could have referred to maintenance events such as task over-runs. These are all elements that you need to expect if you undertake such an exercise. It’s nothing to be afraid of but just something that needs to be managed as part of the overall process, part of the journey that you go through to get to that state of data readiness. That said, this exercise is not done solely in order to have a particular level of data readiness; you go through this technical exercise of getting data up to a certain standard as part of a bigger picture. That might be because of a digital journey which the organization is on, it might be because of the implementation
of a new system, it might be because of the arrival of a new fleet into the airline… it’s always part of a bigger overall picture. What is important is to look at the process itself, next to managing it properly from a technical aspect and the alignment of all the migration, all the data transmission activities with the overall business implementation project. This is never a stand-alone activity with its own goals; it’s something that is fully integrated into the entire business implementation process.
SANDER DE BREE
Sander de Bree is founder and CEO of EXSYN Aviation Solutions; focusing on aircraft data management solutions for aviation. He is heavily specialized in the field of IT systems for aircraft maintenance and data management, oversees all R&D projects within the company and is the main focal point for all business development activities. Sander holds a degree in aeronautical engineering and holds specializations in human factors, continuous airworthiness management, aircraft maintenance and IT business systems.
EXSYN AVIATION SOLUTIONS
EXSYN’s aircraft data management platform and its various solutions are deployed with more than 20 different airlines and MROs across 20 different countries globally. Overall, it has already integrated with more than 10 different MRO software’s and 29 different aircraft types. Combining EXSYN’s aircraft data management platform with any MRO software provides airlines and MRO’s the ability to not just record airworthiness and maintenance data but also drive value from their data through business optimization, maintenance costs reductions and higher fleet availability.
INTERACTIVE GIVE US YOUR OPINION CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR COMMENT INTERACTIVE SUBSCRIBE HERE CLICK HERE TO READ ALL FUTURE EDITIONS
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 56
Missed an issue of MRO?
CLICK ON THE COVER TO FLY BACK IN TIME NOW…
CASE STUDIES: AIR CANADA • LUFTHANSA • AIR TAHITI • AIR EUROPA
NEWS AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATES
WINTER 2022 • V11.4
Managing several fleets of devices at Air Canada
Ensuring that all devices are up to date, synchronized and in compliance with regulatory requirements
WHAT CAN IT DO: QOCO
WHITE PAPER: ASIA DIGITAL ENGINERING (ADE)
NEWS UPDATES
SPRING 2023 • V12.1
Lufthansa gains time on wing New MRO/M&E IT solutions for its R-R Trent engines at Air Europa and Air Tahiti
Continuous data exchange benefits the airline & the OEM
CASE STUDIES: CHRONO AVIATION & WAAS • FEDEX EXPRESS
The benefits from investing in a modern solution
VENDOR JOB CARDS: ULTRAMAIN SYSTEMS • SWISS-AS • QOCO SYSTEMS • EXSYN AVIATION SOLUTIONS
AIRCRAFT IT MRO V11.4 WINTER 2022 CASE STUDIES AIR CANADA • LUFTHANSA AIR TAHITI • AIR EUROPA WHAT CAN IT DO: QOCO
Realizing the simplifying benefits of a new maintenance planning solution
Chrono and WAAS get a new IT solution
WHITE PAPER: KEEPFLYING
NEWS UPDATES
SUMMER 2023 • V12.2
FedEx Express takes maintenance planning digital
Updating IT as a pillar for growth strategy
CASE STUDIES: JAL ENGINEERING CO. • AIRBUS NEW ZEALAND
Digital transformation at Asia Digital Engineering
A newly stand-alone MRO leverages technology
WHAT CAN IT DO: ROTA HOW TECHNOLOGY WORKS: IDMR VENDOR JOB CARDS: RUSADA • REDIFLY • RECOSENSE • ADE
AIRCRAFT IT MRO V12.1 SPRING 2023
CASE STUDIES FEDEX EXPRESS • CHRONO AVIATION & WAAS WHITE PAPER ASIA DIGITAL ENGINEERING (ADE)
JAL Engineering Co. goes digital
Transforming long-range maintenance planning to manage more aircraft AIRBUS NEW ZEALAND: A new ERP solution for a growing regional player
KEEPFLYING: Digital Financial Twins will enable the best use of aircraft and components
WHAT CAN IT DO: QOCO SYSTEMS HOW I SEE IT: ICF VENDOR JOB CARDS: ADSOFTWARE • ULTRAMAIN SYSTEMS
AIRCRAFT IT MRO V12.2 SUMMER 2023
CASE STUDIES JAL ENGINEERING CO. • AIRBUS NEW ZEALAND WHITE PAPER: KEEP FLYING WHAT CAN IT DO: QOCO SYSTEMS
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
VENDOR JOB CARD: DENT & BUCKLE
Michał Schutty explains how making the tedious job of structural damage records easy and intuitive has ensured dent & buckle’s continuing success Michał Schutty has an unwavering passion for innovation and boasts an impressive track record in the aviation industry. He presently holds the role of CEO at dent & buckle, having assumed the position in June 2023. Previously, Michał served as the CTO at NHV Helicopters and played a vital role within the Rusada team. With a master’s degree in mechanical engineering under his belt, he seamlessly integrates technical prowess with a strategic outlook. Michał’s emphasis on innovation, nurturing relationships, and promoting growth underscores his unwavering commitment to instigating positive change in the industry. Aircraft IT: Your name, your job title and the name of the business? Michał Schutty: Michał Schutty, CEO of dent & buckle Aircraft IT: How did dent & buckle get started? MS: In 2014 Kristinn Fannar Palsson, an aircraft structural engineer from Iceland had an idea to create an application that would replace manual and Excel based aircraft dent and buckle charts. Through a chain of connections, he was introduced to an aviation software company called Output42 to see if they were interested in the project. After an evaluation and recognizing the potential, both parties decided to start a joint venture company with the goal to create a state of the art, truly mobile solution powered by 3D interactive airframe models.
Aircraft IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives dent & buckle? MS: The guiding business principle that drives dent & buckle is centered around providing a meaningful solution that aligns with our mission. Our focus is delivering software that is so intuitively designed and user-friendly that its value is immediately apparent and requires minimal thought to adopt — essentially, a ‘no brainer’ solution. This principle underscores our commitment to creating products that not only address specific challenges but also resonate with users due to their practicality and ease of use. Aircraft IT: What has dent & buckle’s greatest business achievement been to date, and why? MS: dent & buckle’s greatest business achievement to date has been retaining 100% of their customer base AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 58
during the pandemic period. Despite the challenging economic environment brought about by the pandemic, we managed to maintain a strong foothold in the market and uphold our customer relationships. I believe this achievement speaks volumes about our commitment to customer satisfaction and the quality
“Despite the challenging economic environment brought about by the pandemic, we managed to maintain a strong foothold in the market and uphold our customer relationships.”
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDORJOB CARD
of the software that we offer. What we have also achieved is the ability to organically grow and develop innovative products without relying on external investors, this showcases our self-sufficiency and strategic business acumen. Aircraft IT: What have been your disappointments and what have you learned from them? MS: Our disappointments stem from the challenges encountered while introducing this new technology to larger customers in the conservative aviation industry, revealing the need for patience. Our experiences have shown us that introducing innovative solutions to larger clients, can be a challenge due to the airline industry’s adherence to traditional methods. This requires us to put in extra effort to effectively demonstrate the advantages of embracing digitization. Aircraft IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what dent & buckle does for aircraft maintenance customers? MS: Dent & buckle transforms the tedious job of maintaining structural damage records into a task that is easy and intuitive. We make the job of maintaining structural damage records easy. Aircraft IT: What do you feel will be the next big thing in maintenance Aviation IT? MS: The next significant advancement in maintenance Aviation IT is likely to be the widespread utilization of
“Dent & buckle transforms the tedious job of maintaining structural damage records into a task that is easy and intuitive. We make the job of maintaining structural damage records easy.” machine learning for various inspection tasks. Dent & buckle’s ‘dab.ml’ product exemplifies this trend, serving as a valuable tool to aid engineers in identifying new structural damage. The emerging wave of products like dab.ml, which harnesses the power of AI technologies is poised to play a pivotal role in assisting engineers and revolutionizing how inspections are conducted in the aviation industry. Aircraft IT: What do you want your customers to say about dent & buckle MS: That we live by our values which means we are reliable, agile and technology driven. That our intuitive solutions truly simplified their daily jobs. That we are good partner to work with and that they enjoy cooperation with us which, in turn, leads them to recommend us to other organizations.
Is the sky the limit? Do more with Aircraft IT MRO Webinars • eJournals Software • Conferences News • Advisory Unit Want to be involved? For more information
Aircraft IT: Michał Schutty, thank you for your time. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 59
simply email scott.leslie@aircraftit.com
AIRCRAFTMRO IT www.aircraftIT.com
CASE STUDY: SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES)
SAS’s Journey to paperless maintenance operations Yuliya Kornyeva, Maintenance Data Analyst and Dlovan Sandi, ELB Digital Service Owner at SAS — Scandinavian Airlines, and Rob Saunders, Director of Business Development of the Electronic Log Book at Ultramain Systems, share SAS’s transition to an electronic and paperless ELB solution AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 60
CASE STUDY: SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES)
F
acing big changes in the way that we work can make for a daunting prospect but the reality is that, once the need for change has been recognized, with the right partner, that change process need not be daunting at all. And, of course, there are significant benefits to be gained from making the change to a more modern solution. In that context, we are really pleased to have this opportunity to share our vision of a paperless maintenance process and the path to our successful achievement of a seamless transition to a paperless maintenance environment (figure 1) at SAS. However, before we go into the project, let’s just take a quick look at SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) that is the subject of this case study.
SAS SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES
SAS — Scandinavian Airlines, the flag carrier of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, has embarked on a robust digitalization strategy. Operating from three major hubs in each home state — Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo — SAS plays a pivotal role in connecting Scandinavia to the world and the world to Scandinavia. Founded in 1946 as a consortium to consolidate transatlantic operations of Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian airlines, these airlines merged into SAS in 1951. SAS continuously reduces its carbon emissions through sustainable aviation fuel, new fuel-efficient aircraft, and technology innovation with partners, contributing to the industry’s net zero CO2 emissions goal by 2050. Spurred by Scandinavian heritage and sustainability values, SAS aims to lead in sustainable aviation and digitalization.
WHAT SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES) WANTED
At the outset, SAS mapped out a vision of what was wanted (figure 1).
SAS Vision E-Archive
seamless paperless maintenance process
E-Signature
E-Execution E-Allocation 8
The idea was to be able to use electronic manuals provided by OEMs plus electronically generated maintenance instructions, all of which would be automatically allocated to engineering and maintenance staff based on different criteria such as available ground time and the skills of the personnel involved. Then these maintenance instructions should be executed by maintenance technicians; performance of the allocated tasks should be acknowledged and aircraft released using e-signatures on portable devices. Finally, all of those records should be transitioned to the electronic archive, and properly stamped.
E-Manual
“The idea was to be able to use electronic manuals provided by OEMs plus electronically generated maintenance instructions, all of which would be automatically allocated to engineering and maintenance staff…”
Figure 1
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 61
CASE STUDY: SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES)
LEGACY PROCESSES
That was the vision and some parts of it were already available. As a multitype operator, SAS knows that OEMs already provide maintenance instructions in SGML or XML format. Also, the airline has AMOS Maintenance and Engineering software that’s able to recognize these formats and transfer them seamlessly to maintenance instructions. Furthermore, SAS has a technical records archive in a GE Digital AirVault which is combined with Asset Transfer System, another product from GE Digital and integrated with AirVault, that stores all the airline’s maintenance records. But some significant components in the vision were missing from the reality. It reminded the airline that, compared with the modern technology, it was not a very efficient process (figure 2).
“This involved not only integrating with the maintenance and engineering system but also the need to seamlessly integrate with flight operations software and crew rostering.”
SAS approach
Crew Composition
OOOI Defects
Legacy Process Print
Cabin
Sign
Scan
Upload
Integration Development
Register
Tech
ELB
Flights Tech Record
Components
Fuel Release
Print workpackage and checks
Perform checks & document performance
Scan paperwork and close workpackage
Review DFP in e-archive
Record compliance in MIS
Figure 2 5
The old process saw SAS print digital electronic documents, perform checks and document performance, and sign the paper which would then be scanned before reviewing the records and registering the record in the maintenance and engineering system with the scanned records then stored in the digital archive. It was not the most efficient way of doing things. A significant portion of these records are generated by line maintenance, particularly the technical log. Line maintenance differs from base maintenance in that it operates in a highly dynamic environment. In the case of logbooks, entries are made not only by engineering and maintenance personnel but also by pilots and cabin crew, making it a multi-user environment.
FINDING A NEW SOLUTION
Taking all of this into account, SAS began exploring paperless and Electronic Technical Log Book (ELB) solutions available in the market. The goal was not just to replace the current paper-based processes, including the technical log book, with an electronic device, but also to aim for something more (figure 3).
Figure 3
The main requirement was to integrate any potential solution to SAS’s existing digital infrastructure; This involved not only integrating with the maintenance and engineering system but also the need to seamlessly integrate with flight operations software and crew rostering. The integration aimed to relieve pilots from the task of manually entering OOOI (Out, Off, On, In) times and crew composition into the log book. Furthermore, the airline sought the capability for the log book to not only receive but also transmit information with other internal systems within the company. Additionally, it aimed to enable the log book to exchange data with external systems beyond the SAS environment, such as those related to fuel release. Moreover, the airline’s requirement included ensuring that any new solution could seamlessly interface with the electronic digital archive, facilitating the transmission of all signed documents to this archive. Bearing in mind all of these requirements, SAS selected ULTRAMAIN for the line maintenance environment and to provide the ELB. For base maintenance, the choice was the solution provided by AMOS Mobile. As we said above, there is a significant difference between the base maintenance environment and the line. Base maintenance is essentially engineering staff whereas, when we look at line operations, we’re looking at pilots, cabin crew, engineering and back office. So, the application is also critical as far as dispatch is concerned. The objective was to look for an application that 7
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 62
CASE STUDY: SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES)
2023 August_Aircraft IT eJournal_m2.pdf
“Base maintenance is essentially engineering staff whereas, when we look at line operations, we’re looking at pilots, cabin crew, engineering and back office.” was protected against loss of connectivity which is just one reason why ULTRAMAIN ELB was chosen as it can work completely off-line, and that includes the electronic signature. So even with server loss, the application will still work. And that was one of the key considerations for using the two applications, ULTRAMAIN and AMOS, side-by-side. In the old legacy process, a defect would be found while airborne, the aircraft would arrive, would depart and then, at some point, hopefully in the next hour although it could be longer, that information would be fed into the maintenance system, in this case, AMOS. However, with the electronic Log Book, figure 4, that information is going immediately into AMOS.
ELB Benefits Real time integration with AMOS
Repeat Event
Report
Event
ARR
DEP
Accurate Consistent data Accurate 4 digit ATA codes Faster Fix
Data entry timeline
Legacy Process
Hours Days
Weeks
No MEL overruns AMOS
No Calculation Errors Safety Alerts
Immediate Electronic update
Reduced Deferrals Less Delays Higher A/C Availability Lower Operating Costs 9
Figure 4
So, whatever happens in AMOS is happening in real time because of the connection into the electronic Log Book which has all the connectivity and protections. From the point of view of the crew, obviously, they need usability, so the application is very much designed to meet the needs of all those users. SAS has chosen to use an iPad for the electronic log book with one device on the flight deck and one in the cabin; they will ‘peer to peer’ synchronize when AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 63
1
8/25/23
12:17 PM
CASE STUDY: SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES)
“What that has immediately made possible is the saving in paper with something like 10,300 pages saved per month and literally hundreds of thousands of log book pages saved throughout the year.” There’s no printing, distribution, collection, paper entry, errors; most of that is eradicated. What that has immediately made possible is the saving in paper with something like 10,300 pages saved per month and literally hundreds of thousands of log book pages saved throughout the year. All of that paper has disappeared which also means that it no longer needs to be stored, scanned or corrected. they are not connected. Both devices can be used for all functions, so there’s a hot standby available should there be a failure of the flight deck device. The ELB integration with AMOS is bi-directional.
BENEFITS
Looking at the benefits, you can see behind the red circle (figure 5) processes that everybody agrees are no longer necessary and, as a consequence, have now gone.
ELB Benefits
GLOBAL OPERATIONAL VISIBILITY IN REAL PRINTING PAGES
MIS DATA ENTRY
DISTRIBUTE
TECH/CABIN LOG ENTRIES
TRANSPORT
COLLECT
SHIP
STORAGE ERROR REPORTS
MIS DATA CORRECTION
TECH RECORDS
10
Figure 5
Save Paper Handing costs
•
Reduce Labour costs
•
No data Entry
•
> 99% data integrity
•
Global visibility
•
Reduce compliance risks
•
e-Tech Records
Looking further into the future and with the application itself able to have autonomous alerting and on-device decision support, everything in AMOS will still work in real time but the new solution brings with it some decision support for the mechanic. This has already meant that some ULTRAMAIN users are seeing significant savings in component removal and ‘first time fix’ which means more operational availability. Looking at the steps in figure 6.1…
TIME •
Avoid Aircraft Switches
•
Avoid delays
•
Avoid AOGs
•
Reduce Engineering & Ops costs
•
Reduce NFF rate / Inventory cost
•
Reduce MEL sectors
•
Higher Passenger Service Level
•
On-line records retrieval
Signed FlightLog
STEP 2
STEP 1. Performing a flight STEP 2. The signed flightlog is transferred to AirVault
INHERENT •
HOW THE NEW SOLUTION WORKS AND IS PLANNED TO WORK
PROCESS IMPROVEMENT • OEM application integration
STEP 1
• Diagnostics and Prognostics • User Group Innovations
11 Figure 6.1
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 64
CASE STUDY: SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES)
… as far as the flight log itself is concerned, the process starts with performing the flight and the signed flight log being saved straight into the SAS AirVault. Then, figure 6.2, there are the e-Line checks, not including defect management, and a compliance record being submitted to AMOS.
Ultramain eLine checks
STEP 2
“It generates real time updates while, at the same time, it has also eradicated all of the line check side; that was actually an innovation for this SAS project and the information generated goes straight into AMOS for compliance.”
STEP 1. Check performed in Ultramain ELB • accomplish electronically
STEP 2. Compliance record submitted to AMOS
• no paper • no downstream effort • compliance assured before departure
12
Figure 6.2
STEP 1
If we look at service checks, weekly checks, maintenance checks, all of that sort of thing, they have traditionally been carried out using paper and there’s a lot of paper out there, even for many electronic log book operators. When Ultramain started to work with SAS, the airline said that they’d like a solution that brings all of those checks into the log book. The difference here, in composing maintenance manual content, between something like an e-Line check type application and, say, a maintenance check, is that if, let’s say, you do an APU oil check, you don’t need five pages of instructions, which is what you would get if using a work packaging. So, what Ultramain has done is that they’ve taken the
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 65
CASE STUDY: SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES)
line checks that are being used and digitalized them. That allows for an electronic signature per line, an electronic signature per check and, in this case, it’s actually the ‘per check’ that’s fed into AMOS for the compliance. It generates real time updates while, at the same time, it has also eradicated all of the line check side; that was actually an innovation for this SAS project and the information generated goes straight into AMOS for compliance. From the planning side, it can be planned through AMOS or the log book itself will call it out when it’s due; if it’s disconnected, it will still get called out even if AMOS is not available to the log book. Component changes go across to AMOS (Figure 6.3).
Components
STEP 2
STEP 1. Component change is recorded in ELB STEP 2. Configuration change done in AMOS
STEP 1 13
Figure 6.3
At the time of writing, the configuration changes were being done in AMOS but the component information was being fed in in real time and, obviously, it’s linked to the task itself or the work order itself on the AMOS side. And then, there is the e-Execution (figure 6.4).
“…the technical records are being done online and the AMOS updates are being done online and, incidentally, in the log book itself, SAS also stores PDF and XML files for Life of Aircraft Plus.” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 66
CASE STUDY: SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES)
E-Execution STEP 3
STEP 1. A complaint raised in ELB STEP 2. Compliance records submitted to AMOS
STEP 1
STEP 3. The signed WO is transferred to airVault
STEP 1
STEP 2 14
Figure 6.4
Complaints raised in the electronic log book, are fed into SAS’s GE AirVault, and also into AMOS; again, in near real time. What that means is that the technical records are being done online and the AMOS updates are being done online and, incidentally, in the log book itself, SAS also stores PDF and XML files for Life of Aircraft Plus. There are three sources there of the same information synchronized.
A PRAGMATIC APPROACH
SAS has actually taken on the whole task, which is a big task, of moving across to the new way of doing things with the established user demographic: however, this has been accomplished with quite a pragmatic approach (figure 7).
Pragmatic approach
CURRENT PROCESS
OPPORTUNITY
New features and processes
15 Figure 7
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 67
CASE STUDY: SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES)
“SAS is planning to implement the ULTRAMAIN tool in all three AOCs within the group (SAS, SAS Connect and SAS Link) as part of the group’s transition to one group-wide CAMO process.” ANALYTICS
The airline had noticed that a number of MAREPs (Maintenance Reports) in the technical log, which either acknowledged scheduled maintenance for information purposes or confirmed a troubleshooting step for an issue that had already been reported, had an influence on the reliability rate. ULTRAMAIN addresses both scenarios with distinct functionalities, enabling the reporting of scheduled check completions and individual troubleshooting steps within the logbook page. As a result, SAS expects a positive influence on MAREP rates. This rate change is monitored through the Reliability Dashboard application developed by SAS within the Skywise analytical platform (figure 8).
Analytics Reliability Dashboard developed by SAS in
LOGBOOK REVIEW Grouped ATA rates
For instance, SAS has its own internal damage tool which they will continue to use for the time being. Looking to the future, the ULTRAMAIN solution does have Dent & Buckle Management (see middle of figure 6.4) and that might be taken up later by SAS but it was not felt that that particular change was immediately necessary as opposed to there being other changes that needed to be completed more quickly. SAS is planning to implement the ULTRAMAIN tool in all three AOCs within the group (SAS, SAS Connect and SAS Link) as part of the group’s transition to one group-wide CAMO process.
3 Months rolling average
MAREP RATE eliminating “info” entries
Fixed and calculated UCL
Figure 8
The Reliability Dashboard provides, in an informative manner, visual representations of performance indicators related to delays, cancellations, and unscheduled and deferred maintenance, as well as component replacements. Its effectiveness has motivated SAS to make it available to other airlines on Skywise platform. 16
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 68
CASE STUDY: SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES)
YULIYA KORNYEVA
As part of the SAS Digital & IT team, Yuliya supports the development and implementation of analytical tools for data-driven decision-making, integrating data from various sources, including aircraft maintenance, operations, and sensor data. Before SAS, Yuliya managed aviation IT projects, focused on M&E software, Electronic Log Book, and Technical Records digitalization. She also worked as a maintenance contract manager, reliability engineer, and CAMO manager in different countries.
DLOVAN SANDI
Dlovan is part of SAS Aircraft IT team working with systems mainly related to CAMO and Maintenance Production, but also Flight Operations. With a diverse background in the aviation industry, Dlovan supports in cross-functional processes as well as specialized areas to make the most out of the systems in use and has incorporated the experience in the ELB implementation.
ROB SAUNDERS
Rob has 43 years of aviation maintenance experience, beginning his career with British Airways, followed by Cathay Pacific where he led several Programs with a focus on business improvement and digital transformation. He now serves as the Director of Business Development for Electronic Logbook at Ultramain Systems, offering expert guidance to Airlines, MROs, and IT Suppliers in electronic logbooks and Line Maintenance processes. His focus is streamlining maintenance and operations, specializing in Electronic Logbook and Digital Operations.
To conclude SAS’s electronic journey (figure 9) …
E-Journey Go paperless from vision to execution
2021 MIS reports
2020
EASA Form 1
GO FULLY MOBILE AND ELECTRONIC
2024
Figure 9
… the first step that the airline made towards being completely electronic was caused by COVID forcing the airline to move to an electronic signature in AMOS reports. Subsequently, the next milestone was securing regulatory approval for electronic signatures in EASA Form 1, a milestone successfully achieved in 2021. SAS has already demonstrated its ability to verify signatures through AMOS using the eSign solution on EASA Form 1, instilling confidence that additional approvals for Electronic Technical Log will be forthcoming. The airline aims to achieve full digitization for its Tech Operations, including mobile and electronic capabilities, by the end of 2024. That was SAS’s journey which has really mattered to the airline and we hope that readers will also find it of interest and an inspiration, and that any who are daunted by the prospect of change will see that it is a straightforward matter if well planned and undertaken with the right partner. 17
SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES)
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) serves three countries; Norway Sweden and Denmark with the highest frequency of departures to and from Scandinavia to 1300 destinations world-wide. The airline operates one of Europe’s most modern and efficient fleets of Airbus A320 family aircraft, both CEO and NEO, as well as Airbus A330-300 and A350-900, and Embraer E195LR. Further modern aircraft are on order.
ULTRAMAIN SYSTEMS
Ultramain Systems, Inc. develops M&E / MRO and ELB software for the aviation industry and enables customers to run full, end-to-end paperless operations from the cockpit to the ground. ULTRAMAIN v9, featuring Mobile Mechanic and Mobile Inventory enables real-time paperless data collection for the full maintenance and inventory process. Combine ULTRAMAIN v9 with ULTRAMAIN ELB, the easy-to-use electronic logbook, and the entire maintenance process becomes paperless. INTERACTIVE GIVE US YOUR OPINION CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR COMMENT INTERACTIVE SUBSCRIBE HERE CLICK HERE TO READ ALL FUTURE EDITIONS
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 69
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
VENDOR JOB CARD: 2MoRO
Marc Sistiaga shares 2MoRO’s blend of listening to customers and focusing on great MRO software that has made the business a leading light in the sector Marc has 20 years of expertise in IT project management, software development, and publishing. He holds a Ph.D. in Image Processing from the Laboratory of Computer Science, Robotics, and Microelectronics of Montpellier, following his work at IFREMER’s Robotics Service. A longstanding member of 2MoRO, Marc has worn multiple hats: first, he was a technical leader, project manager, and director of operations, overseeing staffing, projects, and quality assurance. He is currently 2MoRO’s deputy general manager and Head of the Aero-Webb® offer. Aircraft IT: Your name, your job title and the name of the business? Marc Sistiaga: Marc Sistiaga, Head of Aero-Webb® Offer, 2MoRO. Aircraft IT: How did 2MoRO get started? MS: The 2MoRO story began in 2004 in Bidart, southwest France. The basis of the company was to combine two teams of experts, firstly in MRO but also IT... Hence, the name of our company: 2 complementary teams specializing in the MRO market. This combination has given us credibility in both maintenance and operations departments as well as in the IT department of prestigious companies like Safran Group first, Airbus Helicopter, and Dassault Aviation later. Since our founding, we have been involved in major European R&D projects as a technology provider, and we invest a lot in innovation. With almost 20 years of experience in
the aerospace industry, 2MoRO is growing and evolving fast. Today, we offer two software solutions to help companies in the Aerospace and Defense sectors manage their maintenance and logistics. We have recently developed our new solution: a training platform dedicated to aircraft maintenance and in-service support. Our solutions are used in over 25 countries worldwide. Aircraft IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives 2MoRO? MS: Listen to and learn from the customers, and then propose user-centric, process-driven solutions allowing possibilities for innovative service developments. Indeed, 2MoRO carries in its genes the need for innovation and the commitment to support its customers in the appropriation of new features and new services, making their businesses more efficient and profitable. We do not want to AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 70
offer the same software as our competitors. Instead, 2MoRO’S software, specializes in aviation MRO needs and complements other programs, often leaders in their market. Our goal is that customers benefit from the best software at the best total cost of ownership.
“Today, we offer two software solutions to help companies in the Aerospace and Defense sectors manage their maintenance and logistics. ”
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDORJOB CARD
“…cost-effective, state-of-the-art MRO IT solutions with innovative technology, intuitive ergonomic improving user experience, and a large catalogue of services empowering aircraft maintenance customers to enhance digital continuity…” Aircraft IT: What has 2MoRO’s greatest business achievement been to date, and why? MS: My greatest satisfaction is the trust our customers have placed in us for so many years, some of them more than fifteen years. This is a sign of confidence in our support and the coverage of our solutions to fit their needs. Aircraft IT: What have been your disappointments and what have you learned from them? MS: I wouldn’t say disappointment, but impatience to see the emergence of new capabilities on our software that are still not present, such as having a version on the Cloud. This is a goal we have set
ourselves to be able to address the software to all sizes of customers, but this is still a service we’re eager to provide over the next few years. Aircraft IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what 2MoRO does for aircraft maintenance customers? MS: Our company offers cost-effective, state-of-theart MRO IT solutions with innovative technology, intuitive ergonomics that improve user experience, and a large catalogue of services empowering aircraft maintenance customers to enhance digital continuity and enabling better-informed, proactive, and efficient operations.
Aircraft IT: What do you feel will be the next big thing in maintenance Aviation IT? MS: The next major development in aviation maintenance IT is predictive maintenance. Powered by AI, IoT, and data analytics, it enables real-time component monitoring to foresee issues. Sensors monitor aircraft conditions in real-time, enabling precise, data-driven maintenance scheduling. Blockchain secures maintenance records, while AR aids technicians. Cybersecurity and advanced analytics play pivotal roles in this data-driven evolution. This trend promises safer, more efficient aviation operations. Aircraft IT: What do you want your customers to say about 2MoRO? MS: Choosing 2MoRO was the right decision. Their software was seamlessly implemented on schedule, precisely aligning with our operational requirements, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Aircraft IT: Marc Sistiaga, thank you for your time.
FREE WEBINARS Hosted by a different MRO IT vendor, sessions provide airlines, aircraft operators and MROs with the perfect introduction to the vendor’s software solution.
CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WEBINARS
AIRCRAFTMRO IT AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 71
WHITE PAPER: LUFTHANSA SYSTEMS
Lufthansa Systems develops a digital twin concept for aviation Priscila Monroy, Junior Consultant at Lufthansa Systems, shares the development process that created this exciting new technology
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 72
WHITE PAPER: LUFTHANSA SYSTEMS
B
efore we dive into the details of our development, it will be useful for readers if I set-out what a digital twin is and what can be done by using one.
footprint of the organization. So, with this in mind, we started to form the idea and consider the challenges that might be encountered while developing this concept or system (Figure 1).
THE DIGITAL TWIN
Challenges
A digital twin is a digital representation of any physical object or system using real-time data or historical data. With this data, you are able to run simulations and with these simulations, you can, for example, simulate different circumstances or environments. Based on that, you will get results either as reports or dashboards or any business organization tool and, with these results, the stakeholders are able to make informed decisions about what would be the performance of the physical object in a variety of circumstances or environments.
WHY A DIGITAL TWIN?
There is currently a lot of technology around with emerging IT tools that are helping to understand how different systems behave. Based on that, Lufthansa Systems had the idea to develop a study focusing on how can we, as the aviation industry, use a digital twin to enhance time management, and improve the decision-making processes within the industry. That was how the idea came about. We realized the benefit that such a tool could offer by helping to improve operations and fleet optimization, as well as helping to predict the flight routes that would to help reduce the carbon
Data Sharing and Integration with other systems Cybersecurity risks Regulatory compliance Complexity and Data quality Figure 1
We realized that it would be a really complex system, therefore qualified personnel were needed to be able to develop the tool. Then there is the integration with other systems which is of great importance because the idea of this digital twin is, with data transmission, being able to connect with existing software in aviation organizations: that is really important. There are also cyber-security risks to be considered and, for that, we evaluated the safety and security regulations that apply to these technologies. We selected the digital twin tool because it works with real-time data as well as historical data. There
are a lot of different tools that help predict and simulate different, for example, flight plans or flight routes, but there wasn’t a single tool that would allow us to bring all of those capabilities together or, for example, to be able to simulate theoretical things to improve the operations. Not just what is happening right now but whether we could predict or forecast what would be the effect of different decisions, and to have a better analysis. The Lufthansa Systems Digital Twin Concept is the one that will enable us to do this; to not only work with the real-time data that is available in most organizations but also to run theoretical simulations in order to improve operations. We started to build this study with the Digital Twins in mind, we did not consider other technologies, but during the study, we did consider different architectures until we found one that best suited the objectives that we wanted to achieve.
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY OF THE DIGITAL TWIN
At first, we did all of the background checks: plus we did research on how this tool has been used in other industries and, based on that, we built a use case specifically for the aviation industry and decided that it can be used for maintenance, for airline operations, CAMO operations, for research, design and manufacturing (figure 2). Use Cases
Maintenance Design Airline Operations
“…there is the integration with other systems which is of great importance because the idea of this digital twin is, with data transmission, being able to connect with existing software…”
Cargo Operations Research Figure 2
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 73
WHITE PAPER: LUFTHANSA SYSTEMS
When we had built these use cases, we were able to select experts in the industry for maintenance, design, operations, cargo carriers and research. We got together with them and ran workshops. Also, we sent out surveys to gather from them all the information we could, in order to be able to develop the digital twin concept and to identify potential problems. We wanted to determine what would be the right development strategy for the tool and to identify whether this tool would be something that they needed and could implement in their operations. After all of these activities, we got together to produce a summarized overview of all the information we had gathered before continuing to do the research to build the architecture, taking into account the comments that they had given us. Our research suggested that the main areas where this would be used in aviation would be engineering, maintenance and design but this can also be implemented for management, to predict cost and another important use case we saw is for environmental sustainability. This is a great tool to apply to reducing an organization’s carbon footprint. The digital twin that we have developed uses machine learning (ML) and algorithms and modelling tools, such as 3D models, to be able to have a digital replica of the object in question and also computer models with which to work.
HOW THE DIGITAL TWIN WORKS AND WHAT IT CAN DO In figure 3, you can see graphically the working flow of the system.
Architecture Development
Figure 3
The idea is that we will have a Client-Side App with a user interface and which can either run on the web or as an application in the user’s computer. Through this, we will be able to send a request. For example, if we want to see how this
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 74
WHITE PAPER: LUFTHANSA SYSTEMS
system is going to behave in particular conditions, we can enter the inputs appropriate to what we want. And then, the information goes through the gateway because, if it’s running on the web, normally the communication protocol is through HTTP and we need the gateway which does the translation of the data to MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) messaging. When this has been done, the request is in the system where there are different micro-services each of which will be in charge of doing a specific task as the names on each them suggest. For instance, the middle one in the left column collects data and, as already mentioned, that can be real-time data from the aircraft sensors or it can come from a database which includes all the historical data. For example, in maintenance there can be all of the records of maintenance events that an aircraft has been through. So, there can be external sources such as aircraft sensors or another system that the organization is using. When we have this system, to be able to collect the data, because that is something external to the digital twin, the Middleware will be needed to be able to communicate with the system and, when we have all the data collected, then this microservice will send the information to the other microservices. This one is going to be in charge of processing the data. Then the information will be sent to the microservice in charge of analyzing the data; it’s mainly going to run all of the machine algorithms before the information arrives to the microservice in charge of running the simulations. There can even be the microservice where that 3D model can be made of either the aircraft or of a specific component. Then, the results will be generated and sent back to the user interface. Basically, the idea is that there are different services because this ensures that, if something fails, it doesn’t affect the entire system, but can be isolated. It also allows for the system to have scalability which means that if we want to escalate
any specific system, it won’t be necessary to stop the entire digital twin from working in order to make the escalation. One way to think of this is to imagine you have gone to a restaurant where you and the waitress speak the same language. That is what is happening in the case of this architecture with the user interface and the digital twin. You make your request to the waitress; it gets sent to the kitchen and you get your food. But then there are the external sources already explained which can be likened to if you go to the restaurant but you don’t speak the same language as the waitress, in which case, you’ll need a translator. That is what the Middleware does; translates that externally sourced data so that it can be used in the digital twin.
APPLICATION OF A DIGITAL TWIN IN ENGINEERING & MAINTENANCE
In maintenance, the digital twin can be used to plan or organize preventive, predictive and scheduled maintenance. Most of all, it can be used for proactive maintenance and be applied not only to prevent problems but also to be proactive and detect issues before they even happen. It does that by running the simulations of any case or scenario the user wants then putting that in to the twin and the results will be available. Imagine two aircraft, one that is mainly flying over the ocean and the other one mainly flying over the land. The components and systems, though the same in both aircraft, will react differently in the two different environments. If flying over the ocean,
“… the idea is that there are different services because this ensures that, if something fails, it doesn’t affect the entire system, but can be isolated. It also allows for the system to have scalability…” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 75
WHITE PAPER: LUFTHANSA SYSTEMS
maybe the salt will have more impact on an engine than when flying over the land. All of that can be simulated plus weather conditions to simulate that, if this aircraft is always over the ocean, some things will fail sooner than with the other aircraft that is not flying over the ocean. These theoretical situations can be simulated to understand how the system is going to behave. The information can come from either a data base which would just need middleware to communicate the information or it can also be instructed from real-time data from the aircraft’s sensors as already mentioned above. We also need to mention the impact on sustainability and on flight efficiency. Nowadays, all airlines need to focus on sustainability and need to look at their impact on and how they can help to save the environment. Now the digital twin can help save on emissions and save the environment.
downtime take too long. Instead, if the change can be predicted, then a single maintenance package can be planned for instead of having multiple down times. The digital twin can also have a specific use case for the financial aspect of the business and supporting management in the organization.
LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT?
The digital twin can predict the whole life of certain components (figure 4)
Prototype of Digital Twin Lifecycle
PRISCILA MONROY
Priscila is a Junior Consultant at Lufthansa Systems with a Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering, MBA studies, and a Master’s in Mechatronics Engineering. Specializing in Aircraft Maintenance, Air Traffic Management, and Aircraft Fuel Supply, her diverse skills drive innovation in the aviation industry. Priscila’s is used to collaborative working, adapting to new technologies, and problem-solving. She is committed to enhancing organizational functioning, sustainability, development, innovation and learning to create a better environment.
Standard Duty Cycles
We had a talk about standard duty cycles in the context that this tool will help predict more accurate wear times because, if one thing needs to be replaced, that could be predicted well ahead of time. The main challenge that we’re going to have in this case is for the authorities to agree that the prediction that the digital twin is making is accurate. For instance, the digital twin might say that a specific component needs to be changed in two weeks but the documentations says that it should be changed in one month. Today, replacements are based on maintenance programs that, in this case, say that it’s one month. The challenge will be to get the regulatory authorities to agree that the digital twin’s predictions are going to be valid and, instead of waiting one month to change the component, it can be changed in, say, two weeks. This will help to avoid an AOG situation. The digital twin will always be running at the same time as the physical aircraft is operating and will give the airline alerts. But it will also help airlines to package maintenance to not have aircraft
might be returned to the lessor and re-assigned to another airline or operator, to be adjusted to take account of the new conditions in which it will be working. It should even be possible to adjust charges as long as each aircraft can have its own digital twin. If the lessor is interested or a new purchaser of the aircraft is interested, they can acquire the tool with all of the information. This is how we have developed the Digital Twin at Lufthansa Systems and we believe that it will have a huge impact on the management of, as well as the efficient planning for and operation of aircraft.
LUFTHANSA SYSTEMS
The company offers its more than 350 airline customers an extensive range of successful and in many cases market-leading products for the aviation industry. The innovative IT products and services in this portfolio offer customers a wide range of economic benefits while also contributing to improving efficiency and competitiveness. In addition, Lufthansa Systems also supports its customers both within and outside the Lufthansa Group with consulting services and the experience it has gained in projects for airlines of every size and business model. INTERACTIVE GIVE US YOUR OPINION CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR COMMENT Figure 4
This will be particularly useful where an aircraft AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 76
INTERACTIVE SUBSCRIBE HERE CLICK HERE TO READ ALL FUTURE EDITIONS
Is the sky the limit? Do more with Aircraft IT MRO
Webinars • eJournals • Software • Conferences • News • Advisory Unit Want to be involved? For more information, simply email scott.leslie@aircraftit.com
www.aircraftIT.com
AIRCRAFTMRO IT
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
VENDOR JOB CARD: SWISS AVIATIONSOFTWARE
Kevork Agopian shares the commitment to delight clients with the clear focus on technical excellence that has sustained Swiss AviationSoftware’ business success for nearly thirty five years and counting Holding an Aerospace Engineering degree from Politecnico di Milano and an MBA from EDHEC Business School, Kevork’s career has been rooted in the aviation industry, spanning from operational roles in maintenance to overseeing specialized projects. His tenure at Swiss-AS as a Business Consultant has honed Kevork’s ability to understand and address diverse customer needs, engaging stakeholders at all organizational levels. Appointed as Head of Marketing & Sales in November 2022, his focus now is on expanding the market share of AMOS through value delivery. Aircraft IT: Your name, your job title and the name of the business? Kevork Agopian: Kevork Agopian, Head of Marketing & Sales of Swiss AviationSoftware Ltd.
context. To continue its story of success, Swiss-AS can draw on decades of experience as well as on a large customer community which contributes to the longevity and competitiveness of the product.
Aircraft IT: How did Swiss AviationSoftware get started? KA: The history of AMOS goes back to the year 1989 when Crossair (predecessor of Swiss International Air Lines) decided to develop its own MRO software which laid the foundation for AMOS. In 2004, the company Swiss AviationSoftware was founded, a spin-off from Swiss International Air Lines. The new company was given the ideal set-up to develop its own strengths as an MRO software provider in this highly specialised niche market while still being embedded in a strong and successful aviation
Aircraft IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives Swiss AviationSoftware? KA: The guiding business principle that drives Swiss-AS is to ‘Delight customers for common success.’ This principle serves as the foundation upon which the company’s entire business strategy is built and it fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, where employees are empowered to find creative solutions and deliver exceptional products or services. In addition, ‘Delight customers for common success’ reinforces the idea that business success is not a one-sided endeavor. It emphasizes AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 78
the importance of collaboration and partnership between Swiss-AS and its customers. By focusing on common success, Swiss-AS aims to build long-lasting relationships that benefit both parties. Furthermore, this guiding principle aligns with the other core values of the company, such as being courageous and acting with passion, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and uniting to maximize value. These values collectively contribute to a business culture that is customer-centric, innovative, and value-driven. Aircraft IT: What has Swiss AviationSoftware’s greatest business achievement been to date, and why? KA: Swiss-AS’s most notable business achievement to date is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction,
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDORJOB CARD
“By focusing on common success, Swiss-AS aims to build long-lasting relationships that benefit both parties.” and market expansion. Several key accomplishments underscore why this achievement stands out. Firstly, we’ve demonstrated our ability to seamlessly support airlines and operators with more than 500 aircraft, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. This reflects our expertise in meeting the complex needs of major players in the aviation industry. Our continuous customer growth, with a base of over 230 clients, is proof of the value we consistently deliver. This trust and loyalty highlight the quality and reliability of our services. Notably, we’ve strengthened our market share among helicopter operators and aircraft MRO services. This demonstrates our ability to listen to our customers and create important partnerships to deliver end-to-end value. Moreover, our dedication to technology innovation is balanced by a commitment to sustainability and operational stability. We prioritize innovation within standard R&D pipelines, ensuring that our advancements don’t disrupt ongoing operations. This balance is critical in an industry where reliability is paramount. One outstanding achievement is our rapid development of a completely new electronic logbook (AMOSeTL) in a cutting-edge framework, Flutter, in less than two years. This accomplishment showcases our agility and commitment to leveraging new technologies for the benefit of our customers. Aircraft IT: What have been your disappointments and what have you learned from them? KA: At Swiss AviationSoftware, our journey has not been without disappointments. One significant challenge we faced in the past was the occasional lack of clarity in customer requirements, which led to extended timelines for delivering finished products.
However, these disappointments have proven to be valuable learning experiences that have shaped our company’s approach and improved our operations. One critical lesson we’ve learned from these experiences is the importance of engaging with our customers, particularly early adopters and innovators, in a more intensive and collaborative manner. We’ve transitioned towards a proactive approach, which involves close and continuous interaction with our customers. Face-to-face meetings have become a cornerstone of our engagement strategy. These personal interactions have allowed us to delve deeper into customer needs, facilitating clearer communication and a better understanding of their requirements. Even before developing our AMOSeTL, we have embraced the concept of on-field testing, allowing us to validate and fine-tune our solutions in realworld scenarios. This approach not only accelerates the feedback loop but also ensures that our products are tailored to effectively meet the specific demands of our customers. As a result of these strategic shifts, our pace of understanding customer requirements and delivering solutions in a timely manner has improved significantly. Aircraft IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what Swiss AviationSoftware does for aircraft maintenance customers? KA: My Business Consulting experience has given me the opportunity to map at first-hand the value that AMOS delivers to our customers. In summary, for the majority of our clients, we provide: • Reduced compliance and operational risks. • Lowered or optimized maintenance costs. • Enhanced overall business scalability. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 79
Swiss-AS has maintained its independence while collaborating with major industry players, such as OEMs and software solution providers, to deliver comprehensive value to our customers. As we are now part of the Digital Tech-Ops Ecosystem alongside our partners, Flydocs and Aviatar, we can seamlessly provide integrated solutions to further benefit our customers. Aircraft IT: What do you feel will be the next big thing in maintenance Aviation IT? KA: The straightforward answer to this question is AI-Powered Decision Support. To me, this entails having a versatile tool capable of considering a multitude of data facets, including, among others, maintenance planning, costs, routing, inventory, and resources. In the face of potential disruptions, we should have the means to determine the optimal course of action, both in the short and long terms. However, it’s worth noting that not all airlines or MROs have their data consistently maintained at high quality. At Swiss-AS, we recognize this challenge and are committed to evolving AMOS in a manner that accommodates varying digitalization paces across the industry. As data quality improves, our customers can fully leverage AMOS’s expanding automation capabilities and seamless integrability. Aircraft IT: What do you want your customers to say about Swiss AviationSoftware KA: Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of attending numerous conferences worldwide. One of the most rewarding aspects of these experiences has been the strong sense of community within the AMOS network. I deeply value the authenticity with which our customers’ employees engage with us, freely offering recommendations and engaging in open conversations. I hope that our customers will continue to take pride in being an integral part of this thriving community. Aircraft IT: Kevork Agopian, thank you for your time.
CASE STUDY: TUI AIRLINE
Embracing digital change and curiosity at TUI Niklas Kropp, Programme & Projects Manager E&M at TUI Airline, describes their journey to a fully digital system in a data driven ecosystem
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 80
CASE STUDY: TUI AIRLINE
M
ost of this case study will be about the exciting digital transformation at TUI Airline and how we managed to partner with the right software solution provider to make that happen. But first, a look at the subject of the case study, TUI Airline.
TUI AIRLINE
As the leading global tourism group, TUI is headquartered in Hannover, Germany and is much more than just an airline. As a vertically-integrated tourism business TUI focusses to deliver ‘Excellence in Leisure Experiences’ on its cruise ships, aircraft, hotels & resorts and excursions. With it’s TUI Care Foundation, TUI reinforces the positive social and economic contributions of tourism. Looking at the airline, our ambition is to ‘create happy holidays with every flight’.
TUI Airline is part of the TUI Group, one of the world’s leading tourism groups (figure 1).
TUI Group Overview Global group headquartered in Germany Revenue 2019 (pre Covid): 18.9 bn € Revenue 2022 (Covid): 16.55 bn €
TUI Care Foundation, initiated by TUI, promotes the positive effects of tourism in 25 countries Figure 1
Cruise ships
Hotels
Aircraft
Travel Agencies
16
~400
~130
~1200
Underlying EBIT 2019 (pre Covid): 893 million € Underlying EBIT 2022 (Covid): 409 million €
Through the TUI Workwide Programme, TUI employees have spent more than 14,870 days
Over 6 million TUI Collection excursions have been sold since the launch
The TUI Airline fleet composes of more than 130 aircraft with 19x Boeing 787, 2x 767, 3x Embraer E2 and its back-bone fleet of more than 100 Boeing 737NG/ MAX. The majority of aircraft are based in the UK with further AOCs operated in Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden as well as Germany. Being part of a tourism group, the airline serves the tour operator’s demand and operates to various favorite holidaymakers destinations across Europe. To deliver cost-efficiencies and meet our ambitious sustainability targets our fleet is undergoing a constant
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 81
CASE STUDY: TUI AIRLINE
renewal. TUI Airline’s sustainability practices have been recognized in various rankings, including TUI Airline’s reduced environmental footprint in recent years (see figure 2).
Cost efficiency is a major requirement given the fierce competition in Europe: TUI Airline implemented several initiatives recently
Mixed crew flying
Increasing productivity/ crew utilisation, joint crew training
Fleet Financ
ing
Leveraging TUI’s financial position in order to achieve best possible fleet financing and optimisation of fleet ownership
Engineering & Maintenance
Standardisation of processes/ procedures, pooling of contracts, optimising logistics/stock, asset management
Fuel efficiency
New advanced engines help reducing the fuel burn by c. 15% – improving also our emission footprint
Reduction of aircraft types
Airline IT landscape
Reducing cost and complexity by focusing on 3 aircraft types
Consolidation of systems Modernizing IT landscape Becoming more data driven
Figure 2
From standardisation to optimisation – Digitising our E&M operations and community requires to become excellent in ecosystems. TUI Airline E&M AMBITION STRONGER
FASTER
IN THE MOST
SMARTER
COST-EFFICIENT SUSTAINABLE WAY E-TechLog
United by the Challenge and Passion to be the Best We need to evolve from a linear Digital Roadmap to…. One Tech Records E-TechLog
One AMOS
AMOS Access Control
AMOS E-Signature
ESS
One TechLog
…a Digital Ecosystem to deliver operational excellence
PROC
Looking into our strategy, it is important for TUI Airline, that, creating happy holidays with every flight remains at the heart of our business operations. To deliver smooth business operations, working together with partners, is a crucial driver to deliver operational excellence for the airline in the long-term. Bearing that determination for cost-efficiency in mind as an airline in a highly competitive market space, we are looking at a rationalization of aircraft types in the fleet; to go from multiple aircraft types to just three types. In a similar vein, our airline IT landscape not only in Engineering & Maintenance has seen further consolidations, but multiple operating and finance systems in TUI are subject to further consolidation and standardization, aiming to become a lot more data driven.
For the Engineering & Maintenance division this means mirroring the Digital Tech Ops Ecosystem. The business development and fleet systems team focuses on transitioning from a linear roadmap into an ecosystem approach (figure 3), based on cross-functional communication and collaboration. In order to adapt to an ever changing operating environment, we sought a partner who would be able to cope with constant change and provide short development cycles. By combining AMOS, Flydocs and Aviatar’s expertise, we aim to deliver significant, tangible digital change to TUI Airline.
Hangar Planning Tool
Stock Modelling (C&E) AVIATAR - Condition Monitoring & Predicitve Maintenance Mobile Devices Line Maintenance
Standardisation
L EN CE
“In order to adapt to an ever changing operating environment, we sought a partner who would be able to cope with constant change and provide short development cycles. By combining AMOS, Flydocs and Aviatar’s expertise, we aim to deliver significant, tangible digital change to TUI Airline.”
EXCEL
Engine Shop Visit Tool
Optimisation
1
Figure 3
To realize efficient business operations, harmonizing and optimizing processes, systems and ways of working has been a key enabler. In recent years we have heavily invested into standardizing crucial business processes within TUI Airline E&M, including to implement one AMOS, one MOCC, one TechLog or one Technical Records System. Bringing systems and processes together was only possible due to one international TUI Airline E&M Team in the first place.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 82
CASE STUDY: TUI AIRLINE
THE MISSION TO BECOME DIGITAL IN E&M
Looking into Engineering and Maintenance in more detail, we have embedded the following ambition into our DNA: ‘Become Stronger, Smarter and Faster in the most cost-efficient and sustainable way (figure 4).
TUI Airline E&M Vision & Mission
We are a ONE strong international team – motivated, high skilled – we feel engaged and enjoy being part of TUI We recognise and accept cultural differences across Europe and we turn them into our strengths
TUI
E&M
STRONGER
E&M MISSION in TUI Airline • Lean, efficient and agile provider • Tailored, reliable, high quality and cost effective
SMARTER
services for the TUI Airlines • Deliver high fleet reliability and availability • Manage aircraft assets over the full life-cycle
FASTER
• Ensure safety and compliance with legislation (EASA & national authorities)
Our Ambition is to become STRONGER, SMARTER, FASTER in the most COST EFFICIENT and SUSTAINABLE way WE ENJOYNEER
Figure 4
AMOS. AGAIN.
“Coming from five standalone airlines, it has been our objective to harmonize processes wherever possible while enabling more flexibility in deploying the fleet across the airlines to cope with changes in demand across TUI’s pan-European network.”
THE EXTRA SMILE
While we strive to deliver a reliable and safe operation, we aim to act as ‘Enjoyneers’. We want to inspire colleagues to try out new things and enjoy working within TUI Airline and its strategic partners. In the end, this is how we can contribute within Engineering & Maintenance to create happy customers with every flight. We call that ‘Enjoyneering’ — seeing the joy of customers while we work every day with the latest technology and the latest aircraft types unites us in our passion to be the best. And it is not a secret that a user friendly fleet systems’ landscape is key in creating these happy Enjoyneers in the day-to-day operation.
„With Swiss-AS as a partner, Volocopter is making strides to ensure that the maintenance of our VoloCity is managed and executed efficiently and foolproof. The AMOS software has a proven track record in the aviation industry – giving us confidence to obtain our Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation and Maintenance Organisation Approval, which is essential for our entry into service. Its compatibility with our VoloIQ is a must-have to provide outstanding customer service.” Chief Risk & Certification Officer of Volocopter
Volocopter takes off with AMOS, the world-class M&E software solution. Swiss-AS and Volocopter cosigned a landmark multi-year contract for AMOS, which will be used to manage Volocopter’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft fleet worldwide. Seamless software integration will ensure continued fleet airworthiness, offer aircraft reliability monitoring and analysis, and act as an interface to Volocopter’s proprietary digital operating system, the VoloIQ.
SWISS-AS.COM
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 83
CASE STUDY: TUI AIRLINE
Looking into the TUI Airline Engineering & Maintenance footprint (figure 5) we operate over 20 Line Maintenance stations, two Base Maintenance facilities in LTN & BRU being critical to our twin-operation and five main office locations which are brought to life by over one thousand employees in Engineering and Maintenance.
TUI Airline Engineering & Maintenance Footprint •
All aircraft types in fleet: Boeing 737 NG/MAX, 767, 787 and Embraer E-Jet (E2)
•
EASA Part-145 Maintenance Organisation under German approval;
•
UK CAA Part-145 approval with aligned processes & procedures
•
CAMO/Engineering services for all operated aircraft types
•
Part-21 Design Organisation Approval
•
In-house workshop capabilities: (e.g. composite repairs)
United Kingdom 12 Line Maintenance stations* 1 Base Maintenance Facility - LTN
Nordics 1 Line Maintenance station - ARN Netherlands 2 Line Maintenance station – AMS, RTM
Belgium 5 Line Maintenance stations** 1 Base Maintenance Facility - BRU
Germany 2 Line Maintenance stations – DUS, HAJ
Outstations Morocco 1 Line Maintenance station – RAK Curaçao 1 Line Maintenance station - CUR
Offices Amsterdam, NL Brussels, BE Hanover, DE Luton, UK
Total 24 Line Maintenance Stations 2 Base Maintenance Facilities 5 Office Locations c. 1,000 Employees
Stockholm, SE
* BHX, BOH, BRS, CWL, EMA, EXT, GLA, LGW, LTN, MAN, NCL, STN; ** ANR, BRU, CRL, LGG, OST
Figure 5
The dispersed landscape of the E&M operation emphasizes why the need for standardization in the last years has been crucial. Coming from five standalone airlines, it has been our objective to harmonize processes wherever possible while enabling more flexibility in deploying the fleet across the airlines to cope with changes in demand across TUI’s pan-European network. To come to one system, one process, one landscape instead of a previously highly staggered landscape, is one key factor that has driven continuous improvement in the past and continues to do so today. Another critical success factor is the data availability and data handling, which is key to any digital transformation. How do we collect data, how do we use data in a value-adding way? As aircraft become smarter, increasing the data literacy is a core asset to remain competitve and optimize our decision-making processes. This requires investments into people skills and also to learn from industries that are more advanced in utilizing the power of data. While aiming to develop a data powerhouse it is crucial to keep the unique challenges of accessing and using aviation data (e.g. full flight data, OEM performance data). It requires the right combination of curiousity and caution to re-think how we approach our data use.
THE DIGITAL TECH OPS ECOSYSTEM
Keeping the challenges around the data accessibility and availability in mind, Lufthansa Technik’s approach towards a Digital Tech Ops Ecosystem inspired us to take a fresh view of our own approach.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 84
CASE STUDY: TUI AIRLINE
“When selecting our standardized solution for all of our tech records, we are currently working together with flydocs, as we aimed for a partner ensuring a seamless integration with our existent E&M core systems.”
While we continue to progress our digital roadmap, we also take onboard what we have learned in trialing an ecosystem view. When selecting our standardized solution for all of our tech records, we are currently working together with flydocs, as we aimed for a partner ensuring a seamless integration with our existent E&M core systems. Undergoing the implementation, we strongly believe it is the right decision to work with a partner that is open to change and who can quickly adapt to our needs and requirements. Looking at a future-proof system, however, comes also with its unqiue implementation challenges. As an early adopter of the Lufthansa Technik Digital Tech Ops Ecosystem, we consider ourselves as a key candidate to further optimize the integration benefits. Concerning flydocs, the further automation of previously highly manual and paper-based processes, paired with a seamless AMOS integration perfectly aligns with our ambition to work smarter and faster in the most sustainable way. For the eTechLog, standardization also provided the foundation for digitizing ways of working. Coming from five different TechLogs, we are very pleased that we first launched a single paper TechLog across all five airlines. This enabled us to craft a common understanding. We are now in the process of moving from this single paper-based TechLog to a common eTechLog across TUI Airline. We are curious to see to what extent Lufthansa Technik can utilize the benefits of its ecosystem to deploy a future-proof solution for a highly inter-connected process and system change to satisfy the complex needs for the affected E&M, flight and cabin operations.
A constant arena of further development within the fleet systems, is AMOS. In the past, we had five different AMOS systems but have merged them into one system following extensive crossfunctional collaboration. We are very happy to have achieved that. Next in line is the AMOS eSignature. The project has already started and we are progressing well on this, which is a critical milestone on our way to paperless maintenance operations. Next, to our core system and hardware changes. We are extending our ecosystem by in-house co-creation efforts with our data science and analytics teams. We constantly challenge ourselves to make the most of our data and develop our own tools to drive digitalization. One outcome of the collaboration with our in-house data experts is the delivery of a stock-modelling tool which has already been utilized during past seasons to optimize stock holding patterns across our bases in order to support our line and base maintenance operations. A strategically critical project to TUI Airline has been AVIATAR’s Condition Monitoring and Predictive Health Analytics application. In this, we are coming from a very reactive way of working to a very proactive way of doing maintenance. The project’s current focus is to build more resilience into our operations and prevent operational unscheduled fleet unavailability. To effectively do this in our MOCC (Maintenance Operations Control Center), it must be done in a standardized way of working, using real-time data and effective alerting. In a nutshell, at TUI Airline E&M we are very ambitious to craft our own digital ecosystem by strengthening our in-house capabilities on data handling. From an outside standpoint, we remain curious as to what our strategic partners and competitiors are doing (see figure 6). The recent AVIATAR Community Day in Hamburg offered us, once again, the opportunity to share knowledge and expertise with other carriers and the framwework around the Lufthansa Technik Ecosystem will ensure further open conversations in the future.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 85
CASE STUDY: TUI AIRLINE
While the three different businesses, AMOS, AVIATAR and flydocs have three different backgrounds, the Digital Tech Ops Ecosystem philosophy should strive for further alignment from a customer and end-user perspective.
A DEEP-DIVE INTO BRINGING PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE ALIVE WITH AVIATAR
TUI Airline E&M
Looking at AVIATAR, we aimed for a renewal on how we utilize aircraft health monitoring data across our fleet. Within a pilot project we strongly focused on the Boeing 787 operation. Within only six months we delivered a proof-ofconcept and operationally-critically use cases were successfully implemented (figure 7).
Digital Road stronger – smarter - faster
“…the on-site implementation support from the Aviatar team was a great help in performing a credible system change within only six months.”
Figure 6
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 86
CASE STUDY: TUI AIRLINE
NIKLAS KROPP
Niklas worked with KPMG Deutschland until May 2022 before he returned to TUI Airline as a Process Optimization Project Manager. In September 2022, he was appointed to become Programme & Projects Manager E&M, overseeing the delivery of the TUI Airline E&M Transformation Programme by driving the further strategic alignment across the five TUI Airlines and allow TUI Airline to adapt to the latest industry trends.
TUI AIRLINE
There are currently five airlines in the TUI Group operating around 130 medium- and long-haul aircraft serving more than 180 destinations around the world. TUI is proceeding with the renewal and modernisation of its Europewide aircraft fleet to make flights more economical, cost-efficient and environmentallyefficient. Since 2013, TUI has ordered a total of 70 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to replace aircraft currently in service. The first 737 MAX 8 was delivered in January 2018.
Understanding TUI Airline Use Case for AVIATAR
TUI Airline wishes to utilize aircraft data proactively across its complete fleet Status Quo @TUI Airline: REACTIVE
TUI A/C generates data during all flight phases
A/C data is gathered in multiple databases A/C data is mostly analysed, if incidents occur A/C data is hardly customized to user groups A/C data is not consolidated in one interface A/C data quality not-aligned among TUI Group A REACTIVE and multiple system approach to a non-standardized aircraft condition monitoring across TUI
Desired Status @TUI Airline: PROACTIVE
TUI A/C generates data during all flight phases
TUI A/C condition is visible in real-time during all flight phases
SWISS-AS
Swiss AviationSoftware unites more than 30 years of IT experience with profound MRO expertise and offers its customers a state-of-theart maintenance system. AMOS is a comprehensive, fully-integrated software package that successfully manages the maintenance, engineering and logistics requirements of modern airlines and MRO providers by fulfilling demanding airworthiness standards. More than 220 customers around the world steer their maintenance activities with AMOS, which makes AMOS one of the industry-leading MRO software solutions worldwide.
AVIATAR A PROACTIVE and single system approach for a standardized aircraft condition monitoring across TUI
Expected Outcome @TUI Airline Maintrol has access to TUI Group Fleet* aircraft condition on a single screen facilitating real-time, proactive, and data-driven decision-making through synchronized data flows from maintenance and operational flight data.
AVIATAR, the digital platform of Lufthansa Technik, combines decades of aircraft knowledge and engineering expertise with data science. Their digital solutions focus on the entire value chain, from predictive maintenance to automated fulfilment. What’s more, AVIATAR delivers full flexibility to choose which MRO provider to use. AVIATAR uses data from airline ops, aircraft, maintenance systems and other external sources. It then turns that data into actionable insights that empower usersto achieve tangible results.
*Embraer fleet and B767 not in scope
Figure 7
Looking back on the project, we saw it was a very fast implementation as the collaboration between the TUI Airline and AVIATAR teams was highly collaborative and based on co-creation. The critical success factor is that both teams had a shared vision to deliver a stable flight operation. Furthermore, the on-site implementation support from the Aviatar team was a great help in performing a credible system change within only six months. Bram D’haene, Fleet Performance Manager and a key driver of the ecosystem within TUI Airline E&M concluded that, “The co-creation we have with the Aviatar product has allowed us to see something in the operation and go after it with data to avoid repetitive issues in the operations resulting in an improved fleet performance and a happy internal as well as external customer.”
FLYDOCS
flydocs is an asset management solution provider that creates value out of aircraft maintenance data, offering tools and expertise to drive sustainable innovation to help build the future of the commercial aviation asset lifecycle. Founded in 2007, flydocs is 100% owned by Lufthansa Technik. With over 300 employees in multiple locations across the globe, and are trusted by over 78 airlines, lessors and MROs to deliver measurable long-term operational and cost efficiencies. INTERACTIVE GIVE US YOUR OPINION CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR COMMENT INTERACTIVE SUBSCRIBE HERE CLICK HERE TO READ ALL FUTURE EDITIONS
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 87
AIRCRAFT MRO: HOW I SEE IT
Upgrading IT Allan Bachan tackles the tricky challenge of how to decide which software solution approach should you should choose
A
s airlines and MROs eye digital transformation, IT leaders are inundated with options for software platforms. With varying missions and distinct structures, the decision to implement a certain platform depends on each organization’s unique mission. Success depends on an IT leader’s ability to understand their organization’s particular technological capabilities and determine which features and use-cases are best-suited for a specific project. Choosing the optimal software platform, as well as strategically choosing the right innovation partner, is one of the key steps to fruitful modernization, allowing leaders to properly address long-term needs and future-proof pivotal infrastructure.
Low-code/no-code platforms, open-source software, and proprietary software are a few options that IT leaders have when it comes to delivering software applications. While it’s nearly impossible to compare platforms with such different capabilities, understanding the high-level benefits and drawbacks can help IT leaders make an informed decision on what’s best for their organization. Each technology option has more nuanced details but learning the basics about these software options can help organizations operate stronger. Further, by working with a technology partner who’s experienced in implementing these platforms, organizations can be prepared to enact the best solution for their digital transformation goals. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 88
LOWDOWN ON LOW-CODE
Low-code/no-code platforms offer drag-and-drop user interfaces to build applications without the need for in-depth, hand-coded computer programming. Those using low-code systems can easily create business applications and address mission needs with talent that isn’t specialized in computer science and software engineering. Best-suited for repetitive tasks, low-code/no-code systems are user-friendly and agile. Because of their simplicity to build, these platforms cannot be extensively customized. An example of common business practices that low-code would be useful for is handling staff onboarding, because the systems can be applied universally to any organization. Given that
AIRCRAFT MRO: HOW I SEE IT
these platforms are easy to use, barriers to programming are lower for anyone on staff. In turn, more senior developers can instead focus on more complex issues that require a deeper experience set.
INSIDE OPEN SOURCE
Organizations can modify platforms built on open-source technology without too many constraints. Open source presents users with more white space for creation and modification. When working on a specific project, open-source software is beneficial due to its customizable and collaborative nature. Furthermore, open-source platforms help keep budgets under control, as they don’t require big upfront costs. It may also serve as a ‘free trial’, before supplemental, paid features are added on. Open source also allows for continuous improvements based on an organization’s evolving needs. These systems rely on peer review and community production for their use, which leads to higher quality. By choosing systems that are prepared for changing demands, IT leaders can ensure they are able to remain agile, ultimately saving time and resources in the long run.
A PEEK INTO PROPRIETARY
On the flip side of open source, proprietary software is licensed and managed by an organization or individual, with its source code kept private. Proprietary software does not allow modification of the source code like open-source software does. However, proprietary software vendors often enable
“The reality of the digital transformation process is that organizations will often need to implement a combination of platforms to accomplish their goals.” the ability to customize features to meet specific business needs. This customization can be limiting and there can be roadblocks to accomplishing certain missions or added costs associated with the project. Proprietary software can be implemented faster than open source, considering the code is already built for your needs. If you’re looking for a quick turnaround, proprietary software may be the best way to go. There’s also less need for internal talent to update the system, handle security, or enact feature enhancements. However, proprietary software can often be expensive due to licensing costs.
PUTTING A PLATFORM (OR TWO!) INTO ACTION
The reality of the digital transformation process is that organizations will often need to implement a combination of platforms to accomplish their goals. Product teams should start with a keen focus on customer outcomes, including user experience, rather than become distracted by a plethora of potential features. It’s key to offer product teams the autonomy to decide what they are looking for, but simultaneously provide safe guardrails, such as a common software
“… open-source platforms help keep budgets under control, as they don’t require big upfront costs. It may also serve as a ‘free trial’, before supplemental, paid features are added on.” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 89
delivery framework, to ensure they don’t drift too far. Business practitioners’ knowledge coupled with the expertise of an innovation partner that understands the mission and practices, as well as platforms, allows for the most seamless process. Since platforms aren’t one-size-fit-all, engaging with an experienced innovation partner to advise and implement these technologies will ensure organizations accomplish their desired outcomes. A team consisting of key decision makers on the business side, internal IT leaders and external technology professionals is best equipped to implement a modernization strategy that best fits the organization’s needs. For now, that’s how I see IT.
ALLAN BACHAN
Allan is a Vice President at ICF with 34 years of industry experience as an Aviation M&E, MRO and Supply Chain solutions and systems domain expert. He is responsible for ICF’s MRO Operations and IT practice and he manages the Aircraft Commerce Consulting relationship with ICF. His experience includes managing application design, development, and full cycle implementation — from selection to go-live — for strategic clients in the MRO industry using different commercially available MRO IT products. In his career, Allan has fulfilled the following leadership roles: MRO IT practice and technical lead; MRO systems Product Principal; M&E and MRO Solutions Director and Manager of Technical Records, Maintenance Planning and Production Control.
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
VENDOR JOB CARD: FLYDOCS
Lee Smith shares the belief in digital efficiency that has made flydocs the trusted partner of more than 75 airlines Lee Smith brings over 20 years of knowledge and expertise across various areas of the aviation industry. His experience includes working in several positions in Airline CAMO functions from Technical Services and Airworthiness to Records and Aircraft Safety. Lee Joined flydocs in 2015 working with the Technical Management Team supporting customers throughout the world within their aircraft transitions. He is currently using his experience within technical sales, supporting the Business Development Teams in expanding the Engineering Services and Aircraft Transition Management (ATM) functions.
Aircraft IT: Your name, your job title, and the name of the business? Lee Smith: I’m Lee Smith, and I hold the role of Senior Technical Manager at flydocs, a leading Digital Records Management and Asset Management Solutions provider for the aviation industry. Aircraft IT: How did flydocs get started? LS: flydocs was founded in 2007 by a team of aviation experts who saw the need for a better way to manage aircraft maintenance data. The company’s flagship product, flydocs was launched in 2009 and has since become the industry’s most comprehensive solution for creating value out of aircraft maintenance data.
Aircraft IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives flydocs? LS: flydocs is driven by the belief that aircraft maintenance data is a valuable asset that can be used to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety. The company’s mission is to help aviation organizations get the most out of their maintenance data by providing innovative and
easy-to-use solutions. Our guiding business principle is to help our customers achieve operational excellence through digital transformation. We believe that by digitizing their aircraft records and streamlining their workflows, our customers can save time and money, improve compliance, and reduce risk, both on a day-to-day basis and during the transition process.
“The company’s solutions have helped these organizations to save millions of dollars, improve their compliance with regulatory requirements, and make better decisions about aircraft maintenance and asset management.” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 90
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDORJOB CARD
“flydocs helps our customers improve their efficiency and reduce costs, while maintaining the value of their assets by providing them with the tools and expertise they need to manage their data effectively.” Aircraft IT: What has flydocs’ greatest business achievement been to date, and why? LS: flydocs’ greatest business achievement has been to become the trusted partner of over 75 airlines, lessors, and MROs around the world and to have delivered over 750 successful transitions. The company’s solutions have helped these organizations to save millions of dollars, improve their compliance with regulatory requirements, and make better decisions about aircraft maintenance and asset management. Aircraft IT: What have been your disappointments and what have you learned from them? LS: One disappointment has been the slow pace of digital adoption in certain aviation markets. Airlines and MROs may be reluctant to move away from paper-based records or are simply unaware of the many benefits. I’ve learned that patience and persistence are key, and focusing on the advantages of digital records management shows customers how it can improve their efficiency, while also making their assets transition-ready at a much faster pace, which allows the customers to be a lot more agile in their processes and approach.
Aircraft IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what flydocs does for aircraft maintenance customers? LS: flydocs helps our customers improve their efficiency and reduce costs, while maintaining the value of their assets by providing them with the tools and expertise they need to manage their data effectively. Aircraft IT: What do you feel will be the next big thing in maintenance Aviation IT? LS: I believe that the next big thing in maintenance Aviation IT will be the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate tasks and provide insights that can help aviation organizations to make better decisions. flydocs is already investing in these technologies and is developing solutions that will help its customers to stay ahead of the curve. Aircraft IT: What do you want your customers to say about flydocs LS: I aim for our customers to regard flydocs as a trusted, personal, and respected partner. I want them to recognize our solutions as innovative, user-friendly, and instrumental in achieving their business goals.
Is the sky the limit? Do more with Aircraft IT MRO Webinars • eJournals Software • Conferences News • Advisory Unit Want to be involved? For more information
Aircraft IT: Lee, thank you for your time. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 91
simply email scott.leslie@aircraftit.com
AIRCRAFTMRO IT www.aircraftIT.com
AIRCRAFT IT MRO: WHAT CAN IT DO
Getting the best value from data A roadmap for building organizational capabilities to leverage AI in aviation. Henrik Ollus, VP of Aviation Data Exchange Business at QOCO Systems writes…
T
he growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the aviation industry is an opportunity that organizations can’t afford to miss. From predictive maintenance to optimizing flight paths, AI’s potential applications in this space are immense. However, to unlock these opportunities, specific organizational capabilities need to be developed and nurtured. In this article I will attempt to provide a concise overview of the competencies an organization in our industry needs to fully reap the benefits of the technological advancements in AI. This overview is a distillation of the insights I’ve learned from AI experts in the aviation domain.
THE DATA DEPENDENCY: QUALITY AND QUANTITY MATTER
AI enables organizations to extract more value from their data, making access to high-quality data all the more valuable. Given the interconnectedness of the aviation industry, where a single flight generates data for various stakeholders, data exchange becomes paramount. Without robust systems for sharing and ingesting data across these stakeholders, the industry stands to lose a significant opportunity for optimization. For instance, airlines have invaluable data on asset utilization that can aid MROs and OEMs in predictive maintenance, R&D and other processes. Similarly, MROs and OEMs possess data that can help airlines improve operational efficiencies.
“…airlines have invaluable data on asset utilization that can aid MROs and OEMs in predictive maintenance, R&D and other processes. Similarly, MROs and OEMs possess data that can help airlines improve operational efficiencies.”
“To take internal AI competence one step forward, organizations need to build a team of data scientists and domain experts who can collaborate to develop AI solutions tailored for the organization.” INVESTING IN DATA INFRASTRUCTURE
To effectively leverage AI, aviation businesses should not only collect data but also invest in data infrastructure that allows for secure and efficient data exchange. Data lakes, accompanied by state-of-the-art security protocols, are necessary to store the voluminous data generated. Beyond that, protocols must be developed for data validation, cleaning, and formatting to ensure its quality and reliability.
TALENT MANAGEMENT: BUILDING IN-HOUSE AI EXPERTISE AI and machine learning models are only as good as the people who build and interpret them. To take internal AI competence one step forward, organizations need to build a team of data scientists and domain experts who can collaborate to develop AI solutions tailored for the organization. The complexity and critical nature of aviation operations require a nuanced understanding of AI, beyond what off-the-shelf solutions can provide.
PARTNERING FOR INNOVATION
With the fast-paced advancements in AI, it’s challenging for any single organization to be able to cover all bases. Strategic partnerships can offer a fast track to acquiring new capabilities. Airlines and tech companies, OEMs and AI research labs, or MROs and data analytics firms can join forces to create synergistic solutions that none of them could accomplish alone.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 92
AIRCRAFT IT MRO: WHAT CAN IT DO
“Developing these capabilities requires a concerted effort from senior management down to operational teams, and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. ” AGILITY AND SCALABILITY
AI is a rapidly evolving field which will have ripple effects to many areas of the organizations operating environment. Organizational agility is important for being able to quickly adapt to changes in the external environment, but also for leveraging AI technologies in internal and collaborative processes.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The capabilities outlined above are by no means exhaustive but serve as foundational pillars for any organization in the aviation industry aiming to navigate the changes brought by AI development, and ultimately to excel in leveraging these new technologies. Developing these capabilities requires a concerted effort from senior management down to operational teams, and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. In the AI-driven future of aviation, data will indeed be the new oil, and the pipelines that facilitate its flow will become critical infrastructure. Those who invest wisely in these capabilities today will be the industry leaders of tomorrow.
HENRIK OLLUS
Henrik is the VP of Aviation Data Exchange Business at QOCO Systems Ltd., where he brings extensive experience in delivering data exchange solutions for collaborative parties in the aviation industry. Leading global deliveries and strategic relationships for the EngineData.io and Aviadex.io SaaS solutions, he ensures that OEMs, Airlines, MRO service providers, and other key players in the aviation industry can effectively share data and jointly create value.
QOCO SYSTEMS
QOCO Systems helps the aviation industry to succeed in the changing world by creating new ways to work, to communicate, and to utilize data. The business’s solutions provide significant improvements to the industry’s complex processes. They enable customers to achieve more by doing less and to realize time-savings in labour-intensive tasks. They also bring visibility to customers’ operations to support decision-making based on real-time information.
FREE WEBINARS Hosted by a different MRO IT vendor, sessions provide airlines, aircraft operators and MROs with the perfect introduction to the vendor’s software solution.
CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WEBINARS
INTERACTIVE SUBSCRIBE HERE CLICK HERE TO READ ALL FUTURE EDITIONS AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 93
AIRCRAFTMRO IT
DIRECTORY
MRO Software Directory Key ‘at-a-glance’ information from the world’s leading MRO software providers. IT is a powerful force but, to leverage its greatest value, it must be harnessed and directed. It must also be able to handle huge and growing data streams that record every aspect in the lives of aircraft and the processes by which they fly. This challenge has attracted the best brains and most innovative enterprises to create IT solutions for one of the most demanding working environments, Aircraft MRO and M&E. Inevitably, there are many such developers and vendors offering solutions ranging from single function `Specialist Point Solutions’ to complete `End-to-End’ solutions covering the whole process. Only readers will know the specific requirements of their businesses but we have assembled a directory of the best MRO software providers and listed them alphabetically to make it easier for you to undertake a brief-ish (there are 37 providers and the number continues to grow) survey of the market, as a preliminary to starting on any specification and selection process. Or you might simply read it to keep up to date with what is available today.
2MoRO
ADSoftware
W: www.2moro.com T: +33 (0)559 013 005 E: 2moro.sales@2moro.fr
W: www.adsoftware.fr T: +33 (0)4.50.89.48.50 E: contact@adsoftware.fr
Locations: France (HQ), Malaysia and India
Location: France, Thailand, South Africa, Brazil
ADT: Applied Database Technology W: www.adbtech.com T: +1 (425) 466-5013 T: +1 (614) 377-9644 E: sales@adbtech.com
Location: Bellevue, Tampa USA; Istanbul, Turkey
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Aero One®, Aero-Webb®, OLATU®
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • AIRPACK
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Wings NG
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • MRO: Line, Base, Engine maintenance • Airworthiness and Fleet Management • Flight and Crew management • Material Management • ERP: Finance, Purchasing, Sales, HR • Training
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • AIRTIME — Fleet management & CAMO • AIRSTOCK — Inventory control & Logistic • AIRDOC — Documentation management • AIRSTAT — Reliability and statistic reports • AIRWORK — Time Tracking Software
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Fleet Management • Maintenance Engineering • Material Management • Production Planning • Labor Collection, Billing
2MoRO is an aviation software development company whose software solutions are used in more than 20 countries with teams in Europe and Asia plus partners and resellers worldwide. Users include aircraft and engine manufacturers such as Airbus Helicopters, Dassault Aviation, or Safran Group, plus aircraft operators, airlines and independent MROs. Aero One® and Aero-Webb® complement ERP solutions regarding aviation and MRO-specific needs and Aero-Webb® can also be stand-alone. OLATU®, is a digital training platform providing A&D companies with the tools to train staff 24/7 on all aspects of In-Service Support: airworthiness management, maintenance planning and execution, logistics, and more. The training uses exercises simulating, with Aero-Webb®, concrete scenarios adapted to different generations of aircraft and with increasing complexity depending on requirements.
ADSoftware has developed an integrated fleet management system and logistic package called AIRPACK. This 6 module system answers to the needs of aircraft and helicopters operators, as well as MRO and CAMO centres. It meets all requirements in terms of functionality, traceability, performance, aviation legislation and regulations. Today, ADSoftware counts more than 54 clients worldwide. The strength of ADSoftware is the simplicity of its products; they are Microsoft Windows® ready, Web-enabled, available in various languages and a complete training program can be done in just five days. The company also provides a 24/7 online technical support and extremely competitive pricing conditions.
APPLIED DATABASE TECHNOLOGY (ADT) is a professional services and software development firm that provides MRO software solutions for aircraft operators as well as aircraft repair and overhaul organizations. Our commitment to this business segment is proven with our software package, WINGS, designed specifically for aerospace companies. ADT has been in the software business since 1992 and has built an excellent customer reference base. Our first priority is always customer satisfaction; thus we have obtained 100% customer satisfaction since 1992. ADT has a proven record to develop reference accounts in the Aviation industry along with other high technology companies which are considered to be leaders in their fields.
2MoRO is proud to offer a very dedicated customer service, as reflected by their 95% customer retention rate. They work mainly on a fixed-price basis, and are ISO 9001 certified for aviation software development, maintenance, and support.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 94
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
DIRECTORY
Aeroxchange
Aerostrat
Asia Digital Engineering (ADE)
Aviation InterTec Services
W: www.aeroxchange.com T: +1 972 556 8500 E: support@aeroxchange.com
W: www.aerostratsoftware.com T: +1-888-558-2860 E: info@aerostratsoftware.com
W: www.ade.aero T: (+60)3-8660 4333 E: sales@ade.aero
W: www.aviationintertec.com T: +1 807-625-9260 E: info@aviationintertec.com
Location: Texas, United States
Location: Seattle, USA
Locations: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Locations: Canada, Malta
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Aeroxchange
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Aerros
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • RAAS
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • MRO • Supply Chain efficiencies • Exchange of documents • Commercial trancactions • Procurement
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Heavy/Base Maintenance Planning • Capacity/Workload Planning • Maintenance Schedule Optimization • Maintenace Event Performance Tracking • Heavy/Base Production Schedules
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Engineering Maintenance Services (EMS) • Digital & Innovation Services (DIS) • Engineering Support Services (ESS) • Component & Warehouse Services (CWS)
Aeroxchange is the only electronic business network that supports all MRO business processes within the aviation industry for buyer and sellers. Aeroxchange provides a complete lifecycle of electronic communication from order creation to final invoice. The Aeroxchange service accelerates repair, replenishment, sourcing, inventory pooling and other critical operations in the aviation supply chain.
Aerostrat is based in Seattle, WA and offers one product called Aerros, a one-of-a-kind program that manages an airline’s or MRO’s aircraft maintenance schedule. Aerros enables users to optimize the maintenance program by managing various maintenance and operational constraints, which maximizes event yield, drives costs down, and enables the organization to plan proactively, not reactively.
Aeroxchange automates the exchange of documents and information for commercial transactions. Our electronic platform dramatically reduces manual activity for transaction processed by fax, telephone and email, and increases the accuracy and timeliness of information and document exchange.
Aerros provides robust ‘what-if’ scenario capabilities that allow users to see the effect of different variables. This aids in making sound business decisions concerning the maintenance and fleet plan. Some of these variables are maintenance programs limits, min/target/max yield, aircraft hr/cy utilization, track/requirement compatibility, and maintenance allocations. To forecast an optimal maintenance plan within an operation, Aerros also provides a Capacity Planning feature. This feature allows users to input and view vendor capacity available and labor hour demand to better manage the labor force.
For airlines and buyers, Aeroxchange creates supply chain efficiencies for complex procurement of MRO goods. For sellers and repair service providers, Aeroxchange creates sales channel efficiencies by broadening visibility of inventory and capabilities and streamlining the order process.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
KEY BUSINESS SOFTWARE AREAS • Base maintenance • Line maintenance • Workshop • CAMO functions • Component Warehouse with Asset management Leveraging the AirAsia’s Engineering Department’s best practices and experience, ADE offers end-to-end aircraft maintenance services setting new standards of quality and innovation in the industry by leveraging the expertise of its highly skilled professional team and cutting-edge technologies.a wide range of aircraft services focused on the Airbus A320, A321 & A330 for engineering maintenance services, component and warehouse services, and engineering support services, as well digital and innovation services. ADE aims to uphold the highest standards in when it comes to professional integrity, quality, reliability, driving greater efficiencies and safety, for all of their customers at all times.
Aerros also provides easy-to-navigate scenarios with drag and drop event movement and manipulation. Scenarios can be published so others (including vendors or operators) can view the plan. Aerros provides excellent system stability and reliability with standard IT practices. It is also integrationready and designed to work as an extension of a user’s existing information systems.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 95
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Production Planning and Management • Inventory and Procurement • Inspection Document Management • Reliabiliity and Performance Analysis • Financial and Flight Operations Integration RAAS is an MRO and CAMO software system designed to meet the needs of mid-tier commercial fleet operators. Enabling modern, high-efficiency workflows in a powerful and straightforward package, RAAS is the best fit for midsize fleets and user groups. Scalable, intelligent and 100% browser-based, RAAS includes efficiency-creating features such as automated real time airframe time updating and exchange of aircraft next due items, electronic technical dispatch, MPD/MRB driven program management and check package creation, purchase order e-approval and e-signature, integration with finance/accounting for payables or inventory value management, and of course approved paperless and e-signature maintenance processes from the hangar floor to the cockpit. RAAS customers enjoy the benefits of a widely accessible and easy-to-use inventory management and maintenance support system that through continued use is able to reduce maintenance costs by increasing maintenance procedure efficiency, reducing held inventory, providing proof of quality for inspection escalations, and by directly reducing clerical manpower requirements. The quick deployment, ease of support, and low TCO inherent in cross-platform browserbased information systems coupled with high levels of integration, easy-to-use user interfaces, and many automated reporting and data analysis features make RAAS a leader in its field.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
DIRECTORY
Webinars eJournals Software Conferences News Advisory Unit Want to be involved? Simply email scott.leslie@aircraftit.com for more information
AIRCRAFTMRO IT www.aircraftIT.com
ASQS (Advanced Safety and Quality Solutions)
The Boeing Company
BytzSoft Technologies Inc.
W: www.asqs.net T: +43 1 306 1234 E: sales@asqs.net
W: www.boeing.com/supportandservices T: +1 206-655-2121 E: BoeingSupportandServices@Boeing.com
Locations: ASQS GmbH, Vienna, Austria; ASQS Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand; Calgary, Canada
Location: Over 65 locations around the world
W: www.bytzsoft.com T: 001 201 270 8019 T: 0091 965 704 2657 E: sales@bytzsoft.com
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • IQSMS (Integrated Quality and Safety Management System) • Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) Service • The IQSMS Suite consists of a total of 10 modules, varying according to the operator. (Airlines, Business Jets, Helicopter, Airports, MROs...)
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Airplane Health Management • Business Consulting • Maintenance Performance Toolbox • Optimized Maintenance Program
KEY BUSINESS SOFTWARE AREAS • Quality Management Module • Reporting Module • Risk Management Module • Document Distribution Module • Emergency Response Planning Module ASQS (Advanced Safety and Quality Solutions) is a global supplier of highly innovative QMS and SMS software for the aviation industry, supporting more than 200 large and small operators, including airlines, business jet and helicopter operators, groundhandling agents/FBOs, airports and maintenance organizations, in creating a safe and productive work environment. The company specializes in intuitive, integrated, web-based solutions with exceptional customer support. ASQS’s core product IQSMS allows clients to manage operational data 24/7 online and offline with a single integrated tool which significantly simplifies daily tasks. The easy handling of the software creates a positive reporting culture, enables comprehensive quality management and proactive risk management to maximize productivity, reduce operating costs, and optimize internal and external working procedures. IQSMS automates laborious processes like the submission of ECCAIRS or IDX compliant incident reports which, combined with a consolidated, up-to-date regulations database, ensures legal compliance with national and international requirements and standards.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
Location: Over 65 locations around the world
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Technical Content Management • Vehicle Health Mana gement • Maintenance Optimization Consulting Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. Boeing Support and Services combines airplane design and manufacturing expertise with unique access to fleet-wide operational data to offer optimization solutions. With these offerings, Boeing addresses the evolving need for integration and optimization of data and information across the aviation ecosystem to empower smart decision-making. The portfolio includes services and solutions for flight operations, maintenance & engineering and procurement organizations to optimize the operational efficiency of airplanes and operations. Boeing has more than 250 customers for its optimization solutions. The portfolio draws on solutions from a family of Boeing companies: AerData, Inventory Locator Services and Jeppesen, serving operators of Boeing and non-Boeing airplanes.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 96
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • FlyPal®-CAMO/MRO/QMS/SMS/OPS KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • CAMO Engg. & Maintenance Engg • MRO Engg • Audits & Compliance Management • Safety Risk & Assurance Management • Crew Scheduling/FDTL Compliances/ Training Records BytzSoft Technologies Inc. believes in shared responsibility for aviation safety, and they ensure that their aviation software solution provides quality product to customers to aid them in remaining compliant with regulations at all times. The business provides value for money to their clients who use BytzSoft’s products to bring in process and data driven approaches to improve efficiency and effectivity of the employees working with airlines, charter operators, MRO’s and fleet management companies. Management of all these companies can get required data on their dashboard as well as detailed MIS reports at the touch of a finger. BytzSoft’s cloud-based web applications are scalable and deployable at a fast pace, thus reducing the implementation time and improving on margins. No matter what kind of fleet (Fixed Wing or Rotary Wing) you operate, FlyPal® can be configured to meet your needs.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
DIRECTORY
Comply365
Communications Software (Airline Systems)
Conduce
CrossConsense
W: www.conduce.net T: 0044 333 888 4044 E: info@conduce.net
W: www.crossconsense.com T: +49 69 4035 7600 E: contact@crossconsense.de
Location: USA
Location: UK
Location: Nuneaton, UK
Location: Frankfurt Germany
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • ProAuthor (XML-Based Authoring Solution) • Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) • Digital Briefing • Document & Communication Manager • Training Solution (LMS Learning Manager)
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • OASES Modules • OASES Mobile • OASES Techlog • OASES Cloud • OASES Web
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • eTechLog8 • eCabinLog8 • eCentral8 • eTraining8 • eForm8 • eDoc8
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED Aircraft Fleet View ACSIS AviationDW
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • XML-Based Authoring Solution (ProAuthor) • Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) • Digital Briefing Flight Release • Document Mgmt. and Distribution Platform • Targeted Distribution w/ Compliance Tracking
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Continuing Airworthiness • Material, Warranty & Commercial Management • Planning & Production • Line Maintenane • Complete MRO workflows
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Electronic Logbook (ELB) • Cabin Log • Electronic Forms Designer • Document Viewer
W: www.comply365.com T: +1 (877) 366 2365 E: info@comply365.com
Comply365 delivers secure, cloud-based solutions, focusing on Authoring, EFB and Digital Briefing Solutions, as well as Targeted Distribution of Mobile Manuals. The Authoring Solution, features ProAuthor: the aviation industry’s first and only XML-based solution for authoring, revising and distributing publications. Comply365’s proven Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) solution lets crews access mission-critical information throughout each phase of flight.
W: www.oases.aero T: +44 1621 817 425 E: info@oases.aero
Commsoft’s Open Aviation Strategic Engineering System (OASES) is the all-in-one software for airworthiness maintenance control, meeting strict regulatory requirements. It enables airlines, fixed wing and rotary operators, MROs, and CAMOs to increase efficiencies in the management and monitoring of every procedure or intervention. OASES is used by 130 aviation organisations — national carriers, large third-party maintenance providers, and independent operators — and supported in 55 countries across 6 continents. Commsoft is an MIT group company, part of the Valsoft Corporation portfolio.
eTechLog8 is our world leading Electronic Log Book (ELB), fully approved by multiple Airworthiness Authorities and trusted by customers worldwide. eTechLog8 eliminates the paper technical, cabin, and deferred defect logbooks, and replaces these with an easy to use, workflow controlled mobile solution. Available on both Windows and iOS, eTechLog8 is fully integrated with all the leading MRO and M&E systems. All eTechLog8 customers report significant benefits, ranging from improved efficiency, data accuracy and consistency to faster turnarounds, all contributing to reduced costs. Conduce also offers a fully integrated suite of companion applications, which provide mobile paperless solutions for the cabin log, CBT training, custom forms, and ensuring key documents are at your fingertips.
Digital Briefing helps turn planes faster for more on-time departures with instant feedback to dispatchers when the flight crew accepts a release and signs Fit for Duty.
Conduce has a sliding pricing scale, depending on fleet size and operates as a subscription model, with one flat fee, per tail, per month covering everything: hardware, software, 24/7/365 support, mobile data, future proofed upgrades and more. There are no hidden costs. Ask us today for a tailored proposal.
Comply365’s full-featured Document Management and Targeted Distribution Platform boosts productivity by delivering any type of manual or document directly to any mobile device or stationary workstation.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
Conduce pioneer mobile aviation solutions.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 97
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS Support and Hosting Consulting and Data Migration Business Intelligence solutions App and dashboard development CrossConsense’s portfolio runs from AMOS Support, BI-Management, Data Migration and Hosting to the products Aircraft Fleet View, ACSIS and AviationDW. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian’s FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd., CrossConsense also offers solutions for Fuel Management, Turn Process Management and other software applications as well as AFIRS hardware that collects data during flight. AMOS Support: CrossConsense has a long tradition in providing support for AMOS with one single point of contact for 1st and 2nd level; also realizing well-planned and organized data migration projects for airline customers and Reporting and Business Intelligence Analytics. Aircraft Fleet View is a user-friendly App that gives an always up-to-date view on an airline’s fleet status. It indicates AOGs, delays and other important information with the right level of detail to be useful but not crowded with information. ACSIS is a powerful predictive maintenance software tool developed to assist any airline, operator, MRO facility and OEM to avoid AOGs, delays and turnbacks, improve aircraft utilization, and enhance safety. AviationDW is a managed data warehouse, tailor-made for use with your backend system, e.g. AMOS. AviationDW simplifies KPI creation based on MRO System data.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
DIRECTORY
Dent & Buckle
Ecmanage BV
EmpowerMX
eTT Aviation
W: www.dentandbuckle.com T: +35 444 08300 E: info@dentandbuckle.com
W: www.ecmanage.eu T: 0031(0)70 415 7120 E: info@ecmanage.eu
W: www.empowermx.com T: +1 866-498-3702 E: info@empowermx.com
W: www.ettaviation.com T: +1 208-424-9424 E: info@ettaviation.com
Location: Iceland, Poland, USA, Singapore, United Arab Emirates
Location: Rijswijk, Netherlands
Location: Frisco TX, USA
Locations: Boise, ID, USA
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • dent & buckle software
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Wardrobe management system
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Aircraft structural damage reporting • Integration with MRO systems • Mobile apps • Integration with 8-tree dentCHECK • 3D aircraft models
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Online wardrobe management • Controlling the ordering process of garments and accessoires • Native app to enhance ease of use for the users • ISO 27001 / NEN 7510 certified • Trusted by Royal Dutch Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and more
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • FleetCycle® Execution Suite — MRO Manager (FCXM)
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • MISA: Complete Aviation Management Information System
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • FleetCycle® Execution Suite: Production Manager (FXPM), MRO Manager (FCXM) and Line Manager (FCXL) • Maintenance Program Manager (FCMPM), Planning Manager (FCPM), Reliability Manager (FCRM), Material Manager (FCMM), and Maintenance Intelligence (FCMI), Electronic LogBook (FCELB) • Coming Soon: FleetCycle® Executive Suite — Shop Manager (FCXS)
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Accounting • Maintenance • Inventory Management • Purchasing • Human Resources/Payroll
Dent & Buckle is a comprehensive system for managing complete airframe damage and repair records. It is a powerful web-based application for engineering departments, providing a 3D graphical view, advanced document handling and reporting tools. Additionally, Dent & Buckle has a mobile app available for iOS, Android and Windows devices, allowing maintenance crews and pilots to access information in real-time while on the go. With Dent & Buckle, you can easily track and manage all airframe damages, repairs, and maintenance records in one central location. This system streamlines the repair process and improves communication between teams, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and improving the overall efficiency of your organization.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
Ecmanage is a wardrobe mangement system for aviation companies and airlines to control the complete ordering process of workwear, personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or tools. Ecmanage takes the stress out of obtaining and delivering workwear and PPE for your company/customers. In addition, it can be as simple as you like, and can be extensively customised to your needs ander desires. Many customers have chosen Ecmanage, such as the Royal Dutch Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and Keulen-Bonn Airport.The main reason that these parties have chosen Ecmanage is the security of the system. Ecmanage is ISO 27001 and NEN 7510 certified.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
EmpowerMX is an aviation industry-recognized software development/consulting-services business. We are purely focused on empowering our customers with the ability to decrease the costs of making air travel safer by equipping their decision makers with reliable, real-time/globally available intelligence for minimizing maintenance turn times/ OpEx while maximizing airworthiness/profits. FCXM allows MROs, airlines, and lessors to effectively control the entire maintenance lifecycle or only the portions for which they are responsible. Airlines can jointly manage their outsourced and insourced activites like engineering reliability, QA and maintenance programs at the line, heavy and shop levels with an expected reduction in cycle times and increase in labor productivity on the magnitude of 16-30 percent. Third-party MROs can run their entire operation from bidding through contracting to invoicing.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 98
The Management Information System for Aviation (MISA), is a fully integrated, and expertly supported product that provides extensive tools for an aviation company to manage all aspects of their business, including accounting, maintenance, inventory management, purchasing, flight operations, employee training, human resources, payroll, labor collection, government contracting, and flight school management. It is a common practice for aviation companies to use multiple applications to manage their operations. Often, such applications have limited interfaces necessitating duplicate data entry — a recipe for inducing errors and decreasing efficiency. And even when interfaces exist, they can be difficult to manage and require resources to build, maintain, and support them. MISA provides the solution for these issues by standardizing, streamlining, and integrating business processes across all the various departments and functional areas within the company; and this integration improves the bottom line while providing employees a user-friendly and consistent application experience across the whole organization and access to real-time, comprehensive, and relevant information from a single system rather than from disparate sources. MISA boasts impressive customer loyalty as evidenced by a number of aviation companies who have used MISA as their ERP system for more than two decades.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
DIRECTORY
EXSYN Aviation Solutions
Flatirons Solutions
FlightWatching
flydocs
W: www.exsyn.com T: 0031-20-760 8200 E: hello@exsyn.com
W: www.flatironssolutions.com T: +1.303.627.6535 E: info@flatironssolutions.com
W: www.flydocs.aero T: +44 1827 289186 E: sales@flydocs.aero
Location: Amsterdam
Locations: Europe, Asia, USA, Middle East
W: www.flightwatching.com E: beaujard@flightwatching.com E: contact@flightwatching.com E: romain.blanquet@flightwatching.com
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • NEXUS, AVILYTICS
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED CORENA Suite
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Aircraft Data Management • Data Migration • Data Integration • Aircraft Reliability Management • Predictive Maintenance • Robotic Process Automation
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Content Management System (CMS) • Interactive Electronic Technical Publisher (IETP) • Maintenance & Engineering • Flight Operations • Tablet Solutions & Mobility
EXSYN Aviation Solutions is a leading industry provider of aviation engineering and data solutions. Located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, the team comprises of aircraft engineers with deep IT & data skills. Allowing to combine industry expertise with technology knowledge.
Flatirons provides consulting, technology, and outsourcing for content lifecycle management (CLM). For more than 20 years, we have served global Fortune 1000 customers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, financial services, government, healthcare, and publishing. Our customer engagements help organizations efficiently deliver the right information, at the right time, to the right people by leveraging structured content and digital media — Turning Content into Knowledge®. The CORENA Suite by Flatirons is the leading content lifecycle management (CLM) solution developed specifically for organizations that rely on missioncritical data to design, manufacture, operate, or maintain complex assets over their product and service lifecycles as well as across multi-echelon business networks. For more than 25 years, the world’s leading airlines, aerospace manufacturers, OEMs, and defense organizations have relied on the CORENA product suite to create, manage, and deliver large volumes of technical information throughout its lifecycle. Today, CORENA customers rely on the CORENA suite to modernize their IT infrastructures, improve customer satisfaction, and maintain their competitive advantage.
EXSYN’s aircraft data management platform (NEXUS & AVILYTICS) is deployed with more than 20 different airlines and MROs across 20 different countries globally. Overall, it has already integrated with more than 10 different MRO software’s and 29 different aircraft types. Combining EXSYN’s aircraft data management platform with any MRO software provides airlines and MROs the ability to not just record airworthiness and maintenance data but also drive value from their data through business optimization, maintenance costs reductions and higher fleet availability.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
Location: Toulouse, France
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • APU Fleet Management • Wilco data platform • Wilco fuel saving platform KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • APU & nose to tail predictive maintenance • Fuel saving solutions • Engine trend monitoring • Aircraft data market place • ACARS cost saving solutions FlightWatching has a high level of expertise in Aircraft systems and data management (QAR, DAR, SAR, ACARS, ACMS). Our solutions are agnostic, do not require any HW nor SW modification and allow real time interaction with the aircraft. Our customers are: • MROs looking for solutions to build their own fleet management solutions • OEMs willing to explore and collect aircraft data related to equipment behavior • Airlines chasing solution to cut fuel burn on ground
Locations: Birmingham UK
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Aircraft maintenance records management • Lease asset management • Aircraft transition management • Component & part management KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Aircraft maintenance records management • Lease asset management • Aircraft transition management • Component & part management flydocs is an asset management solution provider with the aviation industry’s most comprehensive solution for creating value out of aircraft maintenance data. We offer the tools and expertise that allow all industry to drive sustainable innovation to help build the future of the commercial aviation asset lifecycle. Recognised as a global leader in digital records management, we were founded in 2007 and are 100% owned by Lufthansa Technik. With over 300 employees in multiple locations spread across the globe, we are trusted by over 78 airlines, lessors and MROs to deliver measurable long-term operational and cost efficiencies.
Contact us for your customized digital solutions.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 99
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
DIRECTORY
IBM
Infosys
IDMR
IFS
W: www.ibm.com T: +1 877-426-3774 E: ibm.biz/email_IBM
W: www.infosys.com E: russell.viciedo01@infosys.com
W: www.IDMR.com T: +1-347-565-4367 E: irevivo@idmr.com
W: www.ifs.com T: + 613-576-2480 E: AndInfo@ifsworld.com
Location: New York/Tel Aviv
Locations: 60+ Worldwide
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • InForm
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • IFS Cloud, IFS Maintenix
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Technical Publication • Engineering Orders • Task Cards • Planning • Maintenance Programs • Electronic Signatures
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Fleet and Asset Management • Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (incl line, heavy, complex assembly, component repair) • 3rd-party MRO bidding, quoting, invoicing, product lifecycle management, enterprise operational intelligence
IDMR Inc. is a global leader offering enterprise SaaS and mobile solutions for content management, document distribution, electronic task cards, and e-signatures in the highly regulated aviation industry. InForm is a software engineered to provide end-to-end comprehensive business solutions integrated with leading M&E systems. InForm supports the industry leaders’ remote and mobile workforces enabling safe and efficient operations. Every day, thousands of engineers, maintenance planners, technical writers, and maintenance technicians rely on InForm for digital delivery of operational content, replacing paper-based documentation. With aviation leaders trusting IDMR, InForm is the solution of choice for several national carriers, Heli-operators, e-commerce, defense and logistics contractors, and MRO organizations.
IFS is a globally recognized provider of software solutions for global aerospace & defense (A&D), including airlines and fleet operators, A&D manufacturers, defense in-service support and independent MROs. IFS’s solutions support project and program-centric manufacturing; a complete spectrum of maintenance management capabilities for sea, land and air assets, from heavy, complex, and component MRO, to line maintenance or at-platform/asset support; as well as all types of procurement models. IFS’s innovative enterprise solutions are designed for the regulated A&D industry and markets where manufacturing, MRO, project and service functionality are business- and operationally-critical whilst also supporting global, core enterprise capabilities for managing finance, inventory and human resources. With flexible, modular and enterprise breadth, IFS solutions empower A&D organizations to quickly adapt and manage change whilst delivering bottom-line value, increasing efficiencies and cost savings, and safeguarding compliance. IFS customers include BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, SAAB, GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, HAL, Emirates, LATAM, Qantas, China Airlines, Air France-KLM, and Southwest Airlines.
Location: IBM is incorporated in New York and has operations in over 170 countries.
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Maximo for Aviation • Maximo Scheduler Optimization • Maximo Inventory Optimization • Maximo Visual Inspection • Maximo Monitor, Health, Predict KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Aircraft and Component MRO • Aircraft Configuration Management • Maintenance Program Management • Supply Chain Management Line, Base and Component Maintenance IBM Maximo® for Aviation (MfA) is an Enterprise Asset Management solution designed to manage the lifecycle of aircraft and associated equipment from first entrance into service to the retirement of complex, high-value assets where safety, compliance and availability are key to the organization’s success. This solution empowers aviation companies to streamline the scheduling and management of aircraft maintenance, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing aircraft downtime. The efficient execution of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes not only boosts flight availability but also extends the lifespan of critical components such as airframes and engines. As part of the IBM Maximo Application Suite https://www. ibm.com/products/maximo, MfA builds on IBM’s decades of leadership in asset and operations management, providing a closed-loop model from capturing and analyzing data to enabling prescriptive maintenance actions. Specific solutions like Maximo for Aviation and add-ons bring more rapid ROI for our customers.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Insights • Tracking • Data Analysis The Infosys Aerospace and Defense practice offers predictive asset maintenance solutions to enhance the airworthiness of aircraft. We use a patented knowledge system to digitize structural repair manuals and aircraft / component maintenance manuals. Our knowledge engines simplify data interpretation for maintenance and repair of metallic as well as composite structures / components. The Infosys Asset Genome solution unifies data across operations, including performance data, fuel consumption, and wear-and-tear. It combines data from aircraft health monitoring systems, inspection reports, and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) records to identify issues in design, production and maintenance. Our solution boosts asset performance and extends the lifespan of assets in heavy engineering, oil and gas, and transportation industries. Our Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools map recurring aircraft maintenance issues with flying conditions, altitude, temperature, and pressure, which drives predictive maintenance to eliminate malfunction and minimize service interruptions. Condition-based maintenance improves aircraft serviceability, while optimizing the frequency of scheduled maintenance. Infosys customizes predictive maintenance models for each asset class, and establishes an alert mechanism based on criticality and business value. Our predictive models mitigate failure by identifying and prioritizing maintenance requirements. Significantly, digital manuals, inspection procedures and work scheduling boost the productivity of the aircraft maintenance team. Our knowledge-based engineering approach and web-based tools for technical documentation accelerate recertification after MRO services.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 100
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
DIRECTORY
Jet Aviation Staffing
KeepFlying®
Laminaar Aviation InfoTech
W: www.jetaviation.com/services/staffing T: 1-201-637-2211 E: neil.engerran@jetaviation.com
W: www.keepflying.aero T: 1-201-490-206 / 65-9235-2654 E: info@keepflying.aero
W: www.laminaar.com T: +65 6239 0150 E: contact@laminaar.com.sg
Location: 47 Locations Worldwide
Location: Singapore, USA, Australia
Location: Singapore, Denver, Bangalore, Mumbai
Location: Germany, Albania, Switzerland, USA
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Permanent & Direct Hire Placement • Temporary & Freelance Placement • Outplacement • Staffing Marketplace
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • ATA SpXchange™ • Engine FinTwin® MRO EDITION • Engine FinTwin® Asset Owner EDITION • Aircraft FinTwin® MRO Edition • Aircraft FinTwin® Asset Owner Edition KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • AI driven ATA Spec Data Exchange • Asset Driven MRO Profitability Modelling • RUL Cashflow & Revenue Models • Asset Lifecycle Credit Risk Analysis • Asset History Data Wrangling
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • ARMS®2.5, ARMS®NS, ARMS®on the TAB, InfoPrompt 2.5
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Volabase • iFF
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Network / Commercial Planning with Optimizers • Flight Operations / Fleet Following • Flight Planning & Dispatch • Crew Operations Management with Optimizers • Maintenance, Engineering & Logistics
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Process consulting / organization processes • IT consulting (processes, technologies, infrastructure) • MRO & Flights Ops consulting • Program and project management • Strategy consulting
A future-ready and fully integrated software applications suite for the aviation business: airlines, non-scheduled operators, MROs, airport operators, regulators and training facilities, with in-built optimizers, business intelligence (BI) & Data Analytics. Our offerings may either be accessed as a complete suite covering the full spectrum of operations, or as a stand-alone module addressing a specific functional area, e.g., Network Planning, Flight Ops, Crew, Maintenance, Logistics or Safety or Analytics. The suite has a unified database that allows a seamless flow of data and information between operational functions. Our product is highly customizable and designed to adapt to clients’ specific requirements. We do our own implementations, on a turnkey basis, and also provide prompt, reliable and economical technical support in-life.
Whether it’s about developing a company-wide digitalization strategy, networking machines, moving systems to the cloud or providing solutions and platforms for analytics and AI, using IT services to network machines or providing mobile platforms for cross-company collaboration... whenever companies want to address digitalization, Lufthansa Industry Solutions is the right partner.
KEY BUSINESS / SOFTWARE AREAS • Payroll Solutions • Permanent Placement • Temporary Placement • Outplacement Behind every seamless journey, is the perfect team. Since 1983, Jet Aviation Staffing has been supporting the industry’s most prominent aviation companies by attracting and placing top talent. With thousands of direct hire placements of crew members, maintenance professionals, support staff, management and executive positions, and many more disciplines, Jet Aviation Staffing continues to perfect the art of staffing. When you want to find the very best career opportunity, you can rely on a team of dedicated professionals. On behalf of their external customers, Jet Aviation Staffing upholds in-depth and extensive standards to ensure they are recommending the best talent. Dedicated to the details, Jet Aviation Staffing’s expertise ensures a perfect career opportunity match for each of their candidates and a seamless experience for their customer.
Some of the use cases that the platform address (and this is a growing list) include: • Gate 0 TAT optimization — Spec2500 driven • Ingestion of PDF records for Asset / Shop Visit creation • Work Scope & demand prediction based on Engine profile • AI driven Capacity Balancing — Manpower, Material • AOG costs optimizer — Vendor Rating & Smarter Demand prediction • Slot Sale to Induction Risk Profiler — Dynamic Cost & Profitability forecasts • Scrap Rate predictions and USM impact • Build Goal Optimization based on projected Asset placement(s) and RUL
Lufthansa Industry Solutions
W: www.LHIND.de T: +49 40 5070 30000 E: marketing.sales@lhind.dlh.de
Lufthansa Industry Solutions combines technical expertise with strong industry knowledge and thus support customers when they introduce new digital technologies. They characterize this as… “We are at home in the digital world: We are digitalization.”
• Maintenance Reserves & Rentals modelling • Asset decision profiler — Cost & Revenue impacts • Redelivery Management & Cost profiling (Redelivery risks, Cost impact of risks, Risks mitigation simulator etc.,) • Maintenance Value Economics for Trade — Interest Rates, Valuation Models, Yields. • Spec2500, Spec2000 (Ch 16, 18) AI driven data capture and transition
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 101
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
DIRECTORY
Lufthansa Systems
M3 Solutions
Motulus.aero
MRX Systems
W: www.LHsystems.com T: +49 69696 90000 E: marketing@lhsystems.com
W: www.m3-solutions.net T: +1 888-318-4808 E: sales@m3-solutions.net
W: www.motulus.aero T: +44 7932 173833 E: steven.rushworth@motulus.com
W: www.mrxsys.com T: +33 6 20 43 01 27 E: contact@mrxsys.com
Location: Germany and in 16 other countries.
Location: Fort Lauderdale USA, Europe, Asia
Location: Hoboken (Antwerpen), Belgium
Location: Luxembourg/Monaco
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED IT Solutions
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • M3 Platform – Mobile Device Synchronization and Asset Management Solution
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Integrated Crew Scheduling (Pairings and Rostering), Tail Assignment, Network Optimization and Schedule Building
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Blue EYE, Blue MRO, Blue STOK
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • MRO Maintenance Mechanics — Device Synchronisation & management. • Above & Below the Wing Specialists — Device (asset) management • Device Management (SW) — Tablet, Laptop, Desktop, Scanner, Radio running MacOS, Windows, iOS & Android. • Device Management (HW) — Charging, Access Control & Surveillance.
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Motulus Integrated Crew Scheduling (MICS) • Motulus Tail Assignment (MTA) • Motulus Network Optimization (MNO)
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS Operations and Commercial Solutions Flight Deck Solutions Finance Solutions In-Flight Entertainment and Mobile Solutions Professional Services and Consulting The company offers its more than 350 airline customers an extensive range of successful and in many cases marketleading products for the aviation industry. The innovative IT products and services in this portfolio offer customers a wide range of economic benefits while also contributing to improving efficiency and competitiveness. In addition, Lufthansa Systems also supports its customers both within and outside the Lufthansa Group with consulting services and the experience it has gained in projects for airlines of every size and business model.
M3 Solutions is the company and innovator behind the powerful and versatile M3 Platform, a comprehensive hardware and software solution for portable device and content management. M3 solutions has sales and distribution offices in North America, Europe and Asia, as well as a global partner network to service customers worldwide in various environments including Airlines, Military and training. The solution allows administrators to fully control the managing, distributing, charging, and monitoring of an organization’s portable device inventory and enables easy remote and unattended content distribution including OS, App & Content deployments, across all devices in the network, anywhere around the world, within minutes. The M3 Platform supports most laptops and tablets and can work with different device types running any OS, within the same installation. For access control, inventory management, security, privacy, user identification, content deployment, networking administration, and reporting regarding your portable devices and their content, the M3 Platform provides the ideal solution.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
For many airlines operating costs, fuel and crew costs form a significant part of their cost base. The delivery of an efficient and robust plan whilst continuing to guarantee an excellent customer offering and employee satisfaction is critical to an airlines success, The complexity of such a plan, and its importance to an organisation makes creating schedules and operational plans ideal candidates to be solved by optimization. At Motulus.aero we enjoy solving the problems that haven’t been solved before by deploying the next generation in optimization products. By combining pioneering algorithms with the power of cloud computing we are able to tackle these complex and large scale problems. Specialising in crew scheduling (pairing and roster production), tail assignment and network optimization we help organisations to reduce crew costs, increase aircraft and equipment utilisation, reduce fuel and operational costs, improve revenue opportunities, increase crew and colleague satisfactions, and improve operational robustness. Having deployed products to a number of industries Motulus had an original mission in aviation to develop innovative products for airline crew resource scheduling problems. Following successful implementations with two European airlines the teams expertise has now been stretched to solve network optimization and tail assignment problems.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 102
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Quotation & Invoicing • Project Management & Reporting • Work Report Automatic Generation • eJobCard iPad App • Logistics & Inventory Management TThe MRX Systems software solution is a fully-integrated digital platform enabling aviation professionals to access real-time data and take control over their fleet and their operations. Blue EYE designed for CAMO management (including eTechlog), this module enables you to keep track of the maintenance status of your fleet (including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, AD, SB), send work orders to maintenance centres and compile all history of parts, repairs, findings in one unique environment. Blue MRO designed for MRO management, this module enables you to digitalize maintenance process from issuing quotations, assigning jobs to technicians, reporting repairs and findings until compiling all related paperwork into one exhaustive and automatically-generated full work report. Blue STOK enables you to link all your MRO centre operations to the associated logistics through powerful features such as demand planning, sourcing (purchases, exchanges, overhaul), invoicing and inventory management. Blue OPS designed for Air Operators, this module enables you to manage all aspects of your operations. In one place, easily manage flight schedules, create and edit flight plans, access an updated database with all information about your crew, manage crew status and planning and allocate team members and resources to flights.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
DIRECTORY
NVable
Output42
QOCO Systems
Ramco Systems
W: www.nvable.com T: +44 141 280 0050 E: contact@nvable.com
W: www.output42.com T: +353 23 88682200 E: info@output42.com
W: www.qoco.aero T: +358 10 501 4001 E: hello@qoco.aero
W: www.ramco.com/aviation-suite/ T: +91 44 2235 4510 E: contact@ramco.com
Location: Glasgow, UK
Location: Ireland, Poland, United Kingdom
Location: Finland
Location: 21 offices worldwide
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • ConNVerge for Aviation
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • dent & buckle, BladeFix, CabinSurvey
NAME OF PRODUCTS MARKETED MROTools.io, Aviadex.io
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Electronic Techlog • Electronic Forms (Assessments) • Document Management • Operational Analysis • Station Operational Compliance
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Software development • Data migration • Aviation Data and Reporting Services • System integration • Data Transformation
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Intelligent maintenance • Data management and integrations • Lean operations • Digital tool management • SaaS solutions
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Ramco Aviation M&E Solution, Ramco Aviation MRO Solution, Ramco Anywhere Apps, Ramco flyMORE
The concept behind our CoNVerge platform is simple. We believe that businesses should have the flexibility to easily innovate and add new applications to their toolbox, without being stifled by legacy technology or a single technology brand.
Output42 is a leading aviation software company that specializes in providing a wide range of products, IT development services, and outsourcing solutions to the industry. They have a team of experts with extensive experience in custom application development, product development, and data migration. Their solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of clients and help them achieve their business objectives.
QOCO Systems Ltd helps the aviation industry to succeed in the changing world by creating new ways to work, to communicate, and to utilize data, having been a trusted partner of airlines, MROs, and aircraft OEMs for over ten years.
CoNVerge is all about minimising risk, fuss and capital costs and maximising efficiency. Provided as a service, it combines a hosted environment and web portal with mobile applications and data interfaces to virtually any system. The platform is easily integrated into your existing business systems and brings together the best tools to handle data acquisition and data analysis — all on scalable infrastructure. Best of all, we even take the day-to-day management off your hands. Our CoNVerge platform is blazing a trail in the aviation sector. In a hi-tech industry, where the stakes are even higher, long-standing clients such as British Airways Cityflyer know they can rely on NVable and our custom-designed software to make things simple, safer, more secure and streamlined. We provide airlines with technology solutions that reduce effort, improve processes and produce useful information, with one simple goal — to change things for the better.
Since 2008, Output42 has been serving major airlines worldwide and has successfully delivered numerous projects such as creating, enhancing, extending, migrating and supporting systems. They have a proven track record of delivering high-quality solutions on time and within budget. Their clients trust them for their expertise, commitment, and ability to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions that drive their business forward.
Solutions offered include the following SaaS solutions: MROTools.io for tool management in aircraft maintenance, Aviadex.io for intelligent integrations between collaborating players in aviation. QOCO also provides a wide range of consulting services for customers’ unique needs in the areas of digitalization, process improvement, data analytics, and more. All this is realized by the business’s team of professionals with expertise in aviation and software development. Agility and customer-centricity is built into QOCO’s way of working, which allows them to quickly and cost-efficiently deliver solutions that fulfill the customer’s real needs.
Bring everything together and do IT better when you bring onboard CoNVerge and NVable.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
QOCO Systems’ solutions provide significant improvements to the industry’s complex processes. They enable our customers to achieve more by doing less and to realize time-savings in labour-intensive tasks. They also bring visibility to customers’ operations to support decision-making based on real-time information.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 103
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Maintenance & Engineering • Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul • Mobility Solutions Ramco Systems offers Aviation Maintenance solutions on premise and on cloud, with multi-tenant capability and nextgen mobility for Airlines, Heli-Operators, MROs and Charter operations. Its comprehensive scope spans the spectrum of organizational needs, including Finance, HCM, Manufacturing, Planning and Optimization, in one integrated platform. Ramco Aviation’s latest Next-Gen digital technologies include: Mobility Solutions: Ramco’s next-gen mobility solutions for maintenance operations are available through an app ecosystem wherein everybody involved can seamlessly execute critical operations on the go, from anywhere, anytime; The BOTS Revolution: Ramco intelligent CHATBOTS deliver parts data, manage AOGs, and perform daily admin tasks for a more personalized and immersive ERP experience; HyperConnected Ecosystem: B2B integrations with AeroXchange, Gains, Logistics providers and OEMs bringing Suppliers, Customers and Logistics providers together on ONE platform Ramco Series 5 reduces Turn Around Time (TAT) while increasing operational performance and compliance through user-friendly interfaces. Ramco has always been an innovator in maintenance IT — enabling clients to focus more on business-critical activities, while the solution processes transactions and decision support, based on intelligent rules. Powering 4000+ aircraft and 21,000+ end-users, Ramco is used by more than 75 operators world-wide.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
DIRECTORY
RecoSense Infosolutions
REDiFly
ROTA.technology Inc.
Rusada
W: www.recosenselabs.com T: +1 206 451 350 E: Info@recosenselabs.com
W: www.redifly.com T: +41 43 555 31 65 E: las@redifly.com
Location: United States, Canada, India
Location: Switzerland (HQ), Ireland
W: rota.technology T: +1 321 710 7682(ROTA) E: info@rota.technology
W: www.rusada.com T: 03333 440730 E: information@rusada.com
Location: Melbourne, FL USA and global
Location: Switzerland, USA, UK, UAE, India, Singapore, Australia
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED DocuSense
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • REDiFly Pilot Log • REDiFly Tech Log • REDiFly Cabin Log • REDiFly Command (Ground System) • REDiFly Core (Integration Module) KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Full Electronic Technical Logbook • Digitization of paper process • Data harvest, storage & analytics • Maintenance and scheduling integration • CAME & compliance support • Defect management
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Consulting, MXF Software, PDS(Process Development System) and custom applications
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Envision
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • AI Transformation & Content Intelligence Solution • Intelligent Document Processor • Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul • Automate Maintenance Audit • Compliance Management RecoSense offers an AI-powered platform for document analysis and data centralization. The platform powers Process Automations and Compliance Management with MROs in the Aviation Industry. RecoSense works as an Engineering partner with customers to build enterprise-specific solutions. Automate processing of manuals, process forms, M&E/MRO Records, job cards - Routine/Non-routine even handwritten, Logbooks, EOs, Technician reports, SFR’s, compliance and inspection reports, etc. with context and extract key Aviation metrics for analysis. The NLP-backed DocuSense platform swims through millions of documents to extract and consolidate the most relevant, insightful information to obtain valuable investment data. It will automate the process, which might take 1000s of manual hours to process, thus reducing Turn Around Time (TAT) while increasing operational performance and compliance through user-friendly interfaces. The platform does not only evaluate the data but also can understand context through RecoSense’s unique knowledge graph.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
REDiFly delivers a sleek and modern Electronic Technical Logbook. We are an independent, data-driven company that offers bespoke software solutions for the aviation industry. We provide a comprehensive framework that can integrate with an airline’s current systems, including MRO, flight scheduling, and crew management, amongst others. What does REDiFly do? REDiFly works with the key people involved in digitizing a client’s current paper-based aircraft technical logbook. In doing so, the solution increases levels of safety and regulatory compliance, streamlines flight-toground connectivity and enables digital archives of secure and searchable aircraft records. REDiFly provides a seamless intersection between flight operations and aircraft maintenance to minimize communication errors while maximizing the efficiency of daily operations.
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • MRO IT Software Implementations • MRO IT Software Upgrades • MRO IT Software Support/Managed Services • MX Long Range Planning • MRO IT Custom Software Development With MRO systems projects and support spanning both the military and commercial markets ROTA brings proven experience to all sides of aviation. Our team has been embedded for years in the business functions we support. In both military and commercial. Specializing in system implementations and upgrades ROTA brings deep knowledge of aviation business processes, integrated into custom built software, to provide not only all testing documentation but also leave customers with a full manual of SOPs moving forward. Aside from upgrades ROTA has completed a number of data projects from cleaning up aircraft configuration to system security overhauls. After these upgrades or projects, training and ongoing admin support can be provided for any MRO IT needs.
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Fleet Management • Base Maintenance • Line Maintenance • Flight Operations • Materials Management Rusada develops ENVISION - an industry leading MRO and Flight Operations solution. With over 100 customers worldwide and a combined fleet of 2,000 fixed wing and rotary aircraft, ENVISION is used by aircraft operators and MRO’s to successfully manage their operations. The latest version of ENVISION is web-based and deviceagnostic with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Modules, which can be purchased individually or as part of an integrated solution, include: Fleet Management, Base Management, Line Maintenance, Component Maintenance, Materials Management, Financial Management, Resource Management, Quality & Safety Management and Flight Operations.
What makes REDiFly different? It is an independent company that applies a user-centric approach by working closely with customers through the onboarding, trial and go-live phases of an implementation. Its flexibility means that REDiFly adapts to a client’s current processes rather than the other way around.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 104
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
DIRECTORY
Seabury Solutions
Swiss Aviation Software
TRAX
W: www.seaburysolutions.com T: +353 860 621311 E: mkt@seaburysolutions.com
W: www.swiss-as.com T: +41 61 582 72 94 E: marketing@swiss-as.com
W: www.trax.aero T: +1 305.662.7400 E: sales@trax.aero
Locations: Ireland, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, Kenya, Korea, Netherlands, Philippines, and the USA
Location: Basel, Switzerland; Miami, FL, USA; Singapore; Tokyo, Japan
Location: Miami, FL, USA; West Sussex, UK; Tokyo, Japan; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Alkym, EPAS, eAuthority
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • AMOS
NAME OF PRODUCTS MARKETED
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Technical Operations • CAMO • MRO • Performance Analytics • Regulator Applications
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Material Management • Engineering • Planning • Production • Maintenance Control • Component Maintenance • Commercial • HR • QA • Financial Management • Mobile suite • Flight simulators • Multi-entity functions
Seabury Solutions is a leading global aviation software development and consultancy company. It was established in 2002 and forms part of the Seabury Capital. Seabury Solutions has built its reputation in the market by delivering industry leading aviation IT solutions catering for some of the largest airlines across the world, down to the smallest operators. We have built upon decades’ of aviation expertise in-house, to leverage this knowledge into a suite of products, that enhance the decision making process for Airlines, Regulators and MROs. With a truly global reach, the network of offices are located in Argentina Australia, Canada, Germany Ireland, Kenya, Korea, Netherlands, Philippines, and the USA. Our integrated aviation software range from Maintenance Systems for Airlines & MROs, Safety Management Software for Aviation Authorities and a range of performance analysis tools within the Enterprise Performance Analysis System (EPAS) Suite. The suite includes modules for Route Profitability, Maintenance Performance, Contract & Invoice Verification Budget Planning, Fuel Planning and Distribution Channel Performance.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
Swiss-AS positions itself not as a pure software house, but as a company tightly linked to airline business. Being in touch with active aircraft maintenance on a daily basis and therefore able to capture MRO trends at a very early stage, Swiss AviationSoftware unites more than 30 years of IT experience with profound MRO expertise and offers its customers a functionally unsurpassed and technologically state-ofthe-art maintenance system. AMOS is a comprehensive, fully-integrated software package that successfully manages the maintenance, engineering and logistics requirements of modern airlines and MRO providers by fulfilling demanding airworthiness standards. To date, over 190 customers from all over the world steer their maintenance activities with AMOS, which makes AMOS one of the industry-leading MRO software solutions worldwide. The ever growing ‘AMOS community’ ranges from pure operators, major charter, regional and low-cost carriers up to large airline groups and MRO providers — proof that AMOS is fit for any environment, regardless of size or geographical origin.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
• eMRO • eMobility KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Engineering & Planning • Production & Shop • Technical Records & Reliability • TRAXDoc Document Control • Supply Chain Management • E-enabled Aircraft Capabilities • Aircraft Mobility apps • Maintenance Mobility apps • Paperless Maintenance • Warehouse Mobility apps TRAX is the global leader in the aviation industry for MRO ERP software, with over 200 airlines and MROs using their products. TRAX has the most advanced maintenance software solutions available for airlines and MROs worldwide with fleets consisting of all types of aircraft. TRAX eMRO is a completely integrated product, in addition, the eMobility suite offers a range of iOS apps to provide mobile accessibility. Organizational efficiency gains can be substantial when using TRAX eMRO and eMobility, and ROI is quickly realized. TRAX maintains its advantage over the competition by developing software that works for customers through modern technology, world class support and strong customer relationships.
Webinars eJournals Software Conferences News Advisory Unit Want to be involved? Simply email scott.leslie@aircraftit.com for more information
AIRCRAFTMRO IT CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 105
www.aircraftIT.com
DIRECTORY
TrustFlight
Ultramain
Vistair Systems
Yonder
W: www.trustflight.io T: 44 (0) 330 229 0219 E: info@trustflight.io
W: www.ultramain.com T: +1.505.828.9000 E: sales@ultramain.com
W: www.vistair.com T: 01454 550663 E: info@vistair.com
W: www.yonder.info T: +41 43 215 27 94 E: contact@yonder.info
Location: Leamington Spa, UK; Edinburgh, UK; Luton, UK; St Helier, Jersey
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Location: United Kingdom and USA
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Tech Log, Task Cards • Digital Logbook • CAMO (service) • Aircraft Registry (service)
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • ULTRAMAIN® v9™ M&E / MRO • ULTRAMAIN Mobile Mechanic™ • ULTRAMAIN Mobile Inventory™ • ULTRAMAIN ELB™ • ULTRAMAIN M&E / MRO: 31 modules including: Configuration Management; Line/Base Mx Planning; Line/ Base Mx Scheduling; GATe; Quality Assurance; Asset Management
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • DocuNet • SafetyNet
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Yonder Mind
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Aircraft log books • Aircraft maintenance task cards • Digital and paperless working • CAMO support • Aircraft Registry support From inception, TrustFlight has been ingrained in the aviation industry. Founded by two commercial pilots with a proven track record at the intersection of technology and business, the business has grown considerably and with stability, having recently celebrated the opening of a fourth office. Throughout, TrustFlight gained an incredible team with backgrounds spanning different areas of aviation and technology, ensuring a solid presence in the industry. Now offering a range of products and services within the sector, TrustFlight helps to remove costly paperwork and associated errors, preserve aircraft value, and increase efficiency and safety in aircraft operations. Five values shape TrustFlight’s culture, guide the business’s work and the way it grows. Integrity Transparent and open: offering trust to partners and assuming it from them. Responsibility Owning the work they do and taking responsibilty for it: striving to make it the best possible. Leadership Leading from within: providing support for the team to do incredible work and drive the industry forwards. Innovation Products are crafted for the future needs of the industry, going beyond what exists in the market. Excellence Every one of TrustFlight’s values contributes towards the excellence in their products.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Maintenance & Engineering • MRO • Military Maintenance • Maintenance Planning & Scheduling • Paperless Customer Care on Mobile Devices • Electronic Technical Logbook Ultramain Systems, Inc. develops M&E / MRO and ELB software for the aviation industry and is the only aviation software provider with customers running full, end-to-end paperless operations from the cockpit to the ground. ULTRAMAIN v9, featuring Mobile Mechanic and Mobile Inventory enables real-time paperless data collection for the full maintenance and inventory process. Combine ULTRAMAIN v9 with ULTRAMAIN ELB, the easy-to-use electronic logbook, and the entire maintenance process becomes paperless. Contact us to learn what you need to equip your organization with customer mobile devices and see why elite aviation customers around the world are choosing ULTRAMAIN to reduce costs and increase aircraft up time.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Aviation Document Management (All format types inc. PDF, XML, S1000D, I Spec 2200) • Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) • Document Management and Distribution Platform • Maintenance & Engineering • Flight Operations • Compliance Tracking • Form Creation and Management • Aviation Safety Management Software Vistair provides document, safety, and quality management technology solutions to support the delivery of improved safety, compliance, and operational efficiency that results in significant commercial savings to aviation organizations. Combining technology, development expertise and service delivery, Vistair’s suite of aviation technology solutions provides both commercial airlines, aerospace and defense organizations with an approach that helps demonstrate a clear link between increased reporting and a change in procedures and behaviors, which fundamentally drives a safer organization. Document Management: DocuNet is the aviation industry’s leading end-to end document management solution, providing a coherent, single point of control for editing, publishing, distributing, and viewing all operational documentation. It provides the flexibility to access documents via the web and mobile devices and can also manage documents in all formats.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • AUTUMN 2023 • 106
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Content Management System • Workflow-based Content Distribution • Compliance Tracking • Content-based Learning Stay in control of your content and bring reliable, rolespecific information to frontline employees — with one fully customizable content management solution. Yonder Mind is an easy-to-use content management solution designed specifically for controlled information like operation manuals, guidelines, rules, or regulations. Our unique approach allows users to work with dynamic content instead of static documents. Dynamic content will display the right information at the right time, depending on the user profile and on the context of use. A powerful search function further improves end-user satisfaction. Yonder Mind brings operational documentation and manufacturer manuals together in one solution. Pilots work with the easy to use YM Offline App and enjoy role-specific revision updates instead of having to go through hundreds of revised pages. Editors create and enhance content in the YM Editor while revisions become manageable again thanks to the fully integrated YM Workflow. Company guides (e.g. Winter Ops Guide) can be created without having to worry about duplicates anymore since information is only contained once in Yonder Mind. And never miss a change in regulation again thanks to our IQSMS Connector. We have over 15 years of experience with electronic documentation in aviation that we can leverage to our customers’ benefit. Our team has a diverse background ranging from a former EFB administrator for a large international airline to a long-haul captain knowing, from his own experience, what crews need.
CLICK HERE for Product Details CLICK HERE to Request Private Demo
BOUNDLESS BACK ISSUES START YOUR INVESTMENT WITH OUR EXTENSIVE BACK ISSUES OF IT SOLUTIONS CLICK HERE
AIRCRAFTMRO IT