As we approach Predictive Aircraft Maintenance 2023 to be held in London in November, MRO Management Magazine asked AJW Technical Director, David Miret Mora, about his thoughts on the landscape of predictive maintenance (PdM) in the aviation industry. 

“Predictive maintenance technology holds immense promise for the future,” says Miret Mora, however, its current deployment has been marked by a lack of structure due to the absence of acceptance within airworthiness regulations.  

He speaks about the history of aircraft maintenance practices and how these have evolved since the inception of MSG (Maintenance Steering Group) in 1968. He believes there needs to be a pioneering and formal PdM research project, with collaboration between industry stakeholders to establish a framework to redefine the industry approach to basic maintenance programmes. 

The changes in commercial aviation relating to passenger compensation for delayed flights have significantly impacted airline profitability and are driving operators to consider a change in their business models and maintenance planning to ensure sustained or improved profitability. 

Predictive maintenance solutions are bringing meaningful action at airline level however, clear boundaries and consensus need to be established for it to evolve even further. “Predictive maintenance should be embraced by all OEMs and treated with the same regard as any type of removal,” says the AJW Technical Director, who discusses what steps need to be taken going forward. 

The landscape of predictive maintenance is still marked by many unknowns but a proactive approach to their resolution is vital, says Miret Mora. Appropriate frameworks must be implemented, and while certain task forces are already in place, he feels these may lack a certain level of clarity and direction.

AJW’s Technical Director will be speaking at Predictive Aircraft Maintenance 2023 and hopes that the event will foster a robust framework for aircraft maintenance among attending stakeholders. He suggests that while providers have developed remarkable tools to date, these may not be sufficient for industry needs.

This conference presents an opportunity to collaborate, share knowledge, and work towards refining our approach to maintenance and driving positive change.

Miret Mora concludes his discussion with MRO Management discussing what he would like to see in the future of predictive maintenance. His vision is the deployment of a new hybrid aircraft maintenance philosophy, one that combines the current MSG-3 and PM technology. He says that while the current MSG-3 has served the industry well, things now need to be taken a step further as this will allow for a proactive approach to maintenance that will enhance overall safety and reliability.