Over the past 25 years, the aviation industry has seen extensive changes in technology, passenger expectations, operational practices, and sustainability efforts. Highlights include the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), more fuel-efficient aircraft designs, and aviation maintenance advancements – such as Internet of Things (IoT) applications and the rise of predictive maintenance. Looking ahead, there are some exciting aviation advancements in the pipeline such as the return of supersonic flight.
Advances in aircraft technology and aviation safety are often the most visible changes, but a great deal of innovation has occurred behind the scenes when it comes to airline software applications. These tools streamline every facet of operations, from aircraft maintenance to baggage handling to customer experience.
This article reviews both facets, examining how far the industry has come in the first quarter of the century.
Advancements in Aircraft Technology
One of the most prominent trends in aircraft design over the last 25 years has been the emphasis on fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. The industry began to optimise its use of fuel earlier than that, however.
Data from ICAO shows that between 1985 – 2005, consumption reduced from 8 Litres pax/100 km (per passenger per 100 km) to 5 Litres pax/100 km. At the time, it was forecast that in 2025, it would be down to 3 Litres pax/100 km.
Let’s take a look at the different advancements the industry has witnessed on this journey.
Aircraft Design
Lightweight Materials for Reduced Drag
Aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350, which entered service in the early 2010s, feature lightweight, composite materials like carbon-fibre, which reduce drag and thus, fuel usage. They were not the first of their kind, however; composites had been used for decades, the first commercial aircraft to employ them being the Airbus A300 back in the 1970s.
Earlier models were still mostly made of metal but over time, composites started to make up larger proportions of the aircraft. For example, the airframe structure of the A350 contained more than 50% – significantly more than its predecessors.
The trend since continued. The Airbus A350 XWB’s wings are mostly made of lightweight carbon composites, which made them the largest aviation parts ever made from carbon fibre when they were introduced.
Composites not only bring benefits in terms of fuel consumption. According to Airbus, the A350 XWB requires 50% fewer structure maintenance tasks, and airframe checks only need to be done every 12 years instead of every eight. This is partly due to the fact that these materials are corrosion resistant. They’re also more durable and have great tolerance for extreme temperatures.
In addition, there’s growing interest in thermoplastic composites, which are recyclable, can be produced quickly, and are significantly lighter.
Fuel Efficient Engines
While the 20th century saw significant evolution in terms of engine design, things are still improving. Jet engines are becoming more efficient, and their cores are getting smaller as they function at higher pressure ratios.
In 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration started the CLEEN Programme which stands for Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise. Together with GE, Boeing, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce, and Pratt & Whitney, the FAA have invested hundreds of millions in order to achieve a cleaner and greener sector.
By 2026, fuel burn should be 40% less than in 2000 and noise will be reduced by 25 dB. In addition, nitrous oxide emissions are expected to have reduced by 70%.
CLEEN is a five-phase plan and in 2025, we’ll be entering stage four which will run until 2029.
Jet Fuel Alternatives
The Introduction of SAFs
Some of the key SAF milestones, according to IATA, are:
- 2008: Virgin Atlantic performed the first flight using biojet fuel.
- 2011-2015: 22 airlines conducted more than 2,500 commercial flights with blends of up to 50% biojet fuel.
- 2016: Oslo Airport introduced a regular SAF supply, and United Airlines started to use SAFs as part of their normal operations.
- 2017: An IATA resolution was agreed regarding the deployment of SAF.
- 2019: More than 45 airlines had used SAFs on over 250,000 flights.
- 2021: SAF production reached 300 million litres.
- 2023: The first commercial transatlantic flight using 100% SAF was carried out by Virgin Atlantic.
The First Use of Green Hydrogen
In 2022, Rolls-Royce and EasyJet conducted the first ever ground test of a modern aircraft engine using hydrogen. The hydrogen was supplied by the European Marine Energy Centre and was generated using renewables at their facility in the Orkney Islands.
Hybrid and Electric Propulsion
There has been growing interest in hybrid and electric propulsion systems in recent years. Hybridisation is considered an intermediary step for larger aircraft on the path to using solely electric propulsion, and it can achieve reductions in CO2 emissions of up to 40%. Norway has set the target for all domestic and short haul flights to be 100% electric by 2040.
Other Key Aviation Advancements
The Revival of Supersonic Flight
Shortly after the Concorde retired in 2003, several companies set to work on developing supersonic flight once again. One leading company is Boom Technology, who completed the construction of the US’ first supersonic jet factory earlier this year.
3D Printing
The 3D printing of parts and components promises to make MRO operations more efficient with faster turnaround times. In 2012, GE acquired Morris Technologies, a key player in 3D printing. The same year, they gained regulatory approval to use a 3D-printed part in a GEnx-2B engine. This was just the start, as the aerospace 3D printing market was valued at USD 3.33 billion in 2023.
Virtual Reality Training
Simulation-based training is nothing new in this industry, but it has taken significant leaps forward thanks to VR and can help train a variety of personnel, from pilots and cabin crew to maintenance technicians.
Increased Connectivity and Improved Passenger Experience
Advancements in connectivity technology transformed the passenger experience, with airlines now offering in-flight Wi-Fi and mobile apps that enable passengers to manage their bookings and track baggage. This brings us to the next vital area of development – aviation software.
Advancements in Aviation MRO Software
While aircraft technology has advanced in impressive ways, the software that supports Maintenance Repair and Overhaul operations has been equally transformative. Without effective management in this area, airlines would face significant delays, downtime, and reduced profits. Here are some of the key developments that MRO providers have been able to benefit from over the years.
The Transition from Paper to Digital in MRO
Over the past 25 years, a range of airline software applications have assisted digital transformation. Modern MRO software now offers fully integrated digital solutions that automate key aspects of the maintenance lifecycle, from scheduling and tracking to reporting and compliance.
With digitised workflows, organisations can track maintenance tasks in real time, minimising human error and reducing the risk of missed or delayed maintenance. This has been vital in maintaining safety standards and ensuring that aircraft can be returned to service as quickly as possible.
The introduction of electronic tech logs was a significant milestone. It meant that this crucial documentation could not get lost and would always provide an accessible overview of an airline’s fleet.
The Adoption of Cloud Based Aviation MRO Software
The market for aviation MRO software was valued at USD 6.9 billion in 2020 and was forecast to reach USD 8.0 billion by 2025. The segment for cloud hosted MRO software is growing faster, and this is no surprise given its extensive operational benefits, from superior visibility and collaboration to cost reduction.
Predictive Maintenance and IoT Integration
One of the most exciting advancements in MRO management has been the integration of predictive maintenance, with data gathered by Internet of Things (IoT) devices and analysed using machine learning and other advanced methods.
Modern aircraft are equipped with thousands of sensors that continuously monitor critical systems and components, such as engines, landing gear, and hydraulic systems. This data is collected is transmitted in real-time to maintenance teams on the ground. It’s later analysed to predict potential failures before they occur, allowing airlines to perform maintenance proactively rather than reactively.
In additional, predictive analytics ensures that critical parts are replaced based on their usage and performance, preventing unnecessary replacements and improving the overall lifecycle management of aircraft components.
Conclusion
In the past 25 years, the aviation industry has witnessed huge advancements such as innovations in sustainable aircraft and engine design, the use of renewable fuels, and the rebirth of supersonic travel.
Meanwhile, software has transformed operations, moving from manual systems to highly integrated, intelligent digital platforms that automate and optimise maintenance processes, ultimately improving on-time performance and reducing costs.
What will the next 25 years bring? Surely, there are many more exciting developments on the horizon.
OASES is a leading MRO solution providing operators across the world with all the tools they need to manage maintenance and ensure regulatory compliance. Users can plan and track maintenance tasks, manage inventory, conduct predictive maintenance, and much more – all within a single platform. To learn more or request a demo, contact us today.