Earth Day is the perfect time to promote actions toward environmental sustainability. The aviation industry, often scrutinised for its environmental impact, is making significant advancements in climate adaptation, from the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) to the design of fuel-efficient aircraft. In fact, new generation aircraft are around 80% more fuel efficient and 70% quieter than earlier models.
Another intriguing measure is the recycling of plastic bottles to create 3D printed parts, an initiative undertaken by AFI KLM E&M, who have been using plastic bottles used during flights to create filament (the material used in 3D printers).
How else can MRO become more sustainable? Using software such as OASES helps on many fronts. Read on to find out how.
How Does OASES MRO Software Improve Sustainability?
The global market for MRO software is forecast to be worth USD 11.87 billion by 2030, up from USD 7.49 billion in 2023. Key drivers behind this growth include increases in air travel (from February 2022 – 2023, there was an increase of 55.5%, measured in revenue passenger kilometres) and the resulting need for greater MRO efficiency.
Digitised Workflows
OASES stands out with its end-to-end, digitised workflows, crucial for operational efficiency as well asenvironmental stewardship.
Our unified platform ensures data is entered once and seamlessly integrated across all modules, reducing redundancy, and minimising the environmental toll of paper-based systems.
It also integrates with electronic tech logs, the data from every flight being automatically stored in a centralised database.
Cloud Based MRO Software
Cloud-based software enhances sustainability by eliminate the need for extensive on-premises infrastructure, which reduces the energy consumption of individual organisations, while many cloud providers employ energy efficient data centres.
The old fashioned equipment still used to support many legacy systems is not designed to be energy efficient like the assets used by modern data centres typically are. Also, the scalability of cloud services means that organisations only use the resources they need, which further optimises energy use and prevents waste.
Cloud computing supports remote and hybrid work models, reducing unnecessary transport-related emissions. What’s more, the mobile version of our software, OASES Mobile, reduces on-site transport as maintenance teams don’t need to go to specific workstations to access the documentation they need.
Reducing Fuel Use
Efficient Maintenance Processes
The digital-first approach ensures real-time response capabilities, diminishing the need for physical documentation and expediting issue resolution. In turn, this enhances operational efficiency and reduces unnecessary fuel burn during extended maintenance checks.
Predictive Maintenance
OASES enables predictive maintenance, which can play a vital role in enhancing the sustainability of aircraft. For example, by continuously monitoring aircraft systems and analysing sensor data, predictive maintenance algorithms can identify subtle changes or anomalies that may indicate a fuel leak, even before it becomes apparent through conventional inspection methods. Early detection allows for timely repairs, preventing fuel wastage.
Energy Efficiency in Maintenance Facilities
Optimising maintenance workflows helps reduce energy usage in maintenance facilities. For example, efficient scheduling can ensure that hangars and workshops are utilised optimally, reducing the need for lighting, heating, or cooling in underused spaces.
The OASES Production module make this possible, improving maintenance planning from hangar level to the level of individual tasks. The Line Maintenance module also offers a range of tools for improving planning, such as its integration of data feeds from EFB, ETL and e-enabled aircraft and electronic operations systems.
In addition, it creates LMC worksheets automatically and emails them to the required station, specifying requisite maintenance and rectification activities.
Sustainable Inventory Control
The precise forecasting of the demand for spare parts and materials helps maintain optimal inventory levels. Reducing excess inventory not only minimises waste but also decreases the energy and resources required for storage and preservation.
With the right parts available at the right time and place, the need for expedited shipping is reduced, thus reducing the emissions caused by transporting parts over long distances or using more energy-intensive shipping methods.
This process is further automated thanks to the integration of planning and Material Management modules. As a result, stock can automatically be reserved (or picked, if immediately required).
Inventory Management Insights
With detailed insights into usage patterns, airlines can make informed decisions about procurement and consumption. As such, they can identify opportunities to invest in more durable, efficient, or eco-friendly components and materials.
Extending the Longevity of Parts
Once again, predictive maintenance contributes to sustainability. In this case, its facilitation of timely interventions helps prevent damage to parts and components. This maximises their usable life and prevents their premature replacement, lessening the impact of waste and the continuous production of spare parts.
(On the other hand, the Warranty Management module maximises the success rate of claims when the time comes.)
Enhanced Compliance and Reporting
OASES facilitates compliance with environmental regulations thanks to its detailed reporting tools, making it easier to monitor environmental performance and identify areas for improvement.
In fact, robust audit trails are generated via the software’s various modules, providing comprehensive data on all MRO activities, for further inspection.
Summary
As we celebrate Earth Day 2024, it’s crucial to acknowledge the progress made in eco-friendly aviation.
To summarise how OASES contributes to sustainable maintenance, its cloud and mobile solutions support remote work, reducing emissions and encouraging the use of energy efficient equipment over outdated and inefficient hardware/legacy systems. It digitises MRO processes, reducing paper use with the added benefit of greater accuracy and efficiency.
Through efficient maintenance planning and predictive maintenance, it can help to reduce fuel usage, as well as energy usage in maintenance facilities. It also supports eco-friendly inventory control, extends the longevity of parts, and makes environmental compliance monitoring much easier.
On Earth Day 2024, take the next step in MRO sustainability by requesting a demo of our state-of-the-art solution.
