Experts say aircraft maintenance plays key role in reducing emissions

The effects of climate change have been taking a toll across all industries and aviation often gets named in that list. However, Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, emphasises that a critical focus area for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and reducing emissions by 10% is improving operational efficiency; with aircraft maintenance processes playing an essential role in this effort. 

A seasoned professional with more than 14 years experience in Boeing, Ghata-Aura is responsible for coordinating all company wide activities in the region and developing and implementing country and regional strategies. 

“Everyone’s efforts matter here – even the smallest change in how an airline approaches fleet maintenance can have a multiplying effect if everyone contributes and makes those incremental changes that will support progress on sustainability goals.” 

“Boeing is working with its airline customers to provide tools and services that can help them achieve objectives in both flight and maintenance operations. By prioritising sustainable maintenance, the aviation industry can reduce its environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote a more sustainable approach to aircraft operations,” he added.

Sustainability at the forefront

Boeing’s responsibility to build sustainability into its products begins within its four walls and doesn’t end when the  aircraft leaves the factory. They constantly strive to develop and improve aftermarket products and services to enable an end-to-end sustainable product lifecycle. They are committed to delivering sustainable solutions that help customers enhance the efficiency of their fleets and achieve their sustainability goals and objectives.

“We take action to decrease our environmental impact through renewable energy procurement, targeted infrastructure and equipment investments, efficiency standards and conservation initiatives that include deployment of best practices and employee engagement strategies,” says Ghata-Aura.

Boeing is a founding member of the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association, the leading global organisation for developing and promoting the safe and sustainable management of component and aircraft circularity in the aviation sector. 

Currently retiring aircraft are up to 90% recyclable based on weight. Once dismantled, an aircraft  can provide up to 6,000 recycled recertified parts. Used material has been harvested from retired Boeing aircraft, including the 777, 767, 747 and 737, as well as non-Boeing-manufactured aircrafts.  

Recertified used parts from retired aircrafts help aircraft operators reduce their maintenance and spare part costs while offering cost-efficient quality solutions. Boeing Global Services organisation provides access to this inventory, called used serviceable material — or USM. Boeing offers certified used parts for aircraft, engines, and helicopters, and manages recertification of these used parts, ensuring quality.

Airlines contribute to meet green goals

As the fastest growing airline in Africa and with over seventy years of operation, Ethiopian Airlines has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, renowned for its efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the largest share of the Pan-African passenger and cargo network, operating the youngest and most modern fleet to 125 international destinations across five continents. 

Its fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, and Bombardier Q-400 double cabin, with an average fleet age of five years. Notably, Ethiopian was the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircrafts.

The airline is dedicated to protecting the environment by addressing adverse impacts through pollution prevention, waste minimization, resource conservation, and other industry-related environmental protection activities, such as green procurement, route optimization, weight reduction, and the safe use and disposal of chemicals.

According to Kidus Melkamu, who served as the Managing Director of MRO at Ethiopian Airlines, the primary function of MRO in aviation is to ensure that aircraft, along with their systems and components, are thoroughly inspected and maintained to meet regulatory safety standards while achieving maximum efficiency and full functionality. 

This includes maintaining the aircraft for optimal fuel economy and preventing structural or component failures that contribute to extra fuel consumption. “For instance, deferring maintenance on a flight control component due to a lack of parts or time can lead to additional fuel consumption to compensate for irregularities on the aircraft surface, thereby directly impacting sustainability by increasing carbon emissions” said Melkamu, who is skilled in aircraft maintenance and management, airlines business, quality assurance and airworthiness. 

MRO contributes to sustainability in aviation

Considering the number of flights that occur globally each day, there are many ways MRO contributes to the sustainability of aviation. Enhancing aircraft performance and fuel efficiency can be achieved through targeted modifications and upgrades, which are critical in optimising overall operations. 

One key aspect is minimising or avoiding deferrals on flight control surfaces and addressing missing access panels, as such deferrals significantly impact fuel consumption, particularly on longer flights. 

MRO organisations play a vital role in this process by addressing supply chain challenges through the mobilisation of resources, improving repair shop efficiency, influencing suppliers for timely parts delivery, and implementing proactive and predictive maintenance programs. 

These comprehensive efforts not only boost performance but also contribute substantially to the industry’s sustainability. Furthermore, educating equipment operators, airports, and other stakeholders, on how to prevent aircraft structural damage is essential in maintaining aircraft integrity and efficiency.

“Proper education and training are crucial in minimising accidental damage to aircraft. Structural damage can occur for various reasons, such as collisions with ground support equipment and bird strikes.”

“These damages often necessitate repairs that can disrupt the smooth aerodynamic surface of the fuselage, leading to increased drag and higher fuel consumption. Therefore, providing thorough training and raising awareness among all stakeholders can help maintain the structural integrity of aircraft, ensuring better fuel efficiency,” added Melkamu 

“Additionally, MROs can enhance their repair processes by implementing technology-supported structural repairs and employing highly trained and skilled personnel to perform these repairs more effectively and efficiently.”

Sustainable practices to boost performance

In the pursuit of more sustainability and efficiency in the aviation industry, MRO organisations are increasingly adopting innovative practices that not only enhance performance but also reduce environmental impact. One such approach is the use of technology-assisted and efficient painting techniques. 

Aircraft paint plays a critical role in fuel savings by ensuring smoother airflow, and by leveraging modern technology, MROs can achieve a more precise and efficient application, leading to enhanced aerodynamics. 

Moreover, optimising engine run-up checks is another strategy employed by MROs. While these checks are sometimes necessary, consolidating tasks that require engine run-ups and performing them in the shortest possible time can significantly reduce emissions. 

By transitioning from traditional carbon-emitting equipment to electric alternatives with zero carbon emissions, MROs can realise long-term financial and environmental benefits, despite the initial costs associated with retiring older equipment. 

Additionally, the careful use of chemicals and effective waste treatment are essential components of responsible aircraft maintenance. 

Given that various oils and chemicals used in maintenance can harm the environment if not managed properly, implementing stringent waste management practices is crucial for minimising ecological impact. Paint plays a crucial role in fuel savings by ensuring smoother airflow. Using modern technology for painting can help MROs achieve a more efficient and smoother application. 

Predictive maintenance

Predictive maintenance utilises data from sensors and IoT devices to monitor the condition of equipment and predict when maintenance is required. “Digital products such as our Boeing Airplane Health Management solution utilise these technologies to enable data-driven decision-making.” 

“By analysing real-time data, potential issues can be identified early, allowing for proactive instead of reactive maintenance. This approach reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, minimising downtime, and optimising maintenance processes. IoT-enabled devices also allow for remote monitoring and diagnostics of equipment, enabling faster response times,” explains Ghata-Aura.

 

Written by Zenifer Khaleel