Parts Are Just a Piece Of The AOG Solution
With over 8,000 engines in service around the world, with customer aircraft operating in every corner of the world, ensuring AOGs are solved quickly requires more than just having the right part. You also have to get anything from a simple gasket to a complete engine to wherever it’s needed in the shortest time possible when AOG solution is needed.
Given the incredible complexity of airplane engines, having the required replacement part is just one step in getting an aircraft repaired and back in the air. In many AOG situations, the solution also requires the expertise and experience of the technicians.
With an average of 3,000 AOG situations annually, coordinating everything from spare-parts delivery to technician travel is a monumental task. Modern commercial aircraft are composed of literally millions of working parts that combine to assemble a fully functioning aircraft – one that can fly and earn revenue for its operators. Should any one, or combination of these millions of components demand replacement or repair, the potential for loss of earnings is great.
AOG situations occur for multiple reasons; malfunction, possible future malfunction, or post-inspection failure – aircraft are required to undergo regulatory inspection after every 400-600 hours and every 6-8 months. Should the aircraft fail to pass its inspection, it is immediately grounded and enters the no-mans-land of AOG.
Most reasons for grounding can be easily overcome, such as malfunctioning sensors, minor part replacements, or other non-invasive repairs. However, regardless of the reason, loss of revenue due to an AOG situation is the main reason that aircraft need to return to service as quickly as possible.
Before any AOG disaster strikes and inflicts damage to airline schedules, RoI, and reputation, commercial aircraft operators need to develop an AOG strategy that will go a long way towards offsetting any potential calamity. The main focus behind this strategic planning lies in the notion of not ‘if’ but ‘when’ and AOG situation will occur, and how prepared the operator will be to face that situation.
In the world of AOG, time is money, lots of money, and being prepared for every eventually, using every tool possible is key.
