Maintenance Process Improvement and Data Use

The SME's that perform maintenance on airframe and components in the MRO sector were hit hard by the 2008 crisis. Now, cost savings and turn-around-time reductions are the difference between downfall and survival. A number of these companies have turned to our research programme to help them improve their processes, with a focus on the new knowledge needed to help them deal with small volumes, a large variety of products, and the unpredictable character of maintenance.

We have applied Lean, Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints methods, and are now investigating how the data that is readily available in and around the aircraft can be collected and interpreted to predict maintenance needs and improve productivity.

Partners

We collaborate with the following companies and organizations: TU Delft, JetSupport, SAMCO, NedAero, Braathens Technical AB, Martinair Maintenance and Engineering, Kok en Van Engelen, Jet Aviation, VLM Technics, RAS, VBR, Dynamic Aviation, NAG, Schiphol Group LEAN office, TNO, the Netherlands Royal Air Force, KLM E&M, and Projects One.