The downtime of an aircraft can trigger a domino effect. A surprise maintenance event that has potential to disrupt flight itineraries, crew scheduling, passenger connections, and cargo operations.
The repair itself is not always the issue though. More often than not, the greater test is to adjust everything that you need to settle the issue in a snappy way.
An AOG support strategy, carefully planned, and implemented, can provide aviation businesses with a means to respond more quickly and confidently.
Downtime is an Operational Risk
A non-flying airplane is capacity lost. Effects can ripple through an airline’s network if that delay holds up.
One of the grounded aircrafts, however, might need another aircraft assigned on the route. That adjustment can then potentially impact another trip. Which results can be a succession of schedule changes.
As such, rapid response is now a crucial component of aviation planning.
What a Robust Response Strategy Should Include?
The good AOG strategy should provide answers to the many questions that must be addressed before an emergency event.
Who makes the decisions?
Teams should know how approves parts, services, and emergency transportation.
Where to source critical components?
Save valuable time by knowing in advance the reliable suppliers.
How is that going work with you getting parts to the aircraft?
Remote airports, customs, and time-critical shipments need to be taken into consideration in your transport plans.
Who handles communication?
Clear communication chain will reduce to confusion between maintenance, between logistics, suppliers, and operations team.
The Benefit of Well-Prepared Supplier Networks
AOG events are some of the most complicated moments finding a part. In the nearest place, there might not be an available element you need.
Having a wide-range supplier network can help improve the chances to identify suitable stock later on. It can also provide operators with alternate choices when standard supply channels cannot satisfy an emergency need.
This is one place that good AOG support can bring real-world value.
Beyond Parts: Coordination Matters
A substitute part helps only when it finds its way to the right place and to the right team.
Some of the solutions that might be used for effective support at times are:
- Parts sourcing
- Expedited shipping
- Customs coordination
- Aircraft maintenance assistance
- Technical information
- Delivery tracking
- Communication between stakeholders
Often the strength of this response relies on how well these pieces fit together.
Process Improvement by Technology
Tracking and communication tools today can be somewhat more efficient for time-constrained aviation logistics.
Tracking shipments in real-time can allow you to see where a key piece is. In addition, digital records can also allow teams to easily share information and close the gap between their communication.
Technology cannot replace experienced pilots, only enhance them. Instead, it improves the information that is used for decision-making.
Turn Emergency Response into Preparedness
Not every mechanical problem can be anticipated by the operator. Organizations are able to plan how they can respond.
A periodic review of suppliers, escalation paths, inventory alternatives, and communication channels can surface vulnerabilities in advance of an emergency at which point they may be put to the test.
In the end AOG support is not just about fast part movement. Scheduling is about the coordination of people, information, logistics, and technical assets when an airplane cannot wait.
Having a response in place will help mitigate the uncertainty, limit operational disruption, and get aviation teams back to returning aircraft to service as safely and efficiently as possible.