For predictive maintenance to really fly, developments in data generation and transmission must be combined with data expertise and engineering knowledge.

What role can blockchain play?

Most aircraft maintenance records are still paper-based. Given that a commercial aircraft may be in use for up to 30 years, with five or six owners, paperwork can frequently run into thousands of pages; discrepancies, incomplete information and loss of records is not uncommon. This, in turn, can lead to unnecessary repeated repairs, delays and unplanned expenses. It is no wonder therefore that a paper records review is frequently the main cause of redelivery delays.

There has been a move towards technology of late. For example, GE Aviation’s AirVault and Boeing’s ‘STREAM’ store and manage digital maintenance records for various operators, as well as lessors, MROs and others. Undeniably, this is a move in the right direction, however questions concerning the adoption of an industry-wide approach still abound.

Could Blockchain – a form of distributed ledger – be the solution? Here, data is collected in ‘blocks’; each block combines to form a single sequential chain. Unlike traditional data technology, different organisations are able to upload data to, and store data on, a shared database accessible by each stakeholder – for any given aircraft this could include the operator, owner/lessor, OEM, and MRO. One reason for the fervour currently surrounding Blockchain technology is that addition to the chain is only possible following validation from all other participants, thus creating a trustworthy and transparent decentralised system.

Moreover, once a block of data has been verified and added to the chain, it cannot be reversed or altered, thereby ensuring data integrity by way of a secure encrypted audit trail. Additionally, given that the data is accessible on a common platform, the need for separate data reconciliation between parties is entirely eliminated.

Blockchain therefore has the potential to provide a robust digital archive for the effective storage of manufacturing and ‘back-to-birth’ details, usage data and the repair, inspection and maintenance status of an aircraft. For owners/lessors, there are numerous benefits, including the ability to clearly trace aircraft/engine/parts issues to a timestamped record of prior inspection; the earlier identification of any likely lessor maintenance reserve contributions; the speedier calculation of monthly maintenance reserve amounts; and a reduced need for information requests to be made under leases.

For operators, the burden of maintaining and storing paper-based records or having electronic records maintained with different entities across separate platforms could be eradicated. What’s more, blockchains combining parts installation, service history and utilisation could be used to optimise the serviceable life of a part, and to determine whether a component should be repaired or replaced.

Blockchain is however still in its embryonic stages and needs to be more widely used before its potential can be fully realised. Despite this, certain industry players are already starting to explore the opportunities. Lufthansa Industry Solutions has, for example, introduced a ‘blockchain for aviation’ initiative combining various entities to test a range of blockchain solutions. Aeron, Accenture and Honeywell are also making strides.

A new age on the horizon?

The pace of in-flight data generation is only set to further gain momentum. Clearly there are a number of benefits, which could revolutionise areas of the industry, however they must be harnessed carefully and correctly. If so, the entire sector could see a new age of efficiency and minimised costs, thanks to data’s ability to inform maintenance preparation and planning.

When it comes to blockchain, it is certainly ‘watch this space’. Whilst it has transformative potential, and is already making certain (currently limited) headway, it requires an industry-wide ‘buy-in’ for it to realise its full potential.