Synergy of airline and maintenance service provider in aircraft maintenance routing

Qing Zhang, Xinran Zhang, Hoi-Lam Ma, Xuting Sun, Hing-Kai Chan and Sai-Ho Chung

Transport Policy, 2025, vol. 166, issue C, 32-49

Abstract: Within the framework of the Aircraft Maintenance Routing (AMR), the close integration of aircraft maintenance scheduling with route planning highlights the fundamental synergistic relationship between airlines and maintenance service providers. However, the absence of proper information-sharing during the planning may lead to discrepancies between maintenance requirements and service capacities, resulting in potentially operational disruptions and maintenance inefficiencies. Thus, this paper explores the significance of information sharing in particular potential requirements of spare parts replacement. We propose a novel Spare Parts Condition Sharing (SPCS) policy for airlines in AMR, aiming to better align the airline's maintenance planning and service providers' capabilities. The purpose is to enhance synchronization between planned maintenance schedules and actual service delivery time and facilitate matching between required and available spare parts inventory. Empirical analysis demonstrates substantial theoretical improvements over the baseline AMR approach, with quantifiable reductions across multiple operational metrics: ferry flights, flight cancellations, delayed flights, and severe delayed flights. Furthermore, the results indicate a significant decrease in total delay time, while incurring only a marginal increase in unutilized flying time. This paper also reveals the importance of maintaining high-quality maintenance data and illustrates enhanced cost-effectiveness through increased maintenance opportunities. This SPCS policy effectively bridges the communication gap between airlines and service providers, offering a pragmatic solution for enhancing aircraft maintenance routing planning. The improvements demonstrated in operational stability and service quality underscore the potential of industry practices advancement.

Keywords: Airline operations; Aircraft maintenance routing; Information sharing; Spare part (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.02.022

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