Narrowbody maintenance pressures eased by engine test solution
MK Test Systems are easing narrowbody maintenance market pressures with a complete turnkey APU and aircraft engine test solution. The resurgence in the airline industry’s narrowbody segment is driving substantial growth in the narrowbody engine maintenance market. For MROs, this translates to increased workloads and mounting pressures to deliver timely and high-quality maintenance services.
In response to this, MK Test Systems has created a complete turnkey aircraft APU and engine test solution to alleviate these pressures as painlessly as possible; guaranteeing a reduction in TAT (turnaround time).
A Complete Engine Test Solution
The full-package solution includes the Automeg test system, test program pre-written for specific engine variants, and the required interface cables.
Jeff Miller, Sales Manager for MK Test Systems commented: “The idea is that this engine test package streamlines the whole test process and minimizes TAT. It removes the issues around the time and workload to create the test program and the interfacing. It’s as close to plug and play as we can make engine testing, and our MRO customers are really keen to bring this into their facilities.”
The Current MRO Landscape
A recent article in Aviation Maintenance Magazine (issue Q2 2024) confirms the narrowbody engine market is experiencing a robust recovery, with utilization rates soaring post-Covid. It quotes Mark Thompson from StandardAero, who notes that narrowbody aircraft utilization in Q1 2024 was up 10% compared to the same period in 2019. This surge in activity has resulted in a high demand for MRO services, especially for CFM56-5B and -7B engines.
In the article, other MROs also confirm this trend, observing strong demand for both CFM56 and LEAP engine maintenance. They also acknowledge that this growth is accompanied by significant challenges in supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages, and extended lead times for maintenance work.
The Automeg Advantage: A Full-Package Engine Test Solution
Given these challenges, the integration of MK Test Systems’ Automeg into MRO operations offers a transformative solution. Here’s how our comprehensive engine test package—comprising the Automeg system, tailored test programs, and interface connectors—is guaranteed to reduce TAT, ease workload pressures and drive efficiency:
1. Comprehensive Test System:
Automeg is designed to provide a full suite of testing capabilities, ensuring thorough diagnostics and maintenance checks. This reduces the need for multiple testing tools and simplifies the maintenance process. The system’s ability to perform detailed and accurate tests quickly ensures that engines are serviced efficiently, reducing turnaround times.
2. Tailored Test Programs:
MK’s MKAT test management software already aims to make creating test programs easy. This new option in the engine test package takes this to a new level of customisation by providing the program for the engine being tested. Test programs can be provided for GE90-115B, CFM56-5B and -7B, and LEAP engines as well as numerous APUs and other engine variants.
3. Interface Cable Set included:
MK Test Systems can now supply the complete interface cable sets per engine type. This not only ensures compatibility, it also simplifies the procurement procedure, saving costs and time. With options covering just the interface design drawings through to full cable design and supply, we can help streamline test system readiness straight out of the box.
How MK Test’s Engine Test Solution Addresses Key Challenges for MROs
By adopting MK Test Systems’ full-package engine test solution, MROs can effectively tackle the major challenges they face in today’s market. Key benefits include:
- Time Savings: Quick and accurate testing with our full-package solution leads to faster turnaround times for maintenance work. This directly addresses one of the most significant challenges faced by MROs today—long lead times.
- Resource Optimisation: The integrated test program and interface connectors eliminate the need for extensive setup and configuration, saving valuable time and reducing complexity.
- Supply Chain Efficiency: By providing a full-package solution, MK Test Systems streamlines the supply chain, reducing the need for multiple vendors and simplifying procurement and logistics.
- Staff Efficiency: Engineers and technicians can focus on higher-value tasks as they spend less time on developing and managing test programs and interfacing requirements. This better utilisation of skilled labour improves overall workforce efficiency and mitigates the impact of staffing shortages.
- Cost Reduction: The combined efficiencies in time and resource management translate to significant cost savings, helping MROs maintain high service levels while managing budgets effectively.
Conclusion
The future of the narrowbody engine maintenance market is bright, with continued growth driven by rising air travel demand and fleet expansions. To fully capitalize on these opportunities, MROs must embrace advanced technologies that enhance their operational efficiency. MK Test Systems’ Automeg, as part of a comprehensive engine test solution, will reduce TAT with improved accuracy, streamlined workflows, and better data management.
More Information
Our full-package solution provides the tools MROs need to deliver high-quality maintenance services while maintaining operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Contact our sales team to discuss how we can help improve your maintenance operations and reduce your TAT today.
Visit our Automeg page to learn more about the system.