Not All About New

Perhaps it's because I started the week at Aviation Week's composites forum that included discussions about the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 structure construction, and perhaps it's partly because there has been a flurry of 787 news this week (first delivery, Lufthansa Technik and Air France Industries KLM E&M talking about their new component service options for the Dreamliner), but does it seem like there's been a lot of discussion here at MRO Europe about new aircraft parts and engines?

Given that the aftermarket is about servicing an aircraft AFTER it's manufacturer, there obviously is a lot of talk here in Madrid about parts, inventory, PMAs, repairs and used serviceable material.

One vendor told me he's looking for financing to grow his inventory, another said he's investing more money in emerging markets, others talked about strategies to find used parts before they show up on Internet parts sites, and many talked about developing new repairs an PMAs.

As Revima President Christian Knapp told me, "The business case for an independent is to repair the most we can" to control costs for airlines.
 
Costs. Yes, there's also LOTS of talk about that too, as well as partnerships.

As SR Technics CEO James Stewart stressed during an interview, "we want to be seen as a strategic partner" that goes beyond MRO. 

One last thing about strategic partners: do you know what Iberia Airlines' and British Airways' merger plan tagline is? "Stronger together." Iberia Airlines and IAG Chairman Antonio Vazquez mentioned it in his speech today.

Tags: om99, MROE