GE Aerospace is deploying robots and lean manufacturing methods to manage rising jet engine repair demand. Automation will handle repetitive maintenance tasks, helping increase repair capacity and reduce turnaround times across facilities globally.
Key Highlights
- GE Aerospace introduces robots to automate coating removal and inspections.
- Aircraft delivery delays increase engine maintenance demand globally.
- Lean manufacturing methods aim to reduce turnaround times and boost capacity.
GE Aerospace is deploying robots and lean manufacturing techniques across its jet engine repair network to address rising maintenance demand and reduce turnaround times, as airlines face extended waits for overhauls.
It was initially reported by Reuters, which indicated the company is automating more and rearranging its repair processes to accommodate a growing backlog of engines in need of service.
GE Aerospace is applying robots to perform routine jobs, such as removing coatings on parts of the engines and undertaking intricate checks. These are steps that are required in the process of overhauling, but can be cumbersome when manually performed. With machines taking up such work, the company claimed technicians will be able to work on more challenging repairs.
The push is due to the delay in aircraft deliveries by manufacturers, which compels airlines to extend the service life of older aircraft. Engines that run long hours need more frequent repairs, and this means more trips to the shop, a term in industry terminology used to refer to a significant repair.
GE Aerospace believes that the volume of engine repairs will increase greatly within the coming years, with the continued high demand for air travel in the world and also the high volume of engines that are already installed and are in the air.
The company is also implementing lean manufacturing with automation that will help to save time wastage and enhance efficiency through the rearrangement of workstations and equalisation of processes. The firm indicated that the measures will be aimed at adding capacity and reducing repair time.
The aerospace industry is still struggling to source skilled labour, and supply chain limitations limit the availability of parts. According to GE Aerospace, the utilisation of robotics and process benefits is part of the overall work to cope with this pressure to keep the service levels of airline customers.
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