Engineering news
EasyJet has successfully completed automated drone inspection of one of its aircraft, which could help reduce the amount of time an aircraft is out of service after events such as lightning strikes.
The tests proved that pre-programmed drones could help reduce the number of hours an aircraft is out of service compared to manual inspection. EasyJet says it aims to bring the drones into service in its engineering bases across Europe within 12 months.
The airline also announced that it is trialling the use of 3D printing to replace parts within the cabin like arm rests to speed up the replacement process and reduce the storage of spares. 3D printing will be a part of the next generation engines that easyJet has on order. The LEAP engine features 3D printed parts including fuel nozzles, carbon filter fan blades and ceramic matrix composites.
In collaboration with Airbus, the airline will also study a solution for prognostics maintenance including services and eSolutions which can receive real-time information from aircraft systems via the ACARS messaging system. This information is then analysed, with fault predictions sent to airlines’ operations teams so they can use it to troubleshoot technical faults as soon as the plane lands or schedule the work into its regular maintenance.
Easyjet said it has already reduced these type of hold ups from 10 delays per 1,000 flight movements to 6 delays per 1,000 flight movements over the past five years.
Ian Davies, easyJet's head of engineering, said: “The use of these emerging technologies frees up our engineering and digital teams to enable them to undertake more skilled tasks, keeping our costs down which in turn keeps our fares low, helps minimise delays and ensures that we maintain our industry leading punctuality for our passengers.
"Safety is our number one priority and so all of these new technologies will be applied by our experienced engineering and flight crew to ensure our leading safety record is maintained."
The airline employs 237 engineering staff, as well as outsourcing to external suppliers. Its engineering team has been working alongside Airbus and Nicarnica Aviation to prove its ash detection technology, which is expected to be fitted onto an easyJet aircraft within the coming months.
EasyJet operates Europe’s largest Airbus single aisle fleet. Since easyJet took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft in September 2003, Airbus has delivered an aircraft to easyJet on average every 16 days.
The airline has 158 aircraft currently on order, including 100 A320neos, and in terms of total aircraft orders is Airbus’ third biggest airline customer. Currently easyJet flies a fleet of 85 A320s (180 seats) and 149 A319s (156 seats).