Barfield will start distributing AirInt’ Software, a tablet based mobile app that is using the latest technology to revolutionize cabin maintenance management. The app was developed by start-up AirInt’ Services and industrialized with AFI KLM E&M through its “MRO Lab” innovation platform.
The App is designed to meet the demands of any aircraft. It comes embedded with two tools: a mobile app that allows technicians to inspect, collect and report data in three simple clicks and a web reporting solution that is synched to the app allowing managers to better monitor and manage data received from technicians during line maintenance. The software is currently being implemented in Paris and Amsterdam for the cabin interior at AFI KLM E&M. “We at Barfield will be offering it to our partner airlines in the Americas,” says Lew Wingate, Barfield VP or GSTE and Distribution.
One feature of the AirInt’ app is that each spare part of a technical document is listed according to their position in the aircraft, ensuring operational processes are simplified, reducing inspection time. “For a fleet of Boeing 777s, using AirInt’ saves up to 50 percent of inspection time. This means substantial financial savings for airlines in a highly competitive environment,” according to AirInt’ founders Laurent Breard and Sébastien Requillart.
Equipped with a tablet loaded with the app, technicians can access a 3D plan of the cabin on which they can flag up any defective components during an inspection, which in turn automatically displays each part number, avoiding the need to go through thousands of pages of the aircraft technical manual. By clicking on the component, a requisition is immediately transmitted to the stores.
“Digitalization minimizes part number input errors and sharply decreases the costs involved in issuing and returning parts to the store,” says James Kornberg, AFI KLM E&M innovation director. “Defects are identified faster and repaired before the aircraft departs again.”
The app improves activity management in terms of traceability, inventory management and identification of root causes. The web portal provides monitoring of cabin condition, a complete history of the defects flagged up, and access to customizable indicators. Maintenance is monitored and corrective action can be carried out before impaired parts fail during aircraft operation.