Airbus Launches New MRO Network

Airbus, eyeing a tighter connection with its customers in the lucrative aftermarket arena, has launched a network of heavy maintenance providers and will share specific services with the members designed to help keep aircraft in service.

The network, which Airbus says will be different from a similar venture disbanded in 2014, kicked off with six members—AAR, Aeroman, Sabena Technics, Etihad Airways Engineering, GAMECO and China Airlines—and more will be added.

Network members will have access to existing Airbus aftermarket services, such as its Satair Group parts supply and logistics specialist, engineering upgrades, and airplane health monitoring capabilities. The OEM is rolling out more services—many of them focused on predictive maintenance services that airlines are increasingly seeking.

The move better positions Airbus to cash in on the growing services market. In a new forecast unveiled at Le Bourget, Airbus projected a $3.2 trillion aftermarket services market, including MRO, training, and upgrades. 

MRO is projected to be the largest category. The OEM predicts that MRO spending will grow from $60 billion now to over $120 billion per year by 2037.