Throughout the journey of the aircraft industry, aircraft engines have tremendously evolved due to a fact that it plays most pivotal role in an aircraft. The biggest innovations happening in an aircraft engine are primarily targeting three areas: more power, more durability, and more efficiency. Almost all the engine systems and their components have had a disruptive journey with significant changes in design, technology, and materials.

In the year 2020, the aircraft engine seals market witnessed its biggest decline in the past 16 years, due to the rapid outbreak of the pandemic. As per the recent impact assessment of IATA, (14 April 2020), the total global passenger airline revenue dropped around US$ 314 billion which is 55% below 2019’s revenue. Despite, the long-term growth prospects are favorable and the market is anticipated to rebound from 2021 onwards.

The recovery is expected to be driven by the gradual resumption of air travel, increasing demand for fuel-efficient engines, and ongoing technological advancements in the industry. As airlines focus on sustainability and cost-effectiveness, there will be a growing need for innovative engine seals that can enhance performance and reduce maintenance costs.

In terms of regions, North America is projected to remain the largest market during the forecast period, whereas Asia-Pacific is expected to remain the fastest-growing market during the same period. Short-term market demand is challenging across regions including Asia-Pacific.

However, long-term growth opportunities are promising due to the increasing number of passengers and cargo traffic in the region. As airlines in Asia-Pacific continue to expand their fleets, the demand for fuel-efficient engines and innovative engine seals is expected to rise significantly.

Based on IATA estimates, airlines in the Asia-Pacific region lost about US$ 113 billion in passenger revenues in 2020 from 2019 level. The long-term market outlook seems promising. As per Boeing’s estimations (2019-2038), China will need 8,090 commercial aircraft in the next twenty years, 5.2% higher than the company’s last year forecast. 74% of these deliveries will be of single-aisle aircraft.

Source: www.stratviewresearch.com

An average aircraft contains approximately 3 million different parts, which are in turn produced by thousands of different manufacturers across the globe. As a result, the procurement of spare parts exists as an extremely complex daily process.

This complexity gave rise to a question: is there a way to simplify the process and increase its efficiency? The answer is yes. In the past, when internet was not widely accessible, the search process could take weeks, or even months. Today, that process has been greatly simplified, meaning that the search for any parts can be successfully completed in less than 24 hours. In line with other industries worldwide, as the aviation industry took the necessary strides forward to modernise itself, the digital aircraft parts marketplace was born.

Locatory.com, a start-up that came to life in 2010, has become one of the leading premium aircraft parts marketplaces in the world. By continuing its focus on innovation and efficiency, the company has successfully introduced a range of new features to its marketplace; one of them, the A.I.-based assistant Amber. As a future without machine learning and artificial intelligence seems highly unlikely, Locatory.com is both aware, and focused on the digitalisation of the industry as a whole.

As already outlined, it has become increasingly evident that aircraft marketplaces have witnessed a dramatic decrease in the complexity of the spare parts procurement process. This gives rise to another question: what could be the next steps for aviation? The answer: building a platform focused on more than just spare parts – the creation of a platform that exists and acts as an entire digital ‘ecosystem’ for all customers, services, and the products required for the successful completion of any maintenance projects.

Locatory.com already offers solutions for supply chain management via, a networking platform and the faster delivery of essential parts and supplies in day-to-day operations. By employing advanced e-commerce and data processing solutions, delivery times were reduced considerably. Additionally, the optimisation of the network allowed the marketplace to speed up the listing and procurement of spare parts. Furthermore, by opening itself to emerging markets, and offering competitively priced plans, the platform opens a world of opportunities for both small and large industry players.

As the digitisation of the aviation industry will increase dramatically in the coming years, even small changes can make a significant impact. Back in the 1960s, the idea of creating a quick and easy procurement process existed merely as a dream. That dream has become a reality, and has changed the industry forever.

Bringing at aircraft down to the runway is only part of the challenge. It is not over until the aircraft parked at gate. In order to do this, there are a number of systems for slowing the aircraft down.

Stopping a 200-tonne aircraft landing requires a lot of braking force. To do this, there is one brake unit on each of the eight wheels on the main gear assembly. This system works fine, but the pipes and actuators that form this part of the hydraulic system come at a considerable weight and what this means,  is that extra weight more fuel burn, which in turn increases costs and carbon emissions. One way to address this issue is by utilizing lighter materials in the construction of the braking system components. Another potential solution is to optimize the hydraulic system to reduce unnecessary weight without compromising safety or performance.

What if the brakes could be powered a different way?

Electric brakes can saves up to 111 kg. and because of electrical wiring it is much easier and quicker to change the brake units when needed. Smart features also allow engineers to monitor the brake performance more closely, giving a real-time measurement of wear on the carbon disks.

Bringing an aircraft to a safe stop is the most important part of a flight. In order to do this, pilots have a number of “helping hand”, anti-skid protection, autobrake, brake temperature indication, parking brake. In addition to the brakes, spoilers and reverse thrust. The use of electric brakes also reduces the risk of hydraulic leaks, providing an added safety benefit. Overall, advancements in brake technology continue to enhance the efficiency and reliability of aircraft braking systems.

The brakes endure the most of the hard work with the spoilers and reverse thrust helping to ensure maximum efficiency. The autobrake system helps keep the deceleration nice and smooth whilst the anti-skid system reduces the distances needed to stop from skidding.