Lean Six Sigma Application for Aircraft Maintenance Process

Abstract

AbstractThe current problem of the MRO organizations is competitiveness in the environment of aircraft maintenance, in which the main task is to improve the quality of the maintenance and reduce aircraft downtime. This study examines how the MRO can improve the procedures of individual aircraft maintenance by implementing Lean tools, in the combination of Six Sigma methods. The aim is analyzing the maintenance processes to determine the existing problems to minimize downtime of the aircraft in this area. Using the data collected from the experts of the MRO, airlines, and an equipment manufacturer, an analysis was made on engine replacement processes. Consequently, , a novel tool is proposed utilizing hydraulic lift engine hoists. The result shows that this approach allows to eliminate unnecessary tasks from the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) and also reduces the turnaround time by more than 7 h in a single process. The measurement which is based on the final results validates the main contributions for MRO organizations through savings in time and human resources, thereby reducing maintenance cost and aircraft downtime and satisfying the customer.KeywordsMROMaintenanceLean Six SigmaEngineLean implementation