Digital MRO Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Rise in IoT adoption and real-time monitoring: Advancements in IoT have transformed MRO services across various sectors. With installation of IoT sensors on critical parts, MRO service providers are able to collect and analyze data in real-time, enabling data-driven maintenance decisions. Real-time monitoring and automotive diagnostic scans improve operational efficiency by alerting technicians regarding problems before they escalate and disrupt flights. The cost-effective features lead to greater demand for digital MRO services benefiting the global digital MRO market. For instance, in April 2024, Sri Lankan Airlines integrated the AMOS NewGen MRO System to reduce costs, automate aircraft maintenance, boost engineering productivity, and optimize operations.
• Expansion of digital twin technology: The emergence of digital twin technology has led to a surge in the adoption of digital MRO services. Digital twin technology can create a virtual replica of an aircraft or its components, leading to it becoming a transformative tool in the MRO sector. Digital Twin assists MRO service providers in conducting remote diagnostics and optimizing maintenance schedules based on asset conditions other than routine checks. The technology allows operational reliability and reduced costs, boosting its adoption and assisting the robust growth of the digital MRO sector. For instance, in December 2023, research published in Science Direct highlights the importance of digital twin for integrated vehicle health management (IVHM) in aerospace and integrated system health management (IVHM) by validating detections and acting as an alternate representation of the aircraft platform.
• Growing demands for cloud-based solutions: The rising popularity of cloud-based MRO solutions bodes well for the global digital MRO sector. Cloud technology allows MRO service providers to store vast amounts of maintenance and operational data while providing remote access to information for teams across different geographical locations. The rising globalization of the aviation industry is poised to benefit the adoption of cloud solutions for digital MRO. For instance, in December 2023, Dassault Systèmes announced that Dassault Aviation had extended its use of the 3D experience platform on an independent cloud to optimize maintenance operations.

Challenges

• Cybersecurity risks & data vulnerability: Digital MRO solutions rely heavily on data collection which can increase vulnerability to cybersecurity threats. The growing use of IoT devices and cloud-based platforms increases susceptibility to data breaches. Loss of sensitive data can prove to be disastrous for MRO operators, reducing the trust in the digital MRO sector and stifling its growth.
• Integration with legacy systems: Numerous MRO service providers and airlines operate with legacy systems that can make it challenging to work seamlessly with advanced digital platforms. Legacy systems may also lack the flexibility to support real-time data exchange or perform predictive analytics. Additionally, businesses can face challenges in updating legacy systems as it drives the cost of operations and can be time-consuming.