1.
An OEM’s forecasting system predicts that an airline will have a thrust reverser failure (probability 60 percent). The breakdown location is predicted to be either Denver or Chicago in 18 to 22 days. A thrust reverser is ordered from the distributor and shipped to a centrally located delivery logistics provider. The OEM informs the airline of the likely breakdown and predictive shipping.
2.
A breakdown of a thrust reverser occurs on one of the airline’s large aircraft. An on-board computer detects the problem in flight and transmits the requirement for a new part to the OEM and the airline’s maintenance hub. The information is assessed and approved, triggering delay-saving actions.
3.
The new part is labeled and sent via drone for same-day delivery as soon as the electronic order comes in. The airline’s flight operations center is informed of the expected repair time, a replacement plane is requested, and airports and passengers are digitally informed of expected flight delays.
4.
A technician is notified that the plane will be landing and of the part replacement that needs to take place. She is given an estimated time for the arrival of the part and views a detailed repair demonstration via a virtual reality system.
5.
The part arrives via expedited drone service. Using a detailed repair plan sent by app, the technician replaces the broken reverse thruster. All data on the breakdown is saved in a centralized database to further increase prediction accuracy.
