LONDON — International Airlines Group (IAG) has launched an engine maintenance scheduling tool that leverages the power and speed of artificial intelligence.

The new AI-powered maintenance scheduler is the brainchild of the IAG.ai Lab team, comprising around 70 AI specialists working in nine departments across labs in Barcelona and London. 

The in-house labs serve as hubs for AI-centric innovation and collaboration, focusing on aircraft maintenance, customer service, and overall airline operations.

Better Aircraft Maintenance Workflows

The new engine maintenance scheduling tool uses “algorithms to assess millions of different scenarios, each one tailored to factor in operational, financial or technical assumptions, and identify the optimal maintenance schedule for its fleets,” according to aviationweek.com.

The system is being tested on Aer Lingus’ (EI) A320 CFM56-5B engines, and IAG expects the system to be rolled out to its other airlines by the end of the year.

The goal of the IAG fleet maintenance scheduling overhaul is to prevent maintenance delays, thereby addressing the ever-present engine supply chain issues, as airlines and MROs are struggling to obtain essential engine parts, including materials like titanium and high-pressure turbine blades.

Intergrating AI into the MRO workflow can decrease costs, shorten lead times and compensate for labor shortages. We know that due to scarcity, prices for engine parts have surged, and with procurement of parts is taking longer, lead times for some components can extend to months. Finally, there is a shortage of skilled labor in the aerospace industry, further complicating maintenance and repair processes.

IAGi Accelerator Program

Last March, IAG opened applications for its IAGi Accelerator 2025 program, formerly called Hangar 51. The program’s goal is to identify and test ideas that can solve challenges across the aviation industry.

This year’s accelerator is focused on start-ups specialising in AI, “automation, sustainability, customer-focused platforms, connectivity, and next-generation computing technology,” aiming to streamline operational efficiencies, boost productivity, and enhance the customer journey across IAG’s operating companies.

This year, the program offers two pathways:

• Deploy: During this 12-week accelerator, participants will collaborate with experts from one of IAG’s five airlines or two complementary businesses to conduct a proof-of-value and test their technology under operational conditions.
  
  
• Discover: A new 24-week programme aimed at early-stage sustainability start-ups that are developing breakthrough technologies with high impact potential for aviation. This includes sustainable aviation fuel, carbon removal, alternatives to single-use plastics, and fuel efficiency.

While this year’s application window has closed, Interested start-ups can learn more at iaginnovation.com.