From AOG to on-time: How planned engine accessory replacements save time and cost

The cost of delayed engine part replacement

It's easy for maintenance teams to overlook airplane engine accessories that seem to function correctly, but components like igniters, fuel controls, starters, and electrical harnesses are subject to wear out over time. Delaying their replacement can lead to higher costs, longer lead times, and increased operational risks.

For commercial operators, this can result in:

• Operational delays that disrupt flight schedules and connections.
• Increased expenses due to expedited shipping or temporary airplane replacements.
• Risk of using uncertified airplane engine parts and accessories during urgent repairs.
• Service disruptions that can negatively impact passenger satisfaction and cargo commitments.

A reactive maintenance approach may seem economical initially, but it often leads to greater unexpected expenses down the line.

Key airplane engine and power plant system parts to monitor

Certain airplane engine and power plant parts consistently lead to unplanned maintenance events when not replaced on time. Examples include:

• Ignition exciters and leads, which may fail and cause engine misfires.
• Fuel system components such as pumps and regulators, which are susceptible to contamination.
• Starters and actuators, which endure wear from repeated use.
• Electrical harnesses and wiring, which may develop issues after prolonged use.

By focusing on these high-cycle aircraft engine accessories and replacing them during scheduled maintenance, operators can significantly reduce AOG risks and ensure aircraft readiness.

The case for proactive aircraft maintenance planning

This approach is not about unnecessary maintenance; rather, it aligns engine accessory replacements with regular checks like A-checks or heavy checks, avoiding the need for last-minute sourcing of AOG aircraft parts.

The benefits of proactive aircraft maintenance planning include:

• Reduced procurement costs by sourcing aircraft engine parts in advance.
• Improved inventory management aligned with aircraft maintenance planning schedules.
• Confidence that all components are certified and comply with regulations.
• Enhanced operational reliability throughout the fleet with quality aircraft engine parts.

By implementing proactive replacement planning, operators can anticipate failures and create a more efficient and cost-effective parts strategy for aircraft engine accessories.

Simplifying navigation and purchasing with Boeing's digital storefront

Boeing PART Page offers quick and reliable access to certified commercial aircraft parts. Our enhanced category navigation simplifies locating and purchasing specific aircraft engine accessories for your powerplant systems. These updates streamline sourcing and align with commercial maintenance practices for aircraft engine accessories.

With Boeing PART Page, you can:

• Access OEM-certified, traceable components compliant with commercial aviation standards.
• View real-time inventory and pricing prior to purchase.
• Place orders directly without needing to wait for quotes for AOG aircraft parts.
• Utilize Boeing’s global fulfillment network to meet urgent or planned requirements for aircraft engine accessories.

Explore the Aircraft Power Plant Systems category, featuring a wide array of engine operation components including ignition systems, fuel components, and actuators.

Whether planning a scheduled replacement of aircraft engine parts or addressing maintenance issues, our storefront simplifies sourcing so your team can respond swiftly and effectively.