Remote? Hybrid? On-Site? Navigating the Challenges of Distributed Workers in Aviation

Many operational roles in aviation, as well as customer support and administrative roles, have become hybrid or remote. From Flight Efficiency Specialists to Business Analysts, a vast number of employees now have the flexibility to work from home at least a few days per week. 

However, roles that were once strictly confined to hangars and airfields are now being executed remotely or in hybrid settings – at least in certain aspects.  

As organisations continue adjusting to these new ways of working, there are some vital considerations to keep in mind regarding the management of distributed teams – especially in critical contexts such as MRO. 

This article explores how some roles and tasks are adapting – with tips on how to smooth the transition.  

Hybrid and Remote Working in Aviation MRO

The increasing digitisation of processes and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are enabling hybrid and remote approaches for certain MRO activities. Let’s look at how some roles and operations are evolving. 

Digital Documentation and Manuals

The shift towards digital documentation, including electronic technical manuals, techlogs, and maintenance records, allows MRO staff to access vital information remotely. This streamlines information sharing, updates, and compliance tracking.

Remote Diagnostics and Monitoring

IoT devices installed on aircraft can transmit real-time data on aircraft performance and potential issues to MRO teams. 

These teams, sometimes working from diverse locations, can then remotely diagnose problems, monitor aircraft health, and plan maintenance activities before the aircraft arrives for service, optimising the repair process. 

Engineers can also use digital twins and simulation tools to conduct analyses and troubleshoot issues from afar. 

This remote access to detailed aircraft data enables MRO teams to make informed preliminary assessments and strategize necessary interventions, streamlining maintenance operations in a world where remote and hybrid models are becoming more common. 

Planning and Scheduling

Maintenance planners are increasingly able to perform their roles remotely, leveraging cloud based software for scheduling work, managing resources, and coordinating with airlines and parts suppliers. 

Remote Consultation Through Video Calls

Engineers can provide remote assistance to on-site teams via video calls. Combined with digital documentation, this approach allows for the sharing of expert knowledge across locations, improving problem-solving efficiency. 

Commercial Management

With cloud based software, numerous commercial functions can take place off-site. These include contract management, invoice management, sales tax processing, and so on. 

Training 

Training for MRO staff increasingly involves e-learning and AR/VR simulations. These technologies eliminate the need for staff to undergo training on-site. 

AR and VR training can effectively simulate real-world scenarios and lead to higher engagement. It’s commonly used in industrial settings to reduce workers’ unnecessary exposure to hazards; instead, they can gain skills and experience in a safe and controlled setting. The same applies with aircraft maintenance. 

These technologies have not only proven effective for technical skills, however. Research by PwC showed that when developing soft skills, 40% of learners using VR saw a greater improvement in confidence compared to classroom learners, and a 35% improvement in acting on what they’d learnt. 

What Are the Challenges of Hybrid Working in MRO Operations?  

Despite the many benefits of hybrid working, such as increased efficiency and greater sustainability, it’s not without its challenges. 

Communication and Collaboration

Ensuring effective collaboration between on-site and remote staff is a must. The need for real-time information sharing and decision-making is critical for addressing urgent maintenance issues and coordinating tasks efficiently. 

So, ensuring that all team members have timely access to accurate data, manuals, and maintenance records is crucial for the smooth execution of MRO activities. This illustrates the value of software that provides a single source of truth for all personnel. 

Cybersecurity                                               

Ensuring cybersecurity becomes more complex in a hybrid work environment. With the increased use of digital tools and remote access to sensitive information, there’s a heightened risk of data breaches. 

The risk is greater for companies attempting to adapt outdated legacy systems to this new way of working. Such systems often lack the advanced encryption, constant security updates, and comprehensive data protection measures that cloud platforms inherently provide. There are also network-related risks when giving employees remote access to legacy systems. 

Organisations should consider migrating to the cloud if they haven’t already, and ensure that any systems they use are compliant with industry standards. 

Quality Control

Maintaining high standards of quality control in a hybrid environment, where supervisors are not always physically present to oversee work, poses challenges. Implementing robust quality assurance practices is therefore necessary to ensure that maintenance work meets safety and regulatory standards.

Logistical Coordination

Coordinating logistics and scheduling in a hybrid model requires meticulous planning. Ensuring that parts, tools, and personnel are available when and where they are needed without disrupting the workflow can be complicated. 

Regulatory Compliance

Ensuring that hybrid working practices comply with the industry’s many regulations, and that all work is properly documented and traceable, presents further complexity. 

How Can MRO Adapt to Hybrid Working? 

Using Airline MRO Software

Advanced, cloud based MRO software platforms such as OASES facilitate seamless collaboration, data sharing, and real-time communication among distributed teams. 

They provide secure, remote access to maintenance schedules, technical documentation, inventory levels, and compliance records, ensuring that all team members are synchronised and informed, regardless of their location. 

Here are some of the features that enable remote/hybrid working for administrative and operational teams. 

Commercial Management

Our solution contains a Commercial Management module which handles functions including contract and invoice management, and the processing of sales tax, VAT, and freight charges. 

It provides a complete overview of all financial data, and staff responsible for the related tasks can access the system from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Our Warranty Management and Customs Tracking modules provide the same flexibility for staff handling these processes. 

Inventory Management 

Staff responsible for managing spare parts and components can do so from any location if their cloud based MRO software has built-in inventory management tools. 

The best solutions come with features such as automatic shortage management, which helps maintain optimal stock levels. This prevents work from being delayed, maximising aircraft utilisation.  

Compliance Monitoring 

As mentioned, it can be more difficult to trust that remotely managed operations are compliant with continuing airworthiness regulations, among other rules. 

MRO software brings peace of mind in this regard – the best systems come with robust reporting functionality, providing users with the comprehensive data they need for auditing purposes. 

Planning and Maintenance Control

Airline MRO software has various tools to streamline the planning and control processes surrounding maintenance. OASES comes with four modules that make it possible for maintenance managers to do their jobs remotely: Planning, Production, Line Maintenance and Maintenance Control modules. 

Training and Support

Continuous training and support are essential to help maintenance staff adapt to new tools and work arrangements. This includes not only technical training on MRO software and other digital tools but also guidance on best practices for remote collaboration and communication. 

Building Trust and Accountability 

Establishing trust and accountability is vital in a distributed environment – especially when we consider the critical nature of MRO. Clear expectations, regular feedback, and transparent performance metrics can help in this regard. 

For this purpose, it’s worth implementing team building, especially when teams consist of new, remote staff that have never met each other in person. 

Conclusion

Hybrid working is now the norm, especially for staff handling operations and administration. However, as we’ve seen, aspects of MRO can now be managed off-site, including diagnostics, remote consultation with engineers, and training. 

Some keys to succeeding with this new way of working include using secure, cloud based software, ensuring effective communication, and building trust among teams. 

OASES provides a comprehensive set of tools that let your staff carry out their tasks from anywhere in the world – whether that’s inventory management, maintenance scheduling, compliance monitoring, or anything else we discussed here.