Aerospace and Defense Sector: Trends, Challenges, and Digital Opportunities

Trends in the MRO Industry

• High demand for new aircraft production to meet supply chain and quality needs
• Slow retirement of older aircraft, leading to a gap between demand and supply
• Changing aircraft fleet mix, with narrow-body aircraft flying longer routes, impacting maintenance cycles
• Pressure on maintenance costs, especially for engines, driving the need for standardized repairs

Challenges in the MRO Industry

• Increasing reliance on desk-less technicians, requiring standardized instructions and new technologies
• Aging workforce, leading to a skills shortage (estimated 27% by 2027 in North America)
• Need for digital transformation investments to address these challenges

Digital Transformation Opportunities

• Leveraging new technologies like AR/VR for training and remote support
• Improving production management, quality, and workforce sustainability through digital solutions
• Addressing work scope variations and material availability challenges to improve turnaround time and profitability

Tech Mahindra's M.Next Platform

• A modular, cloud-based platform developed in collaboration with AWS
• Aims to provide digital solutions for the Aerospace and Defense industry, including:
  • Supply chain management and advanced inventory planning
  • Equipment reliability and condition-based maintenance
  • Digital workforce training and support
  • Customized dashboards and reporting
  • Integration of non-destructive testing, financial management, and sustainability tracking

Conclusion

• MRO providers are focused on servicing aging fleets due to supply chain challenges
• Safety, quality, and cost-effective delivery are paramount concerns
• Tech Mahindra's M.Next platform, powered by AWS, aims to address these challenges and prepare the industry for long-term success.