Exciting times for the aerospace industry

The aerospace industry is undergoing multiple changes simultaneously. Not only are we witnessing a step-change in technological capability regarding electric engines, new materials, and the need for enhanced resource planning, but even autonomous and additive manufacturing are making their presence felt. Aerospace in the year 2032 will look radically different from today. Some key trends underway include: 
 

Reducing costs with the shift to hybrid and electric  

  
Estimates suggest that aviation is responsible for around 2.5 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Emissions from the sector are currently low, when viewed in proportion to the entire landscape researchers say, and this is because 80 percent of the world’s population cannot currently afford to fly. However, as economic growth proceeds, that will change, meaning that aviation could contribute as much as 10 per cent of total emissions. There may also be some off record data that is not included in these numbers reflective of defence or military operations. 
 
As such, fuel use in aviation is a likely environmental concern. The arguments to shift electric aircraft, therefore, continue to build. 
 
Interestingly, it may not be long before the first electric passenger aircraft goes into service. Predictions claim that 25 per cent of aviation traffic will be either electric or hybrid by the year 2035, with the first all-electric aircraft flying by 2025. 
 
Naturally, the move to all-electric aircraft is a long term goal. However, even today, there are opportunities and initiatives to get a more fuel-efficient and “More-Electric Aircraft” (MEA). Manufacturers are increasing the use of electricity for non-propulsive systems today, reducing the need to harvest energy from Co2-emitting, propulsive fuel. So technology is already indicating research and development activities are front and centre for many leading aerospace focused manufacturers.  

Predictive maintenance 

  
The growth of predictive and more sophisticated maintenance plans are also helping to reduce the maintenance costs involved with keeping aircrafts in service longer. Instead of waiting for parts to fail,  technologies are being deployed to monitor and predict when failures are likely to occur and then recommending interventions. 
 
With sufficient data collection, aerospace industry leaders and their partners are able to forecast when a particular component or system will stop working, facilitating a reduction of unscheduled maintenance. According to research, 66 percent of airlines name predictive maintenance as one of the most important methodologies impacting the industry right now. It will facilitate better resource management, minimise the number of production hours dedicated to maintenance as well those where equipment is out of action, and reduce the need for spare parts and other supplies. 
 

New materials & additive manufacturing 

  
The use of carbon nanotubes and graphene are also having a significant impact on aerospace. Further research is focused on finding innovative ways to use these 'wonder materials' - making aircrafts lighter – something that is important for the success of fully battery-powered all-electric air fleets. 
 
Graphene’s highly electrical conductivity could work to improve onboard electrical systems efficiency. Combined with 3D printed parts, it could also make aircraft significantly simpler to manufacture, lighter, more fuel-efficient, and have greater impact resistance. 
  

Improved supply chain visibility and traceability 

 
 Lastly, advances in production software that spans the full business, end-to-end operations are disrupting how the industry operates. Enterprise resource planning, more commonly referred to as ERP technology is boosting supply chain visibility and traceability. 
 
Historically, most aerospace manufacturers used traditional spreadsheets or manual files to plan production, gather materials, and track components as they move from one stage of production to another. However, given the immense complexity of today’s supply chains, it is no longer economical. To get it right, organisations are being compelled to invest in substantial, long term solutions and resources, just to keep up their administration. 
 
Manufacturing specific ERP software solutions are changing the dynamic. Combine your operations with advances in automation, it is also making it easier for suppliers to monitor inventory both electronically and remotely. It is now possible to have full traceability and visibility of the supply chain at all times. 
 
Modern tools, such as the Winman ERP solution, offer automated external Kanban routines that link to suppliers, lean accounting and automatic processing of accounts receivable and payable, integrated CRM and much more. Make it easier for your manufacturing activities, track everything from sales ordering processes and purchase orders, as well as building in customisable backflush processing transactions for your product line. 
 
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