Cost-cutting in engine maintenance: the effect of COVID-19

As the aviation industry has experienced one of the biggest crises in recent history, companies have had to adapt to stay in the business. With many airlines re-profiling from PAX to cargo carriers, adjustments in maintenance processes were also necessary.

Previous to the onset of the pandemic, the priority was to minimise downtime during an inspection, however, cost-efficiency is now the major keyword for many carriers. Hanna Lavinskaja, the Head of Business Development at Enginestands.com – a leading engine stands and aircraft tooling rental company – shares the company’s vision on how cost-cutting is possible in powerplant maintenance.

Renting an engine stand

Many engine stand leasing companies are still feeling the pressure of the pandemic; thus, new and flexible leasing plans have been developed to benefit customers.

Of course, the average market price does exist, but some negotiation from the customer side can ensure that the best deal is reached. “Additionally,” Hanna comments, “we propose several solutions to our clients to decrease the rental price as much as possible.

For example, renting multiple stands at once offers a solid discount, the same applies when extending the loan
period.

Moreover, with some extra planning internally within an organisation, it is possible to complete check-ups on multiple engines using only one stand instead of 2 or 3.”

Finding a company with engine stands near you

Before COVID-19, cargo freight was an affordable everyday service, but after a rise in air cargo demand such services, in some cases, can now be regarded as a luxury. Eliminating or reducing shipping costs can ensure a more cost-efficient lease. “Our company already has hubs in the EU and Asia, with further plans of opening a facility in China.

With a flexible policy of ‘take it and return it by yourself’, shipping costs from a third-party service provider can be eliminated.

Also, by choosing road, sea, or air transport we can try to find the most lucrative option for any location in the world,” says Hanna Lavinskaja.

Owning aircraft engine stands

If a sufficient load is guaranteed, MROs and airlines can acquire their own engine stands. Due to the PAX crisis, the barrier to obtaining an engine stand has become lower than before, thus, an investment of this kind could recoup itself swiftly if utilised appropriately.

“The question is, whether the company is ready to allocate resources for engine stand storage, maintenance, and repairs?

Nearly every engine stand leasing company has a policy that insurance, maintenance, and repairs are carried out by the lessors, removing any additional burdens away from the clients. Such an acquisition should be carefully evaluated because the risk of losing money on the investment is far greater when accounted inappropriately,” – the representative explains.

About Engine Stands :

Engine Stands provide an aircraft engine stand and aircraft tools leasing service for Airlines, MROs, engine repair shops, leasing companies, freight forwarders and other customers around the world.

All engine stands are checked according to the highest standards and quality requirements. Stands are built according to OEM
specifications and fully approved by the Engine OEM. In addition, we offer worldwide shipping services for all
leasing orders.

We aim to provide engine stands and tools to our clients as quickly as possible and in this way contribute to the client’s project success.

Engine Stands is a family member of Avia Solutions Group, the largest aerospace business group from Central &
Eastern Europe with almost 100 offices and production stations providing aviation services and solutions worldwide.

SOURCE : Engine Stands