Air France and Parker’s new track-and-trace system, utilizing SkyThread, ensures complete lifecycle visibility for aircraft parts.
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance and Parker Aerospace Group (Parker) have successfully rolled out a groundbreaking back-to-birth track and trace system for aircraft parts. This system utilizes the innovative SkyThread for Parts data sharing platform. Additionally, This milestone follows the previous announcement of their collaboration with SkyThread to enhance visibility and maintain a complete event history of aircraft parts throughout their lifecycle. The initial deployment has been implemented on the 787 platform. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of parts are now actively tracked and traced using the SkyThread data sharing platform.
Jeff Smith, Head of Digital Product Programs at Parker Aerospace Group, said, “This is a significant milestone for the aviation industry. Never have an Operator and a Tier-1 OEM been able to share this depth of data. By leveraging Blockchain technology, we can establish a comprehensive aircraft parts track and trace solution that ensures complete transparency and traceability of our parts. The system will also provide our valued customers the assurance of part authenticity through access to full part history.”
SkyThread’s aircraft parts track and trace solution provides AFI KLM E&M with comprehensive historical data for each Parker part. Furthermore, This data covers the part’s entire lifecycle, from its initial creation to its installation and eventual removal from the 787 fleet. Consequently, this solution will significantly reduce the number of inbound quarantined parts. In turn, this will streamline maintenance processes and ensure uninterrupted operations.
Benoît Rollier, Vice-President Engineering at KLM Engineering & Maintenance, said, “We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in the aviation industry. Our partnership with Parker Aerospace Group and the implementation of this groundbreaking track and trace solution enabled by Blockchain technology will revolutionize the way we ensure the authenticity and reliability of our parts.”
For Parker, this solution facilitates easy access to and traceability of serialized part data, both on and off aircraft. Consequently, this enhances repair turnaround times and response efficiency. Additionally, it improves supply chain performance by enabling better demand planning for spare parts and repair volumes.
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The two companies, in collaboration with SkyThread, plan to expand the platform’s coverage and usage. Consequently, additional entities will join, contributing part event data and enhancing value for all community members. Both companies have already started uploading data for over 2 million aircraft part events. This includes part birth, installation, removal, component repair, and logistics.
Q. – What companies rolled out the new track and trace system?
A. – Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance and Parker Aerospace Group.
Q. – What platform does the new system use?
A. – SkyThread for Parts.
