StandardAero offers extensive MRO services and custom solutions for business aviation, commercial aviation, military, and industrial power customers. Equipped with FAA authorized avionics capabilities; comprehensive engineering services; and custom exterior and interior design, completion, and paint. StandardAero provides these capabilities through their network of specialized facilities and mobile service teams. In an Exclusive Interview with MRO Business Today, Russell Ford, Chairman and CEO, StandardAero talks about the company’s efforts to reach zero carbon level by 2050, the ambitious Greener MRO initiative, sustainable fuel and other future shaping steps taken by StandardAero. Read on……..
Q- StandardAero’s mission is to bring about a Carbon reduction of 45% net by the year 2030 and achieve zero carbon level by the year 2050? How do you plan to accomplish it, and what are the measures taken in this regard by StandardAero?
Ans – StandardAero has a long history of promoting and providing environmental protection as part of its operations around the world. In fact, over the last 40 years, we have through our facility redesign and optimizations, reduced water consumption by over one billion gallons and significantly reduced hazardous waste generation. Our Carbon reduction goals of 45% net by the year 2030 and zero carbon level by the year 2050 is part of our enhanced commitment to the world we serve. The actions we will take to reduce our carbon footprint will be associated with our production life cycle. This includes the resources and services required for production (e.g. materials/consumables, logistics, etc.), operational efficiency (e.g. facility rationalization and optimization, process improvements, etc.), and reduced/zero carbon logistics within operations and product shipments to our customers.
Q – StandardAero has launched the Greener MRO initiative. What are the salient features?
Ans – Our GreenERmro initiative, launched in 2021, is a multi-faceted and multi-year approach to drive sustainability and reduce impact by design. Initial areas of improvement included, energy reduction methods that included the modification of usage, LED and use control systems, optimized compressed air systems/pressure reductions, process tank heating controls, etc. In 2022, StandardAero expanded the GreenERmro areas of focus to include operations (energy, emissions, waste), engine testing (testing efficiency, Sustainable Aviation Fuels), green procurement (materials purchased and dispositioned) supporting the production life cycle, logistics (low and/or zero carbon transit) and ultimately, the products and services we provide. Expected benefits include reductions in resource use, waste, energy and carbon emissions.
In the future, we plan to pursue further measures that include the decarbonisation of our electricity usage starting in Europe, Asia and the United States. This will include the implementation of solar power generation systems, battery energy storage systems, power purchasing agreements, carbon sequestration and/or carbon offsetting initiatives.
Q – StandardAero has committed to Environmental Sustainability and Health Safety to protect ecosystems from environmental hazards that are pernicious and harmful to the economy. Can you put light on your perspective on this issue?
Ans – We view environmental sustainability as key to our business success. Our experience has been one of a symbiotic and generative relationship within our company. From my perspective, there has not been a tradeoff. What has been good for the environment has been good for business.
Q – A Sustainable Environment consists of various value chain analyses of the company, partners, suppliers, customers, test cells, procurement, logistics, products and services. This requires constant coordination and cooperation to conserve energy and reduce waste production. Your views?
Ans – Building and maintaining relationships within our value chain including customers and suppliers is important to our success in reducing carbon emissions throughout the production life cycle. Resources used specifically in the energy and logistic spaces are primary contributors of our carbon footprint. Decarbonization in these key scopes of our emissions will be key to our success as we progress towards our net zero 2050 goal.
Q – MRO of Engine and Frame maintenance and repairs and overhaul of engines and aircraft are vital for passengers’ safety, which is to be done continuously. The availability of critical parts for aircraft and airplanes is paramount for the smooth running of aircraft. How do you see that?
Ans – StandardAero is often able to avoid supply chain driven delays thanks to our extensive in-house component repair and repair development capabilities provided by our dedicated StandardAero Component Services team, which allows us to pursue a ‘repair rather than replace’ philosophy wherever possible, minimizing both costs and turnaround times for our customers.
We also have significant in-house engine trading and teardown capabilities, further broadening the service options available to our customers. In addition, we take a proactive asset management strategy to utilize used serviceable material (USM) where appropriate. Finally, the utilization of engine health monitoring (EHM) also helps operators to avoid expensive maintenance events by catching and correcting issues early.
Q – The Sustainability program to bring about Carbon Waste and Consumption reduction requires joint efforts of all the companies and organizations worldwide. How will your company reach out to the companies and organizations across the globe to achieve this humanity’s welfare on a larger scale? The challenges and pitfalls would be severe. What will be your approach?
Ans – While we are relatively early in our decarbonization journey, our approach at this time will consist first and foremost of performance through our GreenERmro efforts. At StandardAero, we prefer to lead by example. We will further our relationships within the aerospace industry network, customers, suppliers, and authorities to assess sustainable aviation fuel use, engine fuel performance enhancements, and our areas of our business were we can drive sustainability through the products and services we provide.
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Q – The services of many Consultant companies on Sustainable Environmental Standards can be availed and utilized to achieve the well-desired objectives of Carbon reduction, Waste reduction, and Energy reduction and pollution control affecting the environment. Your opinion?
Ans – Carlyle, our owner and primary equity sponsor, has been very supportive of our decarbonization planning and initial efforts with our Environmental, Social and Governance strategic architecture. We are reviewing several proven service providers/consultants with Carlyle to complement and support our internal company sustainability expertise. We believe this combined approach will provide a winning solution to promote global environmental sustainability and our future business performance.
