Factors contributing to delays of aircrafts during A-check maintenance

M.Phil. (Engineering Management)Abstract: Aviation industry is populated with highly competitive and highly regulated businesses. It is the function of the manager in aviation to ensure that the aircraft operates cost effectively. One way to decrease aircraft operation cost is to speed up aircraft turnaround time. According to airworthiness regulation, an aircraft has to go through A-check maintenance after accumulating certain flying hours. Aircraft operators are faced with the challenges of delays during maintenance. These aircraft delays result in the loss of revenue as a results of penalties. In order to address challenges, research was conducted in the airline Maintenance Company. The objective of the research was to identify the cause of delays during A-check maintenance. The researcher decided to analyse airline Maintenance Company records and conduct interviews with several employee of airline Maintenance Company. Research findings can be shared with the reader and benefit other aircraft maintenance organisations that experience similar challenges. The research will also help the airline maintenance company to realize all the factors contributing to delays during A-check maintenance. The research identified the following factors that contribute to delays during A-check maintenance: Poor logistics process Unscheduled maintenance defects and pilot reports Poor planning Lack of manpower Lack of communication Lack of capabilit