ISTANBUL, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- High-tech companies are playing an increasingly pivotal role in transforming airline maintenance and operations, as the industry shifts toward smarter, technology-driven approaches to aircraft upkeep, according to sector insiders.
With global air travel rebounding faster than expected, airlines are racing to keep their fleets airborne. Experts say digital innovations and new entrants are reshaping how carriers manage safety, efficiency, and maintenance planning.
Ozan Peneklioglu, sales and marketing director at Turkish Technic, the maintenance branch of Turkish Airlines, told Xinhua that over the next 20 years, the number of flights worldwide could potentially double, along with passenger numbers.
"The sector is growing rapidly, which is positive for industry strength, but it also highlights the need to upgrade technological infrastructure to operate more efficiently," Peneklioglu said.
He noted that carriers are increasingly adopting digital tools, including predictive analytics, AI-driven diagnostics, and route optimization, to streamline maintenance planning, reduce operational risks, and enhance overall fleet management.
Global passenger numbers in 2024 reached about 4.53 billion, an 8.6 percent rise from 2023, according to data from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
He added that Turkish Technic is cooperating with myTECHNIC (MYT) at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport on Istanbul's Asian side to adopt new technologies that support airlines worldwide.
The MYT, majority-owned by China's Hainan Airlines, operates a 60,000-square-metre facility employing nearly 1,000 people. It performs scheduled maintenance on Airbus and Boeing aircraft and services engines, including those for the 737 and 747 models.
"Industry trends are driving this surge in maintenance demand," Yupeng Lu, MYT's chairman, told Xinhua. "The increase in flight hours is putting unprecedented pressure on maintenance services, creating a rapidly expanding market."
Over the past two years, the MYT has implemented digital maintenance and smart management systems, including online intelligent procurement, predictive engine performance monitoring, and smart logistics, to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
Looking ahead, upgrading information systems and applying AI to analyze historical data will be key priorities, Lu added. "These technologies will help us more accurately predict maintenance downtime and costs, and improve customer satisfaction."