Skythread for Parts
Component support in the age of blockchain
Last April, AFI KLM E&M and SkyThread signed the protocol agreement that would officially create SkyThread for Parts. Since then, the solution has been made ready for deployment – with several other customers already expressing interest.
Putting theory into practice: six months after announcing the signature of a protocol agreement on SkyThread for Parts, the tool’s deployment has now been initiated at the AFI KLM E&M pool in Amsterdam. This unique data management solution for aircraft components is the fruit of a year-long collaboration between SkyThread and AFI KLM E&M and has the potential to revolutionize the digital aviation ecosystem.
“SkyThread for Parts is a platform that facilitates, improves and secures the sharing of data throughout our ecosystem. Every link in the chain – the aircraft manufacturer, airline, MRO, equipment manufacturer, etc. – shares their data, then decides whether or not to grant other users direct access to that data.”
Paolo Monti
Lead Analytics Translator for AFI KLM E&M’s Big Data program
Say goodbye to all the memos, reports, PDFs and emails that might get lost in the shuffle, or fail to make it to the right recipient – component tracking is now a digital process that occurs from production through to dismantling, making it easy to find a certificate of origin, a shipping order, an operations report or a property transfer order. But with such highly strategic data at play, how can users know it’s secure?
“SkyThread for Parts is a data-sharing platform built on blockchain technology. This technology is unalterable and decentralized, which ensures an extremely high level of data security. Of course, data shared on the platform remains the property of the entity that created it – SkyThread is not, and cannot become, the data owner.”
Giel Klijweg
Product Owner Component Blockchain at AFI KLM E&M Amsterdam.
This fosters a climate of trust between future users of SkyThread for Parts, who (despite reaping the benefits of this type of transparent collaboration) remain potential competitors.
A universal solution
This climate of trust is essential in order to draw maximum potential from the SkyThread for Parts solution. Fostering that trust is a priority for the SkyThread and AFI KLM E&M teams in the months ahead.
“As a launch customer, we were able to take ample time to test the solution in real-world conditions, before deploying it in operations mode to our Boeing 787 fleet. We’re very satisfied with the results, but they will get even better as we collect more data. That’s why we encourage other members of our community to join this innovative project!”
Paolo Monti
Lead Analytics Translator for AFI KLM E&M’s Big Data program
Discussions with other MROs are already in the advanced stages. In the long term, the sky’s the limit when it comes to deploying this solution to all aircraft in service.
“In the near future, SkyThread for Parts will be able to be deployed to every type of aircraft in the Air France-KLM fleet. We’re already working on these updates and developments. This roll-out does not present any major hurdles; the only real limiting factor is, once again, being able to collect data from the other partners who may potentially be involved.”
Giel Klijweg
Product Owner Component Blockchain at AFI KLM E&M Amsterdam
This may include the design of a solution combining elements from each of the two approaches. A client who has a PBH contract for one fleet may benefit from excluding certain components, instead using a PBE solution in the event of a defect in order to lighten their overall costs. Owing to its experience and vast database of component reliability statistics, AFI KLM E&M is able to provide customers with pertinent advice on how to define these exclusions and optimize their scope.
A separate solution designed specifically for engines and landing gear, named SkyThread for Assets, is also under development: the blockchain-enhanced MRO adventure is just beginning!
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