Airline operators share a common concern of the lack of support from vendors on older parts/equipments for aircraft still in production. Often operators are left with no options but to replace the parts/equipment with new and more expensive versions as vendors discontinue maintenance and spares support for the older equipment. The discontinuation of support for the Rockwell Collins CRT display unit and the replacement of CRT with LCD display units only exemplifies the problems faced by operators.

Although it can be appreciated that obsolescence today going into the future will be more prevalent than in the past due to the proliferation of electronic components on aircraft, there appears to be a disparity cost-benefits of a later version to the obsolete part it is replacing. While AAPA is not against embracing technological development, such initiatives must be balanced against commercial and operational impact. The industry must be protected from unscrupulous manufacturers looking for easy victims in the name of technology.

AAPA liases closely with manufacturers/suppliers and brings them together with the member airlines to discuss and develop collective solutions that will continue the support for older parts/equipments or provide retrofit packages with attractive subsidy to offset the burden on airlines should replacement due to obsolescence occur.

For more information, please contact tad@aapa.org.my