Ground delays due to an airplane being out of commission (unserviceable) can cause major delays, financial losses, and extra work-related strain on airline employees. Each minute an aircraft is prevented from flying due to a malfunction or unavailability of replacement parts contributes to the overall problem. AOG (Aircraft on Ground) support allows airlines to obtain rapid assistance in resolving problems associated with grounded aircraft so that those aircraft can return to operation as quickly as feasible, thus minimizing the negative effects of the disruption.
What is AOG Support?
AOG support is the term used when an aircraft cannot leave because of some type of malfunction (i.e. mechanical problem), damage to the aircraft itself, or a part of the aircraft is missing. AOG provides assistance to aircraft experiencing mechanical problems and has other types of help available. Examples include delivering replacement components, providing technical advice, repairing aircraft systems, and managing logistical requirements. Their main objective is to have the aircraft flying again as soon as it is safe to do so.
Why Speed Matters in Aircraft Recovery
The aircraft on the ground could disrupt all aspects of a flight plan. The result of flight cancellations is that many of the connections made by passengers are likely to be delayed, crews will need to change and passengers will probably become upset. Not only do flight cancellations create issues with scheduling, they also result in large amounts of money being lost by airlines due to the cost of cancellation fees and increased maintenance expenses.
A quick response can reduce these risks. Here are a few ways a reliable AOG support can help out the airlines:
- Reduction of aircraft downtime as well as delays in repairs.
- Keep flight schedules on track.
- Limit extra operating costs.
- Protect passenger trust and service quality.
Key Services That Keep Aircraft Moving
Effective recovery of an airplane is based upon a number of different factors including: delivery speed, part availability, qualified personnel, and good communications.
Urgent Spare Parts Delivery
Faulty or damaged parts should be replaced right away. Teams of AOG will find the proper parts and organize quick transportation to where the aircraft is located. This process could include finding the parts through a world wide supply chain, using fast shipping methods, and helping with customs documentation.
Technical and Maintenance Assistance
In many instances, experts are needed to guide maintenance personnel through the repair process. Maintenance personnel can rely on both technicians and engineers to assist them in identifying problems with equipment and in following established repair methods.
Logistics and Coordination
Aircraft can be grounded at remote locations or during non-business hours. To prevent further delay, a group of people works together with suppliers, freight companies, maintenance personnel, and airport staff to coordinate everything required.
Choosing the Right AOG Partner
Airlines have to be careful when choosing a logistics company because not every logistics provider has the capabilities to meet their urgent needs. Airlines need to find a logistics partner that has experience in the airline industry, a worldwide network of suppliers and is available at any hour.
An aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support provider that is reliable will provide updates that are transparent, tracking of parts that is correct, and a serious commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. It is critical to provide fast service; however, each part and each repair must comply with the relevant aviation industry standards.
Keep Aircraft Downtime to a Minimum
AOG service is necessary to recover aircraft in a timely manner after experiencing unpredicted problems. When airlines use a reputable organization that offers AOG service, they will reduce the amount of time that an unscheduled maintenance event has on their flight schedule. A trusted partner can help take you out of an uncontrolled ground stoppage and put together a formal plan to recover.
