UPS will equip its fleet of MD-11 Freighters with Boeing’s Airplane Health Management (AHM) system, the companies announced Wednesday. UPS already uses the system on its fleet of 747-400 Freighters.
The expanded agreement covers 38 MD-11 Freighters and 13 747-400 Freighter and Boeing Converted Freighter airplanes.
The freighters will use the AHM Real Time Fault Management Module, which communicates in-flight information to ground stations for diagnosis and real-time operational decisions, using troubleshooting and historical fix success data. The airline uses this information to organize any needed maintenance operations and position the necessary people, parts and equipment. Boeing said the system is designed to help airlines better prepare and manage unscheduled maintenance events.
"AHM allows aircraft maintenance personnel to be prepared to work unexpected aircraft exceptions when the aircraft arrives and will greatly streamline our operation," said Warren Johnson, vice president, Maintenance and Engineering, UPS Airlines.
"Airlines need to have their aircraft generating revenue, so maintenance efficiency is an important initiative," said Dennis Floyd, vice president of Fleet Services for Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "AHM delivers relevant information whenever and wherever it is needed while the airplane is still en route."