Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) in the aviation sector encompasses all activities related to the upkeep and enhancement of aircraft and their components. This includes scheduled inspections, preventative maintenance, repairs resulting from damage or wear, and complete overhauls to restore an aircraft to its original operational condition. For example, an airline may schedule an “A Check” for an aircraft after a certain number of flight hours, involving visual inspections and minor servicing, or a more extensive “D Check,” which requires a complete disassembly and inspection of the aircraft’s structure and systems.
The importance of these activities is paramount to ensuring airworthiness, passenger safety, and operational efficiency. Effective procedures significantly contribute to preventing accidents, extending the lifespan of aircraft, and minimizing downtime. Historically, these procedures evolved from basic repairs to sophisticated, data-driven processes, incorporating advanced technologies to predict and prevent failures. This evolution has led to increased reliability and reduced operational costs for airlines and aircraft operators.