In the next 15 to 20 years, the aviation industry is expected to double the number of aircraft in the sky. At the same time, 75% of the existing fleet will need to be replaced to meet decarbonization targets. Although the industry has made good progress in fuel efficiency, only 20% of current planes are the newest, most fuel-efficient models. This shows there's still a long way to go in improving sustainability.
To reduce CO2 emissions even further, manufacturers will need to improve assembly processes and meet the new requirements on pollution and energy use. At the same time, they’ll face the challenge of increasing production to meet demand, while also focusing on decarbonization—without sacrificing quality, productivity, or cost.
Key challenges the aviation industry is facing today
Human factor
Human factor is at the center of every operation where precision, safety, and efficiency are crucial. The intricate nature of aerospace components demands meticulous attention, where even minor errors can have significant consequences. Good ergonomics reduces operator fatigue, enhancing focus and accuracy. Moreover, well-designed workspaces foster employee well-being and boost productivity by minimizing strain and preventing injury.
Efficiency
Efficiency in manufacturing is critical to meet customer demands, especially given the long backlog of aircraft orders and supply chain delays. The continuous demand increase for aircrafts has compelled manufacturers to find solutions to efficiently boost their production and expedite maintenance. Automation and connectivity are emerging solutions to improve assembly and maintenance operations efficiency.
Quality
In an industry where even the smallest defect can lead to catastrophic failure, rigorous quality control processes guarantee that every component meets strict standards. This meticulous attention to detail not only protects lives but also upholds the reputation, prevents costly rework, delays, and recalls. By using reliable-high precision tools and automated technologies aerospace manufacturers can optimize production and ensure top-notch quality.
Sustainability
Sustainability is one of the main drivers but at the same time it remains a critical challenge for the industry and its stakeholders . Increased demand for manufacturing also creates the requirements for responsible use of resources and impact on the environment. Therefore, technological innovations are emerging to adhere with carbon dioxide emission-reducing efforts to meet sustainability goals.
Diverse aerospace segments
Atlas Copco serves various segments within the aerospace industry, a domain rich with multifaceted sectors essential for aviation and space exploration. Despite the similar challenges faced by every segment, each uses a distinct approach to propel advancements in technology, safety, and overall progress within the field.
We partner with these industries to address their unique needs and tackle the challenges inherent to their sectors, empowering them to drive the continuous advancement of the aerospace industry.
Aircraft manufacturing and operation
The aircraft manufacturing industry is driven by a constant pursuit of efficiency through innovation in productivity, safety, and ergonomics. This industry seeks to achieve perfection through complex and efficient design, production, testing, and utilization and maintenance of diverse aircraft types, from small private planes to helicopters and large commercial airliners.
Defense and space exploration
A critical and cutting-edge industry that focuses on products tailored for defense and space applications with the most advanced needs in the aerospace industry. They have to withstand the most challenging environments and meet the highest security and quality standards. Their portfolio span from military aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), satellites, radar, communication systems and more.
Aerospace components and systems
Precision and reliability are the foundations of suppliers in manufacturing parts and components whether they are structural or avionic, control and safety systems. Every tier is key for the functionality and success of aircraft and spacecraft operations.
True innovation begins here
We offer a comprehensive range of products and solutions designed to efficiently address every hurdle in the manufacturing process. Our tools and solutions cover the entire aerospace manufacturing ecosystem—from preparing raw materials to drilling and filling holes with absolute precision. Our ergonomic tools enhance productivity on the assembly line, while our smart tools can be connected and synced onto a unified quality management platform. This platform analyzes data and optimizes processes, reducing reworks, reducing waste, optimizing energy use, and improving production outcomes, all while ensuring that every end product is of top-notch quality.
The Atlas Copco roadmap to Smarter Manufacturing
Smart Integrated Assembly is our five step concept for industrial manufacturers looking to transform and implement Smart Factories. It encompasses our ecosystem of tools, hardware, software and services solutions providing unrivalled competitive value in each step of the customers’ product manufacturing cycles. The result is more efficient, flexible, adaptable, and safe manufacturing processes that support reduced downtime, better use of materials and energy and a substantial waste reduction.
With the challenges faced by many aerospace manufacturers, we have the solutions to help you turn up the heat on your competitors.
Let us walk your assembly line to identify potential cost savings
Our specialists will walk through your line, observe your processes and ask relevant questions. We provide meaningful suggestions based on your given objectives, about how to shortly improve your assembly line after evaluating your current situation.
Learn more and be inspired!
Let us share our knowledge and experience and leave the rest to your imagination.
