Supply chain challenges can lead to significant disruption for airlines as a result of long lead times, high procurement costs, and the unpredictability of unplanned maintenance. In the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s 2025 financial outlook for the global airline industry, the association predicted supply chain challenges would continue to restrict airline profitability and growth into 2026 despite strong passenger demand.
However, technology can ease these challenges, supporting a streamlined and proactive approach to purchasing. Magnetic MRO use an AI-driven purchasing system which has delivered tangible benefits. Speaking on this, the Head of Supply Chain of Magnetic Group, Kaire Kalve joined for a five-minute conversation, illustrating both the benefits of AI-driven procurements and the challenges of AI implementation.
Thinking about next steps in maintenance technology, Kalve added:
“In maintenance, we’re actually soon expecting the next step, where AI algorithms can monitor aircraft systems so that it will help airlines to perform more predictable maintenance, reduce downtime, and improve overall fleet efficiency. And if we are looking even further, then aircraft may be built with materials that actually repair themselves—so this really makes flying much safer. Because can you imagine that while flying, if there are small defects or cracks, they will be automatically repaired.”
Watch the full interview below to learn more.
Questions asked include:
- Can you briefly tell us a bit about Magnetic MRO and your role within the company?
- Magnetic MRO uses an innovative AI-based purchase management system. But before we get into detail on this, could you outline the severity of the supply chain challenges the industry has been tackling and explain the knock-on effect these can have?
- How has the introduction of AI made tangible changes to this?
- What were some of the major challenges you encountered when implementing AI in the procurement process, and how did you overcome them?
- What other new technologies do you anticipate having a significant impact in this space?
- What are you most looking forward to at ATW Europe? – (Any particular sessions/speakers/companies etc.)
At Aerospace Tech Week Europe, Kaire Kalve, Head of Supply Chain of Magnetic Group, Magnetic MRO will be speaking on Magnetic MRO’s AI-driven purchasing system. To Join us at ATW Europe (2-3rd April) – book your ticket here!
There will also be additional sessions dedicated to Supply Chain & Procurement as well as MRO IT where top speakers will discuss their approaches, lessons learned, and ideas for the future. For more on what to expect see:
- ATW Europe 2025 to spotlight AI-driven operations, autonomous aviation, and cybersecurity
- easyJet: How is AI transforming MRO operations?
- Four advanced air mobility (AAM) players to watch this year