Micheál Armstrong on How Airlines Can Tackle MRO Delays

Micheál Armstrong on How Airlines Can Tackle MRO Delays

by | Aug 15, 2025 | MRO IT

Supply chain strain. Aircraft on the ground. Rising costs.
The aviation industry is still dealing with the long tail of disruption post-COVID-and effective MRO inventory management may be the key to resilience.

In this conversation, Micheál Armstrong, CEO of Armac Systems, breaks down the challenges airlines are facing today, and how smart use of data, systems, and people can unlock huge gains in efficiency and availability.

“Some parts come back quickly, others might as well be scrapped. You can’t rely on old provisioning models anymore.”

With lead times increasing on both new parts and repairs, airlines are being forced to hold aircraft longer, delay retirements, and extend leases. But forward-thinking organizations are fighting back with smarter planning and more collaborative supplier engagement.

“It’s not just about average lead times anymore. You need real-time insight and supplier-level collaboration.”

From applying engineering strategy to part interchangeability, to making better decisions around upgrades and modifications, Micheál shares how operators are shifting from reactive to proactive.

He also discusses how technology is making this possible:

  • Proactive data analysis to detect issues early
  • Advanced planning with platforms like ReASSIST
  • Using inventory systems as decision-support tools, not just process managers

And the next frontier? AI, machine learning, and data science.

“These algorithms aren’t new-what’s new is we finally have the people, the mindset, and the computing power to apply them.”

He explains how the rise of digital natives, data science teams, and cloud computing is driving real-world adoption of AI in aviation-not just buzzwords, but actual, scalable value.

🎥 Watch the full interview to learn how airlines and MROs can shift from lagging to leading in supply chain resilience and tech adoption.

Questions asked include:

  • What’s the current state of the aviation supply chain?
  • How are repair and replacement delays affecting operations?
  • How can inventory management systems help mitigate risk?
  • What role does technology play in improving visibility and planning?
  • How is AI transforming decision-making in MRO and parts management?
  • What role do events and collaboration play in driving industry innovation?

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Aerospace Tech Week Joins Praise for Covid-19 Vaccine to Get Aviation Industry Moving Again

Aerospace Tech Week Joins Praise for Covid-19 Vaccine to Get Aviation Industry Moving Again

by | Nov 12, 2020 | BUZZ, Innovation

Organisers of Aerospace Tech Week, premier exhibition and conference for the aerospace technology community, have welcomed the news of the potential Covid-19 vaccine as an opportunity to get the devastated aviation industry moving again.

Since the initial lockdowns and grounding of aircraft across Europe in March, the air transport industry has struggled to get moving again due to continued travel restrictions and concerns of travellers, despite the industry demonstrating its excellent safety and clean cabin air through use of high quality HEPA filters.

Air transport continues to be around half of its pre-pandemic levels and has created turbulence and uncertainty, but with a possible vaccine on the horizon has been given a confidence boost that the industry can begin to look forward to better times.

With many airlines being provided financial support from Government’s, many of these are linked to reducing the environmental impact of aviation. Technology and developments in engineering solutions will be key factors in enhancing the sectors green comeback, with Aerospace Tech Week showcasing much of this latest tech.

Adrian Broadbent, CEO and owner of Aerospace Tech Week and Aerospace Tech Review magazine, said, “We are very encouraged by the announcement of a possible Covid-19 vaccine to build confidence in all industries, and especially the hard hit aviation industry.”

“We hope this enables future investment to thrive in new technologies, cleaner aircraft and improved solutions for the sector to demonstrate its commitment to cleaner skies. Aerospace Tech Week will enable many of these technologies to be showcased and we look forward to welcoming the industry to Toulouse on 26th-27th May 2021 for an exciting and safe back-to-business environment.” Continued Mr Broadbent.

Further details, including international expert speakers, will be announced soon at www.AerospaceTechWeek.com.