AVIATION WEEK
MRO EUROPE

MRO EUROPE 2010
September 28-30
ExCeL Center
London, UK

REGISTRATIONADD to OUTLOOK

agenda

Last updated: March 16, 2010

DAY ONE – Tuesday, September 28, 2010
9:00 a.m. Registration Opens
1:00 p.m. Welcome – Workshop Introduction & Orientation
MRO Europe kicks off with a series of in-depth workshops delivering effective problem solving opportunities within a highly interactive format that also creates an intimate networking atmosphere and gets all delegates involved in addressing the issues and creating solutions.
  • Ed Hazelwood, Editor-in-Chief Conferences, AVIATION WEEK
1:30 p.m. Workshop Sessions
A1 – Balance of Operations
Supply Chain / Data Management

Different imperatives can lead the various players to work at cross purposes. For example lease-return checks can get very expensive and time consuming if the airlines are not well prepared. How can all the players work together to optimize their operations and develop best practices? This workshop addresses the latest trends and challenges in inventory and supply chain management, new tools for data management, and for tracing repairs in compliance with new regulations. The workshop will include a brief overview of current market trends in the use of PMAs
A2 –Effect of Regulations
FAA Foreign Repair Station Inspections

New regulations may increase the auditing and inspection burden on MROs, which must comply with the most recent standards and directives. What factors are the regulators considering in making their decisions? Does “one size fit all” for FAA foreign repair station inspections? What will happen if FAA rules conflict with national laws outside the US? This workshop brings the regulators together with the MROs to explore the most effective strategies to remain compliant.
3:00 p.m. Coffee break
3:15 p.m. Workshop Sessions
B1 – Balance of Operations
Asset Management

Current economic pressures make it increasingly difficult for airlines to make up-front stock purchases. What alternatives does the MRO market offer, given the reality that their maneuvering room is more limited than ever? How can emerging partnerships help optimize an airline's cost of ownership? With many aircraft parked, and airlines resorting to mortgaging their inventories, what roles are emerging for private equity firms? They have been acquiring first A/Cs, then engines, and now it’s down to the components level. Where can we expect this to go? In a tight global market, complex, on-going intellectual property issues can create a minefield for certain parties. What is the consensus here? How can the players work together to mutual advantage?
B2 – Focus on Regional Aircraft
Over the last five years, regional aircraft operations have increased by 25%. Over 150 airlines now operate regional planes worldwide at a rate of some 15,000 flights a day in the peak season. Moreover, regional airplanes are getting bigger and flying farther. With forecasts of 3700 regional aircraft to be built over the coming decade, they will continue to represent a significant amount of MRO activities. This workshop will focus on specific MRO issues which are complicated by the unique flight operations, shortage of major hubs for regionals and criticality of cost management. The session will consider current fleets and will also take a look at the new arrivals on the scene.
5:00 p.m. Registration Closes
DAY TWO – Wednesday, September 29, 2010
7:30 a.m. Registration Opens
8:30 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
Opening of the conference and an overview of coming challenges for the industry
  • Tom Henricks, President, AVIATION WEEK
  • Vincent De Vroey, General Manager Technical and Operations, Association of European Airlines
8:45 a.m. Keynote Address
9:30 a.m. MRO Europe 10-Year Market Forecast & Key Trends
10:30 a.m. Exhibition Hall Opens
10:30 a.m. New Players and Partnership Patterns in the MRO Market
A growing number of non-traditional MRO players, such as equity firms and financiers are acquiring MROs. This session will deliver the view from the financial side on how things are shpaing up in the aviation industry. Who are the new movers and shakers? What is their investment strategy? How will this impact the market?
11:00 a.m. Coffee Break
11:20 a.m. Track Sessions
Strategies Track:
C1 - Status report on A380 operations so far

Five airlines operate the A380 to date and Singapore Airlines has chalked up enough flight hours on the mega-jetliner for a C-check. What has been learned from operations at this point?
Tactical Track:
C2 - Advances in Engine Maintenance

Given the fluctuations in the economy and fuel prices over the last two years, engine MROs have been working to find better ways to serve airline needs. Of course on-time core services, efficient overhauls and cutting turnaround time remain crucial, but the MROs are starting to think differently to find smarter ways to help airlines optimize their cost of ownership. Part of the solution comes from increasing the operators’ knowledge of their fleets’ performance status, enabling them to make the quick decisions that can save money. What are the key trends in new digital tools, knowledge management and advanced repair technologies? Where does the work of OEMs, MROs and operators overlap to achieve optimal cost reductions?
  • Tom Gentile, VP of Engine Services, GE Aviation
12:30 p.m. Track Sessions
Strategies Track:
D1 – New Chapter in Maintenance when the Dreamliner Enters Service

The 787 promises major modifications to the maintenance environment when it enters service. This session provides an overview of the major changes.
Tactical Track:
D2 - Pulse on Parts

As the parts market gets increasingly global and coordinated, what are the implications for the MROs? With older planes being taken out of service, leaving unused inventories, what kind of burden does this surplus create? What are the trends?
1:30 p.m. Lunch in Exhibition Hall
4:30 p.m. Reception in Exhibition Hall
5:30 p.m. Registration/Exhibition Hall closes
DAY THREE – Thursday, September 30, 2010
8:00 a.m. Registration Opens
9:00 a.m. Welcome & Introductions
  • Ed Hazelwood, Editor-In-Chief Conferences, AVIATION WEEK
9:15 a.m. Keynote Address
9:30 a.m. Exhibition Hall Opens
9:45 a.m. The Operator's Viewpoint - New Relations in Supply Chain Management
The recession has put new pressures on airlines’ cash flows. New risk-sharing arrangements have been used to cope during this critical time, with a search for means to minimize cash outs. How has the recession impacted relationships between airlines and suppliers? Is this just a temporary response to an unusually difficult situation, or does it mark the start of a permanent change?
10:15 a.m. Manpower Challenges
The industry seems to face a chronic shortage of skilled labor. Is it simply a question of “you get what you pay for?” In some cases regulatory issues make it difficult to move skilled workers. For the European MROs with main facilities in high-cost areas, but operations in lower cost areas as well, how do they ensure their quality standards while remaining profitable? In the meantime, the Middle East is attracting workers away from European MROs. In a globalized market, how do you find the optimal balance between adequate skills and adequate pay?
10:55 a.m. Coffee Break
11:10 a.m. Track Sessions
Strategies Track:
E1 - Effect of Regulations - REACH

The European Parliament passed REACH (registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals) in 2006. This affects European MROs as downstream users, and as importers if they buy outside the European Union. How does it affect non-European partners and suppliers to these MROs? Has this legislation produced measurable environmental results? This session provides an overview from the European regulatory agency perspective, with recommendations, and a guide to resources for compliance.
Tactical Track:
E2 – Consolidation in Components

The components market is moving towards increased consolidation. Existing MROs are concentrating their inventories and operations, and new players are coming onto the scene. What are the trends.
12:00 p.m. Special Report – Aviation & Cybersecurity: (Quickfire Interview)
If hackers can compromise Google, can industrial spies or terrorists hack the aviation industry's information grid? The OEMs say they have it under control, but what is the current situation, where are tomorrow’s weak points, and how can we make it better?
12:45 p.m. Drawing for Scale Model Aircraft
1:00 p.m. 2010 MRO Europe Concludes
1:00 p.m. Lunch available in Exhibition Hall
3:00 p.m. Registration/Exhibition Hall Closes