Boeing Deploys Photo-Driven AI to Streamline Aircraft Part Validation

Boeing has introduced a new artificial intelligence tool designed to automate the inspection and logging of aircraft parts, a move the manufacturer states has significantly reduced production time and improved data accuracy. Developed by engineers at the Boeing Korea Engineering & Technology Center (BKETC), the system utilizes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to replace manual data entry during the assembly process.

According to the company, the new technology allows quality inspectors to validate components simply by photographing them. This innovation addresses a longstanding bottleneck in the manufacturing workflow, reportedly saving more than 17 hours of inspection time per airplane.

Eliminating the “Fat-Finger” Factor

Prior to the implementation of this AI solution, quality inspectors were required to manually input complex serial numbers into the Aircraft Readiness Log (ARL). This process was not only time-consuming but also susceptible to human error, often referred to in the industry as “fat-finger” typos.

Boeing data indicates that before the tool’s deployment, approximately 70% of part serial numbers on the 737 program had to be entered manually. The repetitive nature of typing long strings of alphanumeric characters created a high potential for inaccuracies, which could disrupt the “digital thread”, the continuous digital record of an aircraft’s components and history.

How the Technology Works

The new handheld tool leverages computer vision to streamline the validation process. The workflow, as described in Boeing’s report, involves three primary steps:

• Capture: An inspector takes a photograph of the part’s identification tag.
• Processing: The AI analyzes the image, reading the text and validating it against a “part information dictionary” to ensure the component matches engineering requirements.
• Logging: Once validated, the system automatically populates the serial number and relevant data into the ARL, removing the need for manual typing.

To ensure the system could handle the variety of fonts, formats, and lighting conditions found on a factory floor, the development team undertook an extensive training process. Engineers captured over 2,250 images of various parts and manually labeled nearly 38,100 text boxes to train the machine learning model. Currently, the tool is capable of inspecting more than 1,400 different parts.

Development and Deployment

The project was a collaborative effort led by the Boeing Korea Engineering & Technology Center (BKETC) in partnership with the company’s central Artificial Intelligence team. The involvement of the Korea-based team highlights Boeing’s strategy of leveraging global engineering talent to solve specific production challenges.

“Quality inspectors identified the challenges in their current process and guided our design. Their insights guided us through the development journey and helped minimize disruption to existing workflows.”

, Wanbin Song, Boeing AI Team Lead at BKETC

The tool was first deployed in January 2024 at Boeing’s primary manufacturing sites in Renton and Everett, Washington, which produce the 737 and widebody jets respectively. Following its success in these facilities, Boeing plans to expand the technology to its South Carolina facility for 787 Dreamliner production. The team is also evaluating other areas of the production system where this OCR capability could further streamline documentation.

AirPro News Analysis

The deployment of this OCR tool represents a practical application of “Smart Factory” principles, moving beyond buzzwords to address tangible production inefficiencies. In aerospace manufacturing, the integrity of the “digital thread” is paramount; the physical aircraft must perfectly match its digital records for safety, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.

By automating the entry of serial numbers, Boeing is reducing the cognitive load on inspectors and closing a gap where human error frequently occurs. While a saving of 17 hours per aircraft may seem minor in the context of a multi-month build cycle, these incremental efficiency gains are critical as the manufacturer seeks to stabilize production rates and ensure rigorous quality control across its assembly lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary benefit of the new AI tool?
The tool eliminates manual data entry errors and reduces inspection time by over 17 hours per aircraft.

Who developed the technology?
The tool was developed by the Boeing Korea Engineering & Technology Center (BKETC) and the Boeing AI team.

Where is the tool currently used?
It was deployed in Renton and Everett, Washington, in January 2024, with plans to expand to Boeing South Carolina.

Sources

• This article is based on an official report from Boeing.

Safran Agrees to Sell In-Flight Entertainment Division to Kingswood Capital Management

French aerospace giant Safran has announced a definitive agreement to sell its in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) division, Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI), to Kingswood Capital Management, LP. The transaction, announced on December 10, 2025, marks a significant shift in Safran’s portfolio strategy as it continues to divest non-core assets acquired during its purchase of Zodiac Aerospace.

According to the official announcement, the sale is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. While the financial terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed, Safran confirmed that SPI generates approximately $460 million in annual revenue.

Transaction Overview and Strategic Rationale

The agreement transfers ownership of SPI, a California-based leader in in-flight entertainment systems, to Kingswood Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm. Kingswood specializes in corporate carve-outs and operational transitions, making this acquisition a strategic fit for their portfolio.

Safran’s Divestment Strategy

For Safran, this move represents a continuation of its strategy to streamline operations and focus on its core competencies in propulsion and Commercial-Aircraft equipment. SPI, formerly known as Zodiac Inflight Innovations, was part of the Zodiac Aerospace acquisition in 2018. Since that merger, Safran has systematically reviewed its holdings to identify assets that operate outside its primary industrial focus.

In the company’s press statement, Safran indicated that the sale allows the group to concentrate resources on its strategic priorities while placing SPI under ownership that is specifically dedicated to growing the business as a standalone entity.

Kingswood’s Aerospace Expansion

Kingswood Capital Management described the acquisition as its “second aerospace and defense investment,” signaling a growing interest in the sector. The firm plans to leverage its capital and operational expertise to accelerate SPI’s product development and market expansion.

“We look forward to partnering with the SPI management team to support the company’s next phase of growth and innovation as a standalone business.”

, Statement attributed to Kingswood Capital Management

Impact on Operations and Leadership

A critical component of the agreement is the retention of SPI’s current leadership and workforce. The division employs approximately 740 people, primarily located at its headquarters in Brea, California, and its operations center in Wessling, Germany.

According to the release, CEO Matt Smith and the existing management team will remain in place following the acquisition. This continuity is intended to ensure stability for SPI’s Airlines customers, which include major global carriers such as Lufthansa, ANA, Etihad, and China Southern.

The RAVE Product Line

SPI is best known for its RAVE (Reliable, Affordable, and Very Easy) product line. The RAVE system includes seatback in-flight entertainment screens and connectivity hardware that supports various satellite networks. As a standalone company under Kingswood, SPI aims to compete more agilely in the IFEC market against rivals like Panasonic Avionics and Thales InFlyt Experience.

AirPro News Analysis

The sale of Safran Passenger Innovations highlights a broader trend in the aerospace supply chain: the “unwinding” of massive conglomerates into more specialized entities. When Safran acquired Zodiac Aerospace in 2018, it absorbed a vast array of cabin interior businesses. While some, like seats, integrated well, the high-tech, consumer-facing nature of in-flight entertainment (IFE) often requires a different investment cycle and agility than engine manufacturing.

By moving to private equity ownership, SPI may gain the flexibility to pivot faster in a post-pandemic market where passengers demand 4K screens and high-speed Wi-Fi. For Kingswood, the challenge will be managing a tech-heavy portfolio company in a capital-intensive industry, but the retention of the original leadership team suggests a strategy of stability rather than radical restructuring.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the transaction be finalized?
The deal is expected to close by the end of Q1 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

Will the leadership team change?
No. CEO Matt Smith and the current leadership team will continue to lead the company.

What is the revenue of the division being sold?
Safran Passenger Innovations generates approximately $460 million in annual revenue.

Sources

• Safran Group Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Airinmar.

Airinmar Secures Multi-Year Service Extension with Air Methods

Airinmar, a subsidiary of AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), has officially signed a multi-year extension to provide aircraft warranty management and value engineering services to Air Methods, one of the largest civilian helicopters operators in the world. According to the company’s announcement, this agreement prolongs a partnership that originally began in August 2020, reinforcing a strategic focus on cost efficiency and supply chain optimization.

The extended contract covers a massive fleet of over 450 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft used primarily for emergency air medical transport. Under the terms of the agreement, Airinmar will continue to manage warranty entitlements, identifying, claiming, and recovering costs from manufacturers, while also providing value engineering support to ensure maintenance expenses remain aligned with fair market values.

Scope of Services and Operational Impact

The renewal highlights the increasing importance of outsourced technical management in the aviation sector. Airinmar’s role involves a comprehensive review of component repairs and warranty opportunities. By leveraging historical data and engineering expertise, the company aims to reduce the total cost of ownership for Air Methods’ diverse fleet.

Warranty Management and Value Engineering

According to the press release, the services provided include:

• Warranty Management: The systematic identification and recovery of warranty claims for rotorcraft and aircraft components, ensuring the operator maximizes entitlements from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
• Value Engineering: A cost-control process that analyzes repair quotes, labor rates, and material costs to prevent overcharging and ensure repairs are economically viable compared to replacement.

Jay Mahen, Senior Vice President of Operations at Air Methods, emphasized the importance of this partnership in maintaining operational readiness for their critical missions.

“We will continue to leverage Airinmar’s comprehensive engineering knowledge and expertise to help optimize our supply chain to provide safe and reliable lifesaving emergency air medical care.”

Jay Mahen, SVP of Operations, Air Methods

Strategic Context: Efficiency in a Post-Restructuring Era

AirPro News Analysis

While the press release focuses on the continuation of services, the timing of this extension is significant when viewed against the broader financial backdrop of Air Methods. As reported in public financial disclosures, Air Methods successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late December 2023, shedding approximately $1.7 billion in debt. The company is currently navigating a “transformation journey” under new ownership, with a sharp focus on operational efficiency and profitability.

In our view, extending a contract with a specialist like Airinmar aligns perfectly with this post-restructuring strategy. For large fleet operators, the administrative burden of tracking warranties across thousands of components can be overwhelming. Outsourcing this function allows Air Methods to recover funds that might otherwise be lost to administrative oversight, directly improving the bottom line without compromising safety.

Furthermore, the aviation maintenance (MRO) sector is currently facing inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints. By utilizing “value engineering,” operators can scrutinize third-party vendor quotes more effectively, ensuring they are not paying inflated prices for parts or labor, a critical capability for maintaining an aging fleet of 450 aircraft.

About the Companies

Airinmar has operated for over 40 years and is a global leader in component repair cycle management. Based in Berkshire, England, it was acquired by AAR CORP., a major provider of aviation services to commercial and government customers worldwide. AAR CORP. recently reported record sales of $2.8 billion for Fiscal Year 2025, driven largely by demand for aftermarket solutions.

Air Methods is the leading air medical service provider in the United States. Operating from approximately 275 bases across 47 states, the company delivers lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people annually, functioning essentially as a “flying ICU.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Value Engineering” in aviation maintenance?

Value engineering in this context refers to the analysis of repair costs and methods to improve value. It involves verifying that repair quotes align with market rates, determining whether a component should be repaired or replaced based on reliability and cost, and ensuring that repair shops do not perform unnecessary work.

How large is the Air Methods fleet?

According to the press release and company data, Air Methods operates a fleet of over 450 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

When did the partnership between Airinmar and Air Methods begin?

The original agreement was signed in August 2020. This recent announcement marks a multi-year extension of that initial contract.

Sources

• PR Newswire (Airinmar)
• Air Methods Press Room
• AAR CORP. Financial Reports