MRO & Manufacturing
Boeing Deploys AI Tool to Automate Aircraft Part Validation Processes
Boeing introduces AI-driven OCR technology to streamline aircraft part inspection, reducing manual entry and saving over 17 hours per airplane.
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.
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.
The new handheld tool leverages computer vision to streamline the validation process. The workflow, as described in Boeing’s report, involves three primary steps:
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.
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. 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.
What is the primary benefit of the new AI tool? Who developed the technology? Where is the tool currently used?
Boeing Deploys Photo-Driven AI to Streamline Aircraft Part Validation
Eliminating the “Fat-Finger” Factor
How the Technology Works
Development and Deployment
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The tool eliminates manual data entry errors and reduces inspection time by over 17 hours per aircraft.
The tool was developed by the Boeing Korea Engineering & Technology Center (BKETC) and the Boeing AI team.
It was deployed in Renton and Everett, Washington, in January 2024, with plans to expand to Boeing South Carolina.
Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
MRO & Manufacturing
Safran to Sell In-Flight Entertainment Division to Kingswood Capital
Safran agrees to sell its in-flight entertainment division SPI to Kingswood Capital, with completion expected by Q1 2026 and leadership retention planned.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
When will the transaction be finalized? Will the leadership team change? What is the revenue of the division being sold?
Safran Agrees to Sell In-Flight Entertainment Division to Kingswood Capital Management
Transaction Overview and Strategic Rationale
Safran’s Divestment Strategy
Kingswood’s Aerospace Expansion
Impact on Operations and Leadership
The RAVE Product Line
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The deal is expected to close by the end of Q1 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
No. CEO Matt Smith and the current leadership team will continue to lead the company.
Safran Passenger Innovations generates approximately $460 million in annual revenue.
Sources
Photo Credit: Safran
MRO & Manufacturing
Airinmar Extends Aircraft Warranty Services Contract with Air Methods
Airinmar signs a multi-year extension with Air Methods to manage aircraft warranty and value engineering services for its 450+ fleet.
This article is based on an official press release from Airinmar.
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.
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.
According to the press release, the services provided include:
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
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.
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.”
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.
According to the press release and company data, Air Methods operates a fleet of over 450 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
The original agreement was signed in August 2020. This recent announcement marks a multi-year extension of that initial contract.
Airinmar Secures Multi-Year Service Extension with Air Methods
Scope of Services and Operational Impact
Warranty Management and Value Engineering
Strategic Context: Efficiency in a Post-Restructuring Era
AirPro News Analysis
About the Companies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Value Engineering” in aviation maintenance?
How large is the Air Methods fleet?
When did the partnership between Airinmar and Air Methods begin?
Sources
Photo Credit: AAR Corp.
MRO & Manufacturing
Brookhouse Aerospace Acquires Parker Precision to Expand Engineering Capabilities
Brookhouse Aerospace acquires Parker Precision to integrate CNC turning, milling, and grinding capabilities, enhancing supply chain services in the UK.
This article is based on an official press release from Brookhouse Aerospace.
Brookhouse Aerospace, a leading independent manufacturer of composite and metallic aero-structures based in Darwen, Lancashire, has officially announced the acquisition of Parker Precision. The move represents a significant step in Brookhouse’s strategy to vertically integrate its supply-chain and expand its internal engineering capabilities.
According to the company’s press release, the acquisition of the Wolverhampton-based precision engineering firm will allow Brookhouse to offer a more comprehensive “build-to-print” service to the aerospace and defence sectors. Parker Precision, known for its expertise in CNC turning and milling, will continue to operate from its existing facility in Bilston, retaining its 35-strong workforce.
The acquisition is described by Brookhouse leadership as a “strategic fit” designed to bring critical precision engineering processes in-house. By integrating Parker Precision’s capabilities, specifically Precision CNC Turning, CNC Milling, and 5-Axis Grinding, Brookhouse aims to reduce reliance on external suppliers for these specific processes and offer a complete supply chain solution.
Matthew Rossiter, CEO of Brookhouse Aerospace, emphasized the value this addition brings to the group’s service portfolio:
“We are delighted to welcome Parker Precision into the Brookhouse Aerospace group. This acquisition is an excellent strategic fit, enhancing our capabilities with Precision CNC Turning, CNC Milling, and 5-Axis Grinding, building on our strategy of providing a complete supply chain solution.”
, Matthew Rossiter, CEO of Brookhouse Aerospace
Rossiter further noted that the acquisition not only secures a skilled workforce but also opens access to new customer bases while strengthening the value proposition for existing clients.
Parker Precision, founded in 1952, has a long history of manufacturing, evolving from small tools for the lock industry to high-precision aerospace components. Under the new ownership structure, the company will function as a subsidiary of the Brookhouse Aerospace group. Marc Corns, Managing Director of Parker Precision, expressed optimism about the stability the deal provides: “The successful completion of this acquisition provides future certainty for our team. As part of Brookhouse, we look forward to the opportunity to further enhance our capabilities and capacity, to deliver customer requirements, advance expertise in key markets and grow the business.”
, Marc Corns, Managing Director of Parker Precision
The deal connects two major UK manufacturing hubs: Brookhouse’s stronghold in the North West Aerospace Alliance region and Parker’s base in the Midlands. This regional synergy is expected to support the group’s mission to build a leading mid-market company servicing the aerospace and defence industries.
This acquisition follows a period of significant investment for Brookhouse Aerospace. The company recently opened a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Darwen, Lancashire, known as Balle Mill. According to verified industry reports, the company has invested heavily in new machinery to increase capacity.
Kenny Worth, Executive Chairman of Brookhouse Aerospace, framed the acquisition as a logical progression following these internal investments:
“Following our recent investment in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Darwen, Lancashire and the installation of significant new machining capabilities, the acquisition of Parker Precision is just the next step in our mission to build a leading mid-market company servicing aerospace and defence industries.”
, Kenny Worth, Executive Chairman of Brookhouse Aerospace
Worth also indicated that the company remains in growth mode, stating that they “continue to evaluate, and are actively seeking, suitable additional opportunities.”
The acquisition of Parker Precision by Brookhouse Aerospace highlights a broader trend of consolidation within the aerospace supply chain. As Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) increasingly demand “one-stop-shop” solutions to reduce logistical complexity and risk, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers are under pressure to expand their internal capabilities.
By acquiring a specialist like Parker Precision, Brookhouse effectively secures its upstream supply chain for machined components. This vertical integration allows for tighter quality control and potentially faster turnaround times, critical factors in the competitive aerospace and defence markets. Furthermore, retaining the Parker Precision brand and workforce suggests a strategy of stability rather than aggressive restructuring, preserving the specialized skills that make the target company valuable in the first place. Parker Precision specializes in precision CNC engineering, including CNC Turning, CNC Milling, and 5-Axis Grinding. They serve sectors such as Aerospace, Oil & Gas, Defence, Electronics, and Medical.
No. According to the announcement, Parker Precision will continue to operate from its current base in Bilston, Wolverhampton, as part of the Brookhouse Aerospace group.
Parker Precision employs 35 people, all of whom are being retained following the acquisition.
Brookhouse Aerospace is owned by Nord Aerospace Holdings (specifically Nord Aerospace Bidco Limited).
Brookhouse Aerospace Acquires Parker Precision to Strengthen Supply Chain Capabilities
Strategic Expansion and Vertical Integration
Operational Continuity and Regional Growth
Investment in Manufacturing Excellence
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Parker Precision specialize in?
Will Parker Precision move its operations?
How many employees does Parker Precision have?
Who owns Brookhouse Aerospace?
Sources
Photo Credit: Brookhouse Aerospace
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