The work of the Engineering Department of an airline covers four main functions which are interdependent:

1. 1. The maintenance in service of the airline's fleet in a manner which optimises the economy of the airline and prevents reduction in the inherent design levels of safety and reliability.

2. 2. (a) Develops ideas and specifications for future equipment in consultation with other departments in the airline, or

   (b) Analyses the suitability of available or projected equipment offered by manufacturers, again in consultation with other departments.

3. 3. Purchases the equipment finally selected, together with the backing stores necessary for the planned operation, and creates the necessary maintenance facilities (or contracts with someone else to do the work, where this is more efficient).

4. 4. Integrated with (1) is the task of engineering develop ment of the fleet to correct deficiencies found in service or to improve its performance of the required task.