The aircraft maintenance function is a vital element of airline operations. The achievement and sustaining of the airworthiness standard throughout the life of an aircraft is its prime concern and responsibility. There are many approaches one may take in describing the maintenance function, no one of which is complete in itself, but when considered collectively as a reference framework, can provide a comprehensive insight into the rather complex and dynamic process involved.

The generally steadily rising costs of labour and material, together with lagging or level fare structures, are demanding even greater gains in productivity and utilisation of resources to maintain profit margins and adequate returns on investments. The productivity gains made possible by introduction of jet aircraft are being exhausted and new ways must be found to achieve lower operating costs. At the outset I think it might be reasonable to ask ourselves the simple question “Why aircraft maintenance?” From an airline corporate or operating viewpoint it certainly conflicts with the objectives of attaining low operating costs, low material inventory levels, high utilisation of aircraft. I have stated on several occasions that “we are the trouble department—and when we have no trouble we are really in trouble”.