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An Exploratory Research on Blockchain in Aviation: The Case of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Marina Efthymiou

    (Dublin City University Business School, University of Dublin, D09 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Katie McCarthy

    (Dublin City University Business School, University of Dublin, D09 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Chris Markou

    (International Air Transport Association, 800 Rue du Square-Victoria, Montréal, QC H4Z 1M1, Canada)

  • John F. O’Connell

    (Centre for Aviation Research, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, Surrey, UK)

Abstract

The aircraft maintenance sector has high complexity with many intermediaries, multiple actors sharing data and needs to ensure high data security. The implementation of Blockchain technology can significantly contribute to the aforementioned characteristics. This research explores the implementation of Blockchain technology in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). For this research, a mixed-method approach was followed to obtain a holistic view of the adoption of Blockchain technology in an aircraft maintenance facility. Semi-structured interviews and a case study were used. The interview findings related to the current status of maintenance records management. The findings also highlighted the value of data storage within MRO’s and the benefits of Blockchain. The paper also discusses the readiness/willingness of aircraft maintenance facilities to implement Blockchain and the barriers to implementation. Recommendations and areas for further research are identified.

Suggested Citation

  • Marina Efthymiou & Katie McCarthy & Chris Markou & John F. O’Connell, 2022. "An Exploratory Research on Blockchain in Aviation: The Case of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Organizations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:5:p:2643-:d:757873
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Loraine Brown & Marina Efthymiou & Caroline McMullan, 2022. "Recovering from a Major Aviation Disaster: The Airlines’ Family Assistance Centre," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Volodymyr Grudz & Yaroslav Grudz & Ivan Pavlenko & Oleksandr Liaposhchenko & Marek Ochowiak & Vasyl Pidluskiy & Oleksandr Portechyn & Mykola Iakymiv & Sylwia Włodarczak & Andżelika Krupińska & Magdale, 2023. "Ensuring the Reliability of Gas Supply Systems by Optimizing the Overhaul Planning," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-13, January.
    3. Seungju Nam & Sejong Choi & Georgia Edell & Amartya De & Woon-Kyung Song, 2023. "Comparative Analysis of the Aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Industry in Northeast Asian Countries: A Suggestion for the Development of Korea’s MRO Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-15, January.

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