The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded the contract to conduct research on assessing blockchain tech for the management of approved aircraft parts and components to FPT Software Europe. The project, named VIRTUA (Digital Transformation – Case Studies for Aviation Safety Standards – Virtualisation), employs an alliance of firms, like FPT Software, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SkyThread, and PwC France.
What is the mission behind the initiative?
It aims to evaluate the blockchain capacity to improve the safety management processes used by aviation authorities, operators, and a variety of industry stakeholders. The project will assess the benefits and constraints of blockchain implementation, considering the different stakeholders involved in the management of aircraft parts and components.
The project will investigate different types of blockchains and different use cases for their implementation along the lifecycle of approved parts and components. If the benefits are confirmed, the groundbreaking project will assess the main changes to be introduced in regulations, standards, and working processes, as well as the preparation of guidelines and supporting materials for regulatory evolutions and the deployment of the related solutions.
Additionally, the project is expected to contribute significantly to the improvement of safety management processes in the aviation industry and is aligned with EASA’s mission to promote the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in aviation.
With years of industry experience and an extensive partner network with major airline giants in Europe, the US, and Vietnam, FPT Software has been contributing to transforming the global aviation industry through disruptive digital services and solutions. In Europe, the company has established a solid presence in eight countries, serving nearly 100 companies.
What does this mean for both industries?
“The implementation of blockchain technologies for the management of approved aircraft parts and components could impact the whole lifecycle of certificates, from their issuance by production organizations to the changes introduced by design or maintenance organizations,” commented Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security.
“We believe that this groundbreaking project will provide a comprehensive vision on how blockchain solutions could contribute to addressing the issue,” Nick Careen further added.
“In aviation, the complexities of new technology implementations often result in delayed access to the benefits of innovation. But blockchain holds the power to significantly enhance efficiency, simplify transactions, and improve safety. With the VIRTUA project, there will be a clear roadmap for blockchain that guides the sector to fruitful results from implementing the technology,” said Inigo Arsuaga, FPT Software’s Aviation Digital Transformation Expert.
