Exploratory Study of Sustainability Practices in Worldwide Major Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Companies

Abstract

While sustainable aviation research has primarily focused on the airline industry, aircraft manufacturing, and airport responsibilities, the aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry’s contribution to achieving sustainable aviation goals has been overlooked. This study examines the approaches to corporate sustainability practices used by aircraft MRO companies worldwide. The methodology used to investigate the sustainability actions of major MRO companies globally was mainly based on observational data gathered from multiple data sources, such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and investor relations documents. Four companies out of the 13 major MRO companies whose sustainability reports were found are examined as a case study analysis. Each MRO company adopted different definitions and practices of sustainability. The findings show that the aircraft MRO sustainability definition varies among the major companies studied, but some commonalities can be used to develop a proposed definition. The authors propose that aircraft MRO sustainability be defined as the ability to conduct MRO business that positively affects all stakeholders while emphasizing safety, quality, and integrity values, using technology and innovation to make growth, and constantly stabilizing and/or diminishing the impact on the environment. This study contributes to the understanding of sustainable aviation by highlighting the role of MRO companies in achieving sustainable goals.