Analysis of EASA Aging Aircraft Regulations and their Impact to Operator and Aircraft Maintenance: Case Study of Airbus A320 Aircraft
Hyvönen, Juho (2025)
2025
Konetekniikan DI-ohjelma - Master's Programme in Mechanical Engineering
Tekniikan ja luonnontieteiden tiedekunta - Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2025-05-12
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202505095146
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202505095146
Tiivistelmä
The aging of commercial aircraft presents significant challenges to aviation safety and operational efficiency. This thesis investigates the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) aging aircraft regulations, particularly the Continuing Structural Integrity Program (CSIP) and evaluates their impact on the operator and on the maintenance need of Airbus A320 aircraft. As the A320 series aircraft age, structural integrity issues such as fatigue and corrosion pose increased operational and safety risks, necessitating comprehensive regulatory oversight and targeted maintenance interventions.
The main objective of this study was to analyze how EASA's aging aircraft regulations influence the operator maintenance program, and how the operator can comply with these regulations. Also, the impact of aging aircraft on maintenance needs was examined. This research utilized a comprehensive review of literature and regulatory documents, alongside an in-depth case study analysis of the specific Airbus A320 aircraft. The case study examined the critical maintenance tasks associated with aging-related structural issues, including fatigue and corrosion, evaluates their operational impacts in terms of ground time and risks and forecasts the evolving maintenance workload and aircraft availability as the aircraft continue to age.
The results revealed that compliance with EASA regulations significantly influences the maintenance schedules and operations, particularly by requiring enhanced inspection protocols and stricter maintenance intervals. Notably, structural fatigue and corrosion emerged as critical factors necessitating increased maintenance workload and potential operational downtime. The analysis identified specific structural tasks projected to have significant operational and economic impacts, emphasizing the need for proactive maintenance planning and management.
The findings indicate a clear trend toward increased maintenance activities and reduced aircraft availability as A320 fleet continues to age. This underscores the importance of strategic fleet management and proactive reviewing of the upcoming inspections and modifications to maintain operational reliability and economic viability.
The main objective of this study was to analyze how EASA's aging aircraft regulations influence the operator maintenance program, and how the operator can comply with these regulations. Also, the impact of aging aircraft on maintenance needs was examined. This research utilized a comprehensive review of literature and regulatory documents, alongside an in-depth case study analysis of the specific Airbus A320 aircraft. The case study examined the critical maintenance tasks associated with aging-related structural issues, including fatigue and corrosion, evaluates their operational impacts in terms of ground time and risks and forecasts the evolving maintenance workload and aircraft availability as the aircraft continue to age.
The results revealed that compliance with EASA regulations significantly influences the maintenance schedules and operations, particularly by requiring enhanced inspection protocols and stricter maintenance intervals. Notably, structural fatigue and corrosion emerged as critical factors necessitating increased maintenance workload and potential operational downtime. The analysis identified specific structural tasks projected to have significant operational and economic impacts, emphasizing the need for proactive maintenance planning and management.
The findings indicate a clear trend toward increased maintenance activities and reduced aircraft availability as A320 fleet continues to age. This underscores the importance of strategic fleet management and proactive reviewing of the upcoming inspections and modifications to maintain operational reliability and economic viability.