David Kerr, head of technical procurement and supply at Norse Atlantic Airways, has been appointed chair of the International Airline Technical Pool's (IATP) S Pool, which specializes in parts for Boeing 757, 767, and 787 aircraft. Kerr emphasizes the critical role of managing high-value spares and improving aircraft readiness through the cooperative platform provided by IATP. The challenge of spares management is notably greater with the Boeing 787, due to its complex components, less predictable demand, and higher costs.
Kerr's focus involves technical onboarding of airline members, verifying part applicability, and ensuring detailed component tracking to avoid operational issues. He highlights that the 787's unique reliability and high-cost spares demand tailored strategies, contrasting with older aircraft like the Boeing 747, where parts demand was more predictable.
Challenges and Data-Driven Solutions
The 787 remains the most difficult aircraft within the S Pool. Kerr notes, “Demand for 787 parts varies significantly between airlines and airports, making pool management complex.” He advocates for increased collaboration with suppliers and analysis of demand patterns, using data from Boeing, Norse, and other airlines to identify high-demand components and address supply gaps efficiently.
“The goal is to accurately identify and position critical spares at key locations worldwide, supporting airlines’ operational needs,”
Kerr underscores the importance of verifying part numbers to prevent errors during aircraft-on-ground events and notes that including 787 components has substantially increased the value of the S Pool. Despite most 757s transitioning to cargo roles, and the 767 fleet remaining active through 2027, Kerr insists that expanding the pool to include more 787 parts is essential for operational support, especially as global fleets grow and demand becomes more unpredictable.
He urges airlines and suppliers to contribute more high-demand components to the S Pool. “Collaboration across the industry will be key to reducing aircraft grounding times and improving spare parts visibility,” Kerr stated. The S Pool provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional maintenance contracts, but effective participation depends on detailed parts tracking and technical support for member airlines.
Looking ahead, Kerr emphasizes that strengthening the S Pool through proactive data management and global cooperation will be vital in ensuring aircraft availability, especially for the expanding 787 fleet. Improving visibility of critical spares will support airline operations and mitigate delays caused by part shortages, benefiting the entire aviation ecosystem.
