March 26, 2024 - The dramatic images of a hole appearing in a Boeing aircraft operated by Alaskan Airlines put a sharp focus on the need to follow aircraft assembly, testing and maintenance procedures rigorously. Global technology intelligence firm ABI Research forecasts that aerospace manufacturers will spend US$53.8 billion on digital technologies in 2034, up from US$30 billion in 2022. “Aerospace firms are under pressure from airlines positive about the demand for air travel and are looking to refresh their aircraft roster.
Both Boeing and Airbus have a growing order book but cannot take regulation shortcuts to fulfill them,” said Michael Larner, Industrial and Manufacturing research director at ABI Research.Technology suppliers such as AEGIS Software , Dassault Systèmes , Hexagon and Siemens can help firms across the entire value chain to optimize processes while remaining compliant. According to Larner, “Manufacturers will need to become more data-savvy by using data analytics for early warning signs of problems in the supply chain or with a part of the aircraft.”Traceability is a key issue for aerospace manufacturers. “It is not just individual components that need certification; individual tools used to perform tasks must be certified, too.
Suppliers focusing on asset tracking working with connectivity suppliers have opportunities to support aerospace manufacturers’ efforts to ensure tools are not lost, which causes production delays,” Larner explained.Aerospace manufacturers will invest in digital threads across their operations and supply chains. “And it’s not just aircraft manufacturers that are finding it challenging to meet increased demand; it’s the same for manufacturers in the defense industry (military aircraft, missiles, drones) and those involved in producing satellites,” Larner added.These findings are from ABI Research’s Digitalization and the Aerospace Industry report. This report is part of the company’s Industrial and Manufacturing Markets research service, which includes research, data and ABI Insights.
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ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers.


