3 Incredibly Important Reliability Areas You Need To Know And Improve On

What is reliability? Since 1988 we’ve been playing the reliability game. The gamble of who to trust and what actions to take.

Today, much has changed. Everyone says and does the same boring thing, over promising and under delivering.

It’s common to run into reliability problems. It even gets to the point that some days you just want to run away.

Just ask our supply chain team.

Some days I have to peal them off the ceiling as they explode with frustration. I even have to peal myself off the ceiling some days.

Whether it’s logistics or even aircraft components, reliability is a game of chess. One wrong move and you lose time and money. With the right move you’re efficient. Time and money become your ally.

Many people talk about reliability, but unless you want to pay millions of dollars in consultancy fees, very little guides you in the right direction.

For now, let’s cover the basics…

Aircraft component reliability

The primary goal is to keep your components on wing for as long as possible. We’ll call this the dumbed down version of a much more complex issue.

At this point you’ll want to collect data and information about your aircraft components statistical analysis. This will give you valuable feedback on the data if irregularities developed in operation.

If you’re the type to geek out on this stuff, read this.

The key is to build a foundation for a component reliability program. Which ATA chapters do you have the most trouble with? Can you outsource solutions?

In order for you to answer these questions, having a firm understanding of your fleet and activity of components’ removals is very important.

[Tweet "Start slow and build your reliability program over time."]

Supplier reliability

It’s amazing how many people overlook supplier reliability.

I understand price is important, but it’s not the first or last decision. Your primary objective should be to work with people who can deliver and create the most value to you. 

When you look into your supplier reliability program answer these questions to help build your foundation:

• Who answers you back the quickest?
• Which company has an account manager that responds to you any day of the week, at any time?
• Who helps you resolve issues?
• Who provides solutions in addition to just selling you something?
• Where is the greatest value for every dollar you spend?
• Who solves problems without creating more problems?
• Who do you trust?
• How do their parts look when they’re delivered? Are they in good condition and packaged properly?

Answering these simple questions will guide you to building your supplier reliability program. You’ll avoid the people that over promise and under deliver.

Logistics reliability

If turn-around-times (TAT) keep you up at night then logistics is its angry step brother.

We live in a small world where we can get anything, anywhere in a short period of time and yet complications are still extremely common.

You may have experience with high import taxes, customs delays, airlines losing your packages, shipments being bumped and re-scheduled to a later date, damage parts, and the list goes on and on.

I have found the best logistics reliability program works with someone who is easy to talk to and helps you resolve problems. It’s really that simple.

I have worked with so many freight forwarders and 95% of them give me a massive headache. I feel one coming on now. We found 3 solid partners, one for routine freight, one for small parcel and one for AOG shipments and they are the only people we’ll use.

Build your logistics reliability program around your specific needs and the ease of communication should be very important to you.

Building a reliability program around aircraft maintenance and components, suppliers and logistics will help make your hectic aviation life easier.

Start slow and start now.

Do you have reliability issues? We would love to help you. Fill out the form below and we’ll tackle this together.

Account Manager Superstar

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and allowing us to get to know you better. We're looking for the next person who will be a perfect fit to the Skylink team. Is it you? If you think so, read the open role below and let's get together.

Who is Skylink?

We're a dedicated team working together to bring efficient supply chain solutions to international airlines, MROs and military aircraft fleets. We deliver this by following our "Never Forget Your Wings" mantra. Every day we help fleets remain in the air and avoid the complexities of aircraft maintenance.

Skylink started its humble beginnings in 1988 from a defunct airline where founder Jim Anglin was an executive. He started by providing rotable sales to anybody that needed them. Today we’ve molded into a supply chain powerhouse. We're thrilled to work with dedicated airlines, MROs and military clients in over 30 countries. They look to us to streamline their supply so they can worry less about fleet maintenance and reduce the complexities felt by so many aircraft maintenance and purchasing professionals.

Where will I work?

You'll work at our Skylink hub in Sanford, FL. You'll have your own workspace and organize it with what makes you happy and inspires you. You will work daily with various Skylink teams, clients, and supply chain partners that span every country on this fine planet we call home.

How do things happen at Skylink?

Here at Skylink we have no central management and no hierarchy. We have dedicated teams with specific roles and coaches to guide the knowledge base. Teams are able to make their own decisions as long as they involve people affected in the decision and people who have knowledge in the decision topic. We are constantly innovating and everyone's ideas matter. Flexibility and improving is our middle name. We all work to maximize the value we create for customers and to create "WOW" experiences every step of the way.

What we're looking for

We're looking for an Account Manager who will take charge of customer accounts and focus on developing new accounts.  Our dedicated Account Managers work closely with customers to create "WOW" experiences at every touch point whether it be phone, email or any other medium.

You'll work closely with customer happiness engineers, content creators, account manager copilots, and supply chain champions to provide efficient supply chain solutions for customers and potential customers.

In order to provide proactive solutions you'll need to learn the solutions we provide and how to strategically quote client projects to make a positive impact on their operation. You’ll also have to be comfortable contacting people and providing value based solutions around their specific pains. Sales experience isn’t necessary but a relational approach is.

Being organized is essential and having a cross-cultural mentality is a must as we work with many people from all over the world. We develop relationships first and accounts second. Even in stressful times you’ll need to keep calm and focus on creating the “WOW.” You'll be tested to think outside of the box and avoid industry norms.

We strive for a balance of being a team that feels like a family. This means we share feedback regularly, support each other's self-improvement efforts, and take mistakes as opportunities to learn together. Using your mind to innovate is highly regarded.

If you can build deep relationships with customers and aren't afraid to contact potential prospects to resolve their pains you'll be a perfect person for this role.

What we value

We are deeply passionate about working as a team and going over and beyond for our customers. Creating "WOW" experiences, be willing to adapt and drive change, hustling and driving maximum efficiency, accepting problems and solving them, building a team-oriented approach, and having passion and integrity are the core values we live by. If you feel you embody each one of these then you'll be an AMAZING addition to our team.

Perks

Technology: You'll get hooked up with technology that'll make your life easier so you can do your best work.

Salary: Base salary + tiered commission for account managers. We've created a salary formula that takes experience and seniority into account and changes based on this formula.

Vacation: Take time for you and your family.

Health insurance: You'll have the option to take on our health insurance and every year we'll take on a higher percentage of the payment.

Work-space: You'll have your own work-space so you feel like a champion.

Be innovative: Take a portion of the time you work to be innovative, to come up with new ideas and to guide the implementation.

Be human: Feel free to be yourself, no absurd dress code and no policies telling you to be someone different.

Travel: If you need to visit customer and supply chain partners, travel will be taken care of.

Celebrate life: Every month we celebrate the birthday's and get together over lunch.

Healthy living: We strive for a healthy mind and body. Nate Anglin has focused 10 years of his life to bringing this concept to the business world. He'll help you navigate this often confusing topic for your life if you need guidance.

Still reading? We want to hear from you!

In The News: Blackbox of Missing Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft Found and ALTA Traffic Report

Major breakthrough in locating missing Dornier aircraft CG 791: Flight data recorder recovered

After an exhausting 33 day effort that was the largest ever maritime search mission launched by Indian agencies, the coast guard has managed to locate and pick up the flight data recorder of the missing Dornier aircraft CG 791 from the Bay of Bengal. More of the story here.

Article by: Manu Pubby

Latin American Air Carriers Report 3.8% Increase in Passengers

Latin American airlines reported a 3.8 percent increase in passengers for the month of May 2015 compared to May 2014. Capacity (available-seat-kilometers) was up 4.7 percent for the month, slower than revenue-passenger-kilometers (up 5.5 percent). More here.

Article by: Oliver Wyman

Sales Support Team

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and allowing us to get to know you better. We’re looking for the next person who will be a perfect fit to the Skylink team. Is it you? If you think so, read the open role below and let’s get together.

Now Hiring- (4)

Who is Skylink?

We’re a dedicated team working together to bring efficient supply chain solutions to international airlines, MROs and military aircraft fleets. We deliver this by following our “Never Forget Your Wings” mantra. Every day we help fleets remain in the air and avoid the complexities of aircraft maintenance.

Skylink started its humble beginnings in 1988 from a defunct airline where founder Jim Anglin was an executive. He started by providing rotable sales to anybody that needed them. Today we’ve molded into a supply chain powerhouse. We’re thrilled to work with dedicated airlines, MROs and military clients in over 30 countries. They look to us to streamline their supply so they can worry less about fleet maintenance and reduce the complexities felt by so many aircraft maintenance and purchasing professionals.

Where will I work?

You’ll work at our Skylink hub in Sanford, FL. You’ll have your own workspace and organize it with what makes you happy and inspires you. You will work daily with various Skylink teams, clients, and supply chain partners that span every country on this fine planet we call home.

How do things happen at Skylink?

Here at Skylink we have no central management and no hierarchy. We have dedicated teams with specific roles and coaches to guide the knowledge base. Teams are able to make their own decisions as long as they involve people affected in the decision and people who have knowledge in the decision topic. We are constantly innovating and everyone’s ideas matter. Flexibility and improving is our middle name. We all work to maximize the value we create for customers and to create “WOW” experiences every step of the way.

What we're looking for

We’re looking for an addition to our Sales Support team.

In this role being organized with fantastic communication skills is crucial.

Your day to day will be to help the Account Management team to create “WOW” experiences of your customers. Organizing RFQ projects and talking with suppliers is the foundational tasks you’ll be involved in.

Paying attention to details (you’ll be entering data into our ERP system) being able to think outside of the box are winning traits for our sales support team.

As an individual we invite you to be creative and innovate. We look for people that have this unique characteristic to join our team and you very well may be that person.

We strive for a balance of being a team that feels like a family. This means we share feedback regularly, support each other’s self-improvement efforts, and take mistakes as opportunities to learn together. Using your mind to innovate is highly regarded.

If you’re not afraid to communicate, your smart, organized and can communicate well with your team, you’ll be a perfect fit.

What we value

We are deeply passionate about working as a team and going over and beyond for our customers. Creating “WOW” experiences, be willing to adapt and drive change, hustling and driving maximum efficiency, accepting problems and solving them, building a team-oriented approach, and having passion and integrity are the core values we live by. If you feel you embody each one of these then you’ll be an AMAZING addition to our team.

Perks

Technology: You’ll get hooked up with technology that’ll make your life easier so you can do your best work.

Salary: Base salary. We’ve created a salary formula that takes experience and seniority into account and changes based on this formula.

Vacation: Take time for you and your family.

Health insurance: You’ll have the option to take on our health insurance and every year we’ll take on a higher percentage of the payment.

Work-space: You’ll have your own work-space so you feel like a champion.

Be innovative: Take a portion of the time you work to be innovative, to come up with new ideas and to guide the implementation.

Be human: Feel free to be yourself, no absurd dress code and no policies telling you to be someone different.

Travel: If you need to visit customer and supply chain partners, travel will be taken care of.

Celebrate life: Every month we celebrate the birthday’s and get together over lunch.

Healthy living: We strive for a healthy mind and body. Nate Anglin has focused 10 years of his life to bringing this concept to the business world. He’ll help you navigate this often confusing topic for your life if you need guidance.

Still reading? We want to hear from you!

Click Here to Apply (1)

In The News: A Look at the Mysterious 'Black Box' and Worldwide Airline Market Forecast

The Mysterious Black Box

Whenever there is an accident involving an airliner, news reporters immediately begin talking about “the Black Box.” Many reporters have no idea what the Black Box is. What exactly is the “Black Box” and why is it so important? Check it out here.

Article by: Ken Hoke

World Air Passenger Demand Grows by 6.9% YOY May

ATA Air Passenger Analysis - May 2015 Worldwide passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometers, increased by 6.9 percent in May 2015 compared with May 2014, according to the International Air Transport Association. Check out full analysis here.

Article by: Oliver Wyman

What's The Difference Between FN, NE, & NS For Aircraft Part Conditions?

It's shocking how many companies have different definitions for aircraft part conditions. From FN, NE, NS to RP, AR...oh my!

Right now, at this moment, I'm giving you the all time, go to resource for three commonly used conditions for NEW components.

Factory New (FN)

Skylink-Factory-New-Aircraft-Part

According to the ATA Spec 106 “Sources and Approved Parts Qualifications Guidelines” FN and NS (more to come on this) have no regulatory definition.

Generally speaking, FN is commonly used directly from the Original Equipment Manufacture. It hasn't passed through many hands to get to the end user.

A standard industry practice is that if it's more than 2 years old, it's no longer FN.

[Tweet "A standard #aviation component practice is if it's more than 2 years old, it's no longer FN"]

At Skylink we tend to think of it in terms of 6 months to a year. For certain components, 2 years on any shelf is way too long.

For FN items, they'll always come with a manufacture's material cert.

Here's an example of the FN supply chain cycle:

FN part (OEM) > End User

New (NE)

Skylink-New-Aircraft-Part

New is a regulatory definition for "...a product, assembly, accessory, component, part or material produced on conformity with approved data that is accompanied by a manufacturer’s material certification at the time of sale, and has no operating time or cycles."

With NE items, the manufacture date can vary. If you need a DOM, it's best to ask when given NE conditions.

New Part > Sold to a Distributor > Sold to another Distributor > The part is still represented as New

New Surplus (NS)

Skylink-New-Surplus-Aircraft-Part

New surplus parts can vary from how many people who have had it in there stock to how old they are. There's no definitive guideline.

Typically they're the least costly condition but again, this condition isn't a regulatory definition. NS is great for obsolete items and is a great way to service aging aircraft.

The few guidelines for NS components are:

• The part is new and has no operating time or cycles
• The owner was someone who had the potential to use the part; to install it, such as an aircraft or engine manufacturer, airline, repair station, or military operator.

New Part > Sold to an Airline > Sold to a Distributor > The Part is now represented to the market as New Surplus (NS)

These three classifications are used often. Save this link and refer back to it often. ;)

Are you often in need of FN, NE, or NS items? If so fill out the form below and we'd love to help you.

Marketing Coordinator

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and allowing us to get to know you better. We’re looking for the next person who will be a perfect fit to the Skylink team. Is it you? If you think so, read the open role below and let’s get together.

Marketing coodinator

Who is Skylink?

We’re a dedicated team working together to bring efficient supply chain solutions to international airlines, MROs and military aircraft fleets. We deliver this by following our “Never Forget Your Wings” mantra. Every day we help fleets remain in the air and avoid the complexities of aircraft maintenance.

Skylink started its humble beginnings in 1988 from a defunct airline where founder Jim Anglin was an executive. He started by providing rotable sales to anybody that needed them. Today we’ve molded into a supply chain powerhouse. We’re thrilled to work with dedicated airlines, MROs and military clients in over 30 countries. They look to us to streamline their supply so they can worry less about fleet maintenance and reduce the complexities felt by so many aircraft maintenance and purchasing professionals.

Where will I work?

You’ll work at our Skylink hub in Sanford, FL. You’ll have your own workspace and organize it with what makes you happy and inspires you. You will work daily with various Skylink teams, clients, and supply chain partners that span every country on this fine planet we call home.

How do things happen at Skylink?

Here at Skylink we have no central management breathing down your neck. We have dedicated teams with specific roles and coaches to guide the knowledge base. Teams are able to make their own decisions as long as they involve people affected in the decision and people who have knowledge in the decision topic. We are constantly innovating and everyone’s ideas matter. Flexibility and improving is our middle name. We all work to maximize the value we create for customers and to create “WOW” experiences every step of the way.

What we're looking for

We’re looking for someone to join our team who gets the importance of design, who can speak value propositions and who isn’t afraid to try new things.

Our branding is important and with every touch here at Skylink and #NeverForgetYourWings we must speak the same language and give the same feel no matter who we’re speaking to. It’s how we create “wow” experiences.

The market ing coordinator will have an in-depth relationship with content, email and social media marketing. Being well versed in each one of these is critical. You’ll start new projects, lead campaigns and see them through. It’s the build, test, and learn way.

You’ll also need to know how to bring prospects into the funnel using inbound and outbound activities.

As an individual we invite you to be creative and innovate. We look for people that have this unique characteristic to join our team and you very well may be that person.

We strive for a balance of being a team that feels like a family. This means we share feedback regularly, support each other’s self-improvement efforts, and take mistakes as opportunities to learn together. Using your mind to innovate is highly regarded.

If you have a knack for design, like to communicate, and like taking on projects, you’ll be a perfect fit to the Skylink team.

What we value

We are deeply passionate about working as a team and going over and beyond for our customers. Creating “WOW” experiences, be willing to adapt and drive change, hustling and driving maximum efficiency, accepting problems and solving them, building a team-oriented approach, and having passion and integrity are the core values we live by. If you feel you embody each one of these then you’ll be an AMAZING addition to our team.

Perks

Technology: You’ll get hooked up with technology that’ll make your life easier so you can do your best work.

Salary: Base salary. We’ve created a salary formula that takes experience and seniority into account and changes based on this formula.

Vacation: Take time for you and your family.

Health insurance: You’ll have the option to take on our health insurance and every year we’ll take on a higher percentage of the payment.

Work-space: You’ll have your own work-space so you feel like a champion.

Be innovative: Take a portion of the time you work to be innovative, to come up with new ideas and to guide the implementation.

Be human: Feel free to be yourself, no absurd dress code and no policies telling you to be someone different.

Travel: If you need to visit customer and supply chain partners, travel will be taken care of.

Celebrate life: Every month we celebrate the birthday’s and get together over lunch.

Healthy living: We strive for a healthy mind and body. Nate Anglin has focused 10 years of his life to bringing this concept to the business world. He’ll help you navigate this often confusing topic for your life if you need guidance.

Still reading? We want to hear from you!

Click Here to Apply (1)

Warehouse Champion

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and allowing us to get to know you better. We’re looking for the next person who will be a perfect fit to the Skylink team. Is it you? If you think so, read the open role below and let’s get together.

Who is Skylink?

We’re a dedicated team working together to bring efficient supply chain solutions to international airlines , MROs and military aircraft fleets. We deliver this by following our “Never Forget Your Wings” mantra. Every day we help fleets remain in the air and avoid the complexities of aircraft maintenance.

Skylink started its humble beginnings in 1988 from a defunct airline where founder Jim Anglin was an executive. He started by providing rotable sales to anybody that needed them. Today we’ve molded into a supply chain powerhouse. We’re thrilled to work with dedicated airlines, MROs and military clients in over 30 countries. They look to us to streamline their supply so they can worry less about fleet maintenance and reduce the complexities felt by so many aircraft maintenance and purchasing professionals.

Where will I work?

You’ll work at our Skylink hub in Sanford, FL. You’ll have your own workspace and organize it with what makes you happy and inspires you. You will work daily with various Skylink teams, clients, and supply chain partners that span every country on this fine planet we call home.

How we do things happen at Skylink?

Here at Skylink we have no central management breathing down your neck. We have dedicated teams with specific roles and coaches to guide the knowledge base. Teams are able to make their own decisions as long as they involve people affected in the decision and people who have knowledge in the decision topic. We are constantly innovating and everyone’s ideas matter. Flexibility and improving is our middle name. We all work to maximize the value we create for customers and to create “WOW” experiences every step of the way.

What we're looking for

As the Warehouse champion you’ll be responsible for receiving material from our suppliers as well as shipping material to our customers. You’ll also be responsible for organizing our warehouse shelves to ensure proper stock reporting.

As a warehouse champion, what you do is the first thing our customer sees when our shipment arrives. Being methodical, paying attention to detail, and noticing problems and fixing them is huge.

You’re the first touch and last touch for millions of dollars worth of product every week.

Being in this role involves being a supply chain champion.

As an individual we invite you to be creative and innovate. We look for people that have this unique characteristic to join our team and you very well may be that person.

We strive for a balance of being a team that feels like a family. This means we share feedback regularly, support each other’s self-improvement efforts, and take mistakes as opportunities to learn together. Using your mind to innovate is highly regarded.

If you have a knack for design, like to communicate, and like taking on projects, you’ll be a perfect fit to the Skylink team.

What we value

We are deeply passionate about working as a team and going over and beyond for our customers. Creating “WOW” experiences, be willing to adapt and drive change, hustling and driving maximum efficiency, accepting problems and solving them, building a team-oriented approach, and having passion and integrity are the core values we live by. If you feel you embody each one of these then you’ll be an AMAZING addition to our team.

Perks

Technology: You’ll get hooked up with technology that’ll make your life easier so you can do your best work.

Salary: Base salary. We’ve created a salary formula that takes experience and seniority into account and changes based on this formula.

Vacation: Take time for you and your family.

Health insurance: You’ll have the option to take on our health insurance and every year we’ll take on a higher percentage of the payment.

Work-space: You’ll have your own work-space so you feel like a champion.

Be innovative: Take a portion of the time you work to be innovative, to come up with new ideas and to guide the implementation.

Be human: Feel free to be yourself, no absurd dress code and no policies telling you to be someone different.

Travel: If you need to visit customer and supply chain partners, travel will be taken care of.

Celebrate life: Every month we celebrate the birthday’s and get together over lunch.

Healthy living: We strive for a healthy mind and body. Nate Anglin has focused 10 years of his life to bringing this concept to the business world. He’ll help you navigate this often confusing topic for your life if you need guidance.

Still reading? We want to hear from you!

Super Easy Way to Reduce Aircraft Component AOGs With Insurance

Aircraft spare parts is a big deal. The aviation industry spends $5 billion, yes with a B, annually on replenish stock.

Stock is the insurance policy against unplanned removals and it's costly. No wonder so many people are stressed.

According to Oliver Wyman, this has a collective airline sheet balance of $19 billion. And yes, again with a big giant B.

Having the right aircraft components, at the right time, and in the right place is critical. Notice how I left out price?

Overstocking aircraft components isn't the solution

Many airlines have issues with over-insuring less critical and poorly positioned components and under-insuring highly critical components. Olivery Wyman estimates $175 million in similar inefficiencies for one major airline.

A lot of provisioning is organized from the recommended spare parts list (RSPL) from the manufacture. This is not a very bright idea. These lists often overlook the insurance nature of spare assets. It's a good starting point but not a gold standard.

They're typically conservative at best and over inflated at worst.

One solution for a good insurance policy is outsourcing

Airlines have begun relying on third parties to provision their spare parts needs. This improves access to aircraft components while reducing the significant amounts of capital tied up in inventory.

Aerotime explains it perfectly:

"Although maintaining a spare parts stock has long been a routine part of any airline’s life, it seems the situation has been gradually changing for a while now. Under competitive pressure more and more airlines have actually been abandoning the strategy of holding huge and expensive parts stock to support their operations.

In fact, according to the industry experts, the airlines have been reducing their stocks for about 10 years now, if not more. If such a pace remains, it is said that by 2020, the operators will abandon inventory stocking at all, thus switching solely to the offerings from third-party providers. Nevertheless, if this scenario in fact proves to be true, the industry has still a lot to do in order to improve the efficiency, transparency and reliability of such services."

Relying just on a third party isn't a good insurance policy

Outsourcing is a great way to reduce capital tied up on the shelves, but for an effective aircraft component insurance policy, it's not just up to them.

[Tweet "Focusing your efforts on internal processes can dramatically reduce your cycle time."]

Oliver Wyman states that for most airlines each day they reduce their cycle time amounts it can translate to $1 million in inventory shed from the balance sheet. Amazing!

In order for you to reduce your capital and AOG pressure, incorporate a better aircraft component insurance strategy into your operations.

Do you need better insurance to cover your AOG needs? Are you in need of spare parts provisioning? Fill out the form below and we'd love to help.

In The News: Farm Waste and Animal Fats Will Help Power a United Jet & Greece Won’t Wreck the Airline Stocks

Your next United flight could be powered by animal droppings

This could be a big step forward for the biofuels industry.

Get ready for a slightly ripe scent on your next United flight — the airline is going to power a plane with animal waste, reports the New York Times.

Original article by Ben Geier

[Tweet "Your next United flight could be powered by animal droppings"]

No, Greece Won’t Wreck the Airline Stocks

Airline stocks like United Continental (UAL), American Airlines (AAL), and Delta Air Lines (DAL) have had a tough year due to some very real concerns around revenue and capacity. Concerns about the impact of Greece on U.S. airlines, however, are largely overblown, say Raymond James analyst Savanthi Syth and team. Check out more here.

Original article by Ben Levisohn

PICTURES: Vietnam Airlines receives first A350

Vietnam Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 on 30 June, becoming the second operator of the type.

The carrier plans to first deploy the aircraft on the key Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City route, before moving to international services such as Hanoi-Paris, says Airbus. Continue here.

Original article by: Firdaus Hashim