DECEMBER - 2022AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM8In My OpinionBy Bruno Cervia, VP R&D, Deputy CEO, Pilatus Aircraft LtdFUTURE OF DIGITIZED Aerospace Industry Imapct of COVID-19 pandemic on aerospace manufacturing landscape When talking about the advancements of the aerospace manufacturing space over the last couple of decades, we can't deny the impact of the automotive industry on the aerospace landscape in terms of innovations. Most of the advancements in today's aerospace sector are indeed inspired by how the automotive industry has implemented technological developments and streamlined its production processes.If we take the past decade into account, we can see that automation technology has been massively dominating the aerospace industry. During the earlier stage of its adoption, automation was limited to only specific processes like CAD modelling, where the aircraft designing was carried out more efficiently. But now, almost every engineering process in the industry is being automated. The digital twin allows faster development cycles. In addition, the production of CNC (computer numerical control, i.e., the automated control of machining tools using a computer) machining for the manufacturing of aircraft parts. 3D printing is another technology that has been further augmenting the CNC machining processes and allowed rapid prototyping. We know that in the CNC machine process, precision is of high importance. Technologies like automation and 3D printing ensure precision and significantly accelerate the production cycle of the manufacturing process.Overall, I would say all these modern technologies, including automation and 3D printing, are helping the aerospace sector to reduce errors, reduce production time and costs, and improve efficiency.Now, let's talk about the supply chain side of this industry. There have been immense developments where technological adoptions are offering better ways to improve supply chain efficiency. But after the crisis of COVID-19, the sector has been facing major difficulties. Since the pandemic has forced people to maintain social distancing and work from their own homes, it has led to a shortage of products, or at the least, a drop in the quality of products. The focus has thus been on how to optimize and increase the robustness of the supply chain ever since.Another point that I would like to stress is customer experience. Building a solid connection with the customers has become a crucial factor in today's world. Having effective communication with your customers can help improve the services, product developments, and maintenance, and it can also offer significant insights into how to improve efficiency. Finally, one of the major developments in the aerospace industry is the emergence of sustainable fuels. This industry has been trying its best to reduce its carbon emissions. But the challenge is these alternative fuels are not yet competitive enough to substitute traditional aviation fuels completely. Hence, the need to increase their production and utilization, and hopefully, with the help of the Bruno Cervia
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