Aircraft Maintenance for Domestic Operators
Challenges, Solutions, and the Need to Upgrade Iran’s Aviation Technical Infrastructure
Domestic air operators, including airlines and fleet operators in the country, play a vital role in public,commercial,emergency , and training transportation.
The success and safety of these operators’ activities directly depend on the quality, speed,and effectiveness of aircraft maintenance services. In a country
like Iran, considering the unique condition of the fleet, international sanctions, aging equipment, and limited resources, aircraft maintenance for domestic
operators has become a strategic challenge.
This article examines the essential needs of operators , the current situation , maintenance processes , existing barriers , and solutions for improving the
aircraft maintenance and repair system within the country.
The Importance of Maintenance for Domestic Operators
Ensuring Flight Safety
Aircraft must be inspected and repaired regularly in accordance with manufacturerguidelines and regulatory bodies(such as the Civil Aviation Organization)
to ensure safe operations.
Increasing Fleet Efficiency
Preventive maintenance and quick repair of malfunctions increase fleet availability and reduce operational downtime.
Compliance with Aviation Regulations
Operators are required to maintain aircraft under the supervision of oversight authorities and in compliance with ICAO, EASA, FAA, or domestic standards.
Reducing Costs
Timely maintenance reduces long-term costs from major failures and the need to replace aircraft.
Types of Maintenance Needed by Domestic Operators
Line Maintenance
Conducted at airports between flights; includes engine checks, tires, oil levels, addressing pilot-reported issues, and visual body inspection.
Base Maintenance
Performed in hangars or specialized MRO centers; includes deep inspections, A, C, and sometimes D checks, replacement of critical components,fuselage
inspections, and system performance checks.
Emergency or AOG Maintenance
When an aircraft is grounded due to malfunction (Aircraft on Ground), the repair team must diagnose and fix the issue as quickly as possible.
Component Maintenance
Involves repairing or replacing specific parts such as navigation systems, flight control units, actuators, or electronic boards separately.
Current Situation in Iran
Fleet Diversity
Domestic operators use a wide range of aging jet and turboprop aircraft (Boeing, Airbus, Fokker, ATR, MD, etc.) , making their maintenance more complex
and expensive.
Limited Repair Centers
The number of centers equipped for base maintenance or complex component repair in Iran is limited and concentrated mostly in large cities (e.g., Tehran
, Mashhad, Tabriz).
Dependence on Foreign Resources
Operators rely on foreign companies for spare parts , specialized software , and repair certifications , which face import and sanction – related challenges.
Shortage of Skilled Personnel
In many smaller cities, access to internationally certified technicians (Part-66 or equivalent) is limited.
Maintenance Challenges for Domestic Operators
Aging Fleet and Rising Repair Costs
Aircraft over 20 years old require frequent and costly repairs that may exceed the financial capacity of some operators.
Spare Parts Supply Issues
Sanctions and customs complications delay spare parts procurement, potentially grounding an aircraft for hours or even days.
Lack of Specialized Infrastructure at Some Airports
Smaller airports may lack even basic testing equipment or calibration tools.
Complex Documentation and Oversight
Operators must produce detailed reports, certificates, and written approvals for every maintenance action, requiring trained personnel and digital systems.
Solutions to Improve Maintenance for Domestic Operators
Establish and Strengthen Domestic MRO Centers
Increasing the number of internationally standard maintenance centers i n key cities like Shiraz , Isfahan, Ahvaz , and Kermanshah can greatly expand
domestic repair capacity.
Localization of High-Demand Consumable Parts
With the help of knowledge – based companies and universities , general and consumable parts can be produced locally and supplied to operators.
Investment in Human Resource Training
Operators should regularly conduct specialized training programs in aircraft repair, avionics , hydraulic systems , engines, and software for their technical
personnel.
Implementation of CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems)
These systems allow operators to digitally manage repair scheduling, technical history, preventive alerts, and parts planning.
Operator Collaboration for Sharing Technical Resources
Smaller operators can form consortiums or sign cooperation agreements with larger ones to share maintenance services , parts , and human resources.
The Role of Government and Regulatory Bodies
The Civil Aviation Organization must play a more active role by facilitating maintenance licensing , supporting investment in technical centers , and
providing strict oversight.
The Ministry of Industry and the Defense Industries can contribute to domestic production of specialized parts and equipment.
Banks and financial institutions should support operators in financing heavy repairs and investing in infrastructure.
Conclusion
Aircraft maintenance for domestic Iranian operators is not only a technical necessity but also a national challenge . Given the diversity of the fleet,
international constraints , and safety requirements , it is essential to enhance infrastructure , strengthen training , invest strategically , and apply smart
policy to expand the country’s aircraft maintenance capacity . Only through this approach can dependency be reduced , efficiency improved , and the
safety of air travel assured.
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