Africa’s Airlines Confront Digital Maintenance Challenges

African carriers are increasingly integrating OEM-driven digital maintenance platforms as the shift to digital in aircraft maintenance has moved from aspiration to reality. However, the situation on the ground is marked by patchy connectivity and uneven infrastructure.

Airbus says the continent is stepping up impressively. “The simple answer is that African operators are not only adopting these technologies but are doing so with strategic foresight,” says Timo Eckardt, Airbus head of customer support for Africa. “They are keenly focused on leveraging digital maintenance to drive efficiency, enhance safety and future-proof their operations.”

Eckardt says Airbus’ Skywise platform is central to this shift, particularly as operators move from time-based to predictive maintenance. “We recognize that success in Africa requires a tailored approach that addresses real-world challenges, particularly around connectivity,” he says.

A key differentiator, according to Airbus, is its use of “extended data” for aircraft health monitoring, which it says provides a fuller picture of system performance and helps to anticipate failures before they trigger costly aircraft-on-ground events.

But not all aircraft platforms demand such data-heavy solutions. ATR, which dominates much of Africa’s regional turboprop market, says a major strength in this context is the relative simplicity of its aircraft.

“Unlike larger jets that rely heavily on predictive maintenance and real-time health monitoring, the ATR platform generates relatively limited volumes of operational data, which reduces the need for advanced connectivity or bandwidth,” the aircraft manufacturer explains. “This makes the aircraft particularly well-suited for operations in regions where digital infrastructure may be limited or inconsistent.”

That does not mean ATR is standing still. The manufacturer highlights its adoption of fully digital technical documentation structured to the S1000D standard. By making manuals modular and searchable, ATR says maintenance staff can access the information they need more easily, even when online connections are weak or unavailable.

On the operator side, the question is how to ensure back-to-birth traceability and digital compliance with regulators in a region where digital maturity varies widely. For Egyptair Maintenance & Engineering (M&E), the solution has been a robust investment in its maintenance information system (MIS).

“To effectively manage and monitor our extensive maintenance activities, we utilize (Swiss-AS’) AMOS as our official MIS,” says Ibrahim Fathy, Egyptair M&E’s chairman and CEO. “AMOS provides a comprehensive platform that allows us to track maintenance schedules, manage spare parts inventory, monitor aircraft component life limits, record all maintenance actions ... and ensure proper documentation.”

Fathy says the system is crucial for regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. “Our commitment to regulatory adherence is paramount to ensuring the safety of our passengers and crew,” he adds. Egyptair M&E’s approach shows how African maintenance, repair and overhaul providers can bridge the digital thread, ensuring real-time visibility into fleet maintenance while meeting stringent regulatory and international standards.

The takeaway for African operators seems clear: managing the digital thread is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. OEMs must offer scalable platforms that accommodate infrastructure realities, while operators and MROs need robust systems to ensure traceability and compliance.

“We’re not just selling a platform; we are building long-term partnerships,” says Eckardt. That sentiment will resonate only if OEMs continue adapting their strategies to Africa’s operational landscape, where the digital thread must be woven with ambition and realism.