Blockchain-based Maintenance Records for Aircraft Engines
Sector: Tertiary sector · Industry: Aviation · Organisation: Singapore Airlines Engineering · Maturity level: Concept
Singapore Airlines Engineering is conducting a proof-of-concept for blockchain-based aircraft engine maintenance records together with Rolls-Royce. The project was initiated as part of a blockchain innovation challenge, with Block Aero winning funding of up to 50,000 SGD from Enterprise Singapore. The solution aims to store maintenance data tamper-proof and improve traceability of maintenance operations.
Documentation status
- Project status: Concept
- Evidence: Evidence medium
- Editorial review: Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026
Description
Aviation maintenance is one of the most heavily regulated areas worldwide. EASA (Europe) and FAA (USA) require seamless documentation of every maintenance step. Blockchain is the natural infrastructure.
Bogus parts problem: counterfeit or unauthorised aircraft parts are a chronic safety issue. Blockchain partial tracking: each component receives a blockchain-secured certificate from the manufacturer; every installation and removal is documented on-chain; MRO operators can immediately verify if a part is original and correctly certified. GE Aerospace Ancestry.com for Jet Engines model: blockchain-based engine history. LHIND (Lufthansa Industry Solutions) and Fraunhofer IML developed specific solutions for blockchain-based aviation maintenance.
Perspectives
B2B — organisations perspective
MRO operators and airlines can automatically meet EASA/FAA requirements with blockchain-secured maintenance histories, instantly detect bogus parts, and document maintenance histories seamlessly upon aircraft sale.
Benefits
General
- Tamper-proof and transparent maintenance records ensure the highest safety standards in aviation.
- Automated maintenance planning through smart contracts reduces human errors and optimises maintenance intervals.
- More efficient inspection processes through immediate access to complete maintenance histories shorten downtime.
B2B — organisations
- Reducing inspection efforts by an estimated 10-15% and error rates by 15% leads to significant cost savings.
Employees
- Maintenance technicians receive more precise information through automated systems and can focus on more complex technical tasks.
Challenges
General
- Integration with existing MRO systems and legacy infrastructures presents a complex technical challenge.
- Industry-wide acceptance and regulatory approvals are necessary for successful implementation.
B2B — organisations
- High investment costs of around 3 million SGD and the need for specialised blockchain developers may deter smaller companies.
Employees
- Staff must be trained to operate new blockchain-based systems, which initially requires additional effort.
Implementation examples
Singapore Airlines Engineering Blockchain maintenance system
Since the second quarter of 2024, Singapore Airlines Engineering has been exploring the use of blockchain technology to improve its aircraft maintenance processes.
Tags
Maintenance, Aviation, Smart Contracts, IoT, Compliance