MORE ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF ZAMBIA

Abstract

Zambia, like many other southern African countries has the majority of the locally registered aircraft operating without the More Electric Aircraft (MEA) technology incorporated for various reasons. Consequently, these countries miss out on the benefits of MEA technology. This paper highlights challenges faced by the Zambian aviation sector in its quest to introduce the MEA technology. In addition, the paper makes recommendations that address the identified challenges. The gathered information could help to find solutions to the challenges in the direction of reducing environmental pollution, promotion of local aviation industry’s growth, safety and reducing aircraft maintenance costs. The research is conducted through a literature review and interviews with members of staff of selected aviation operators, approved aircraft maintenance organisations (AMOs), aviation training school, the Civil Aviation Authority, and Zambia Airports Corporation Limited. In addition, the working environment of the mentioned institutions were also considered to ascertain their readiness to support the MEA technology. It was discovered that most of the challenges involved aviation training institutions, aircraft operators and the AMOs. It is therefore recommended that the aviation training institutions be adequately equipped with training aids and materials to embark on capacity building of members of staff. Further, the AMOs should also be equipped with MEA technology diagnostic equipment. In addition, the aircraft operators should also invest in a holistic MEA human resource training.