Performance measurement in aircraft maintenance – literature review

PurposeThis research aims to review relevant documentation on performance measurement in aircraft maintenance. The approaches and models used to measure and manage aircraft maintenance performance in civilian and military contexts are classified and examined during this process. Based on the results of this study, future directions and research topics are identified.Design/methodology/approachThe review included an initial database of 200 publications published over the past 20 years. Published work included contributions from institutions, companies, and scholars.FindingsThe present literature review showed the distribution of themes related to measuring and improving of aviation maintenance performance. These areas and themes cover the perspectives of the customer, technicians and managers and range from the effective management of material resources, the contribution of mathematical models and the help of information systems, and finally, the involvement of the human factor. Thus, given this documentary base, a conceptual framework, which retraces the different operational and organizational facets of the evolution of maintenance performance management, is presented.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the results obtained, the measurement of performance in aeronautical maintenance requires more research and the development of theoretical models.Practical implicationsFindings from this investigation have relevant implications for aircraft maintenance. In this context, it is essential to understand the different approaches to “performance measurement” and management used in airlines and maintenance centers.Originality/valueGiven the competitiveness of the aviation sector, it is important to understand the types and scope of different approaches and models used to manage and measure aeronautical maintenance performance in civilian and military operational contexts.