Japan Airlines adopts cloud platform to boost maintenance

Japan Airlines has chosen IFS Cloud for Aviation Maintenance as part of a project to upgrade its aircraft maintenance management system.

The decision marks a shift by Japan's flagship airline from its legacy vendor to a cloud-based platform, to modernise a maintenance system that has been in use for over 15 years.

IFS Cloud for Aviation Maintenance is deployed by several major international airlines. The solution integrates aircraft, engine, and component maintenance with corporate functions, including supply chain management, spare parts inventory management, finance, and project management.

Japan Airlines seeks to enhance both aircraft quality and operational availability through this implementation. The airline is transitioning from on-premise systems to a platform that offers long-term scalability and flexibility to support expansion across its operations.

An aviation maintenance specialist from IFS's Aerospace and Defence division, who has previously worked on similar deployments at other organisations, has travelled to Japan to work directly with Japan Airlines' maintenance and IT departments. The joint team will carry out a detailed assessment of how the airline's operations align with the capabilities of IFS Cloud for Aviation Maintenance, as they move toward full system implementation.

Scott Helmer, President, IFS Aerospace & Defence, stated, "By choosing IFS Cloud, JAL is adopting a platform built to drive operational efficiency and deliver long-term value through the latest advances in Industrial AI."

Helmer added, "From predictive maintenance to real-time analytics and workflow automation, IFS Cloud will equip JAL with the tools needed to streamline operations, optimise performance, and scale for future growth in an increasingly competitive and dynamic industry. We are proud to provide JAL with a resilient, AI-powered platform to lead the future of aviation in Japan and beyond."

The collaborative assessment phase between the IFS specialist and Japan Airlines' teams will determine the operational fit and readiness for the transition to the new platform. The airline's management expects that the new capabilities will contribute to improved maintenance efficiency and support business growth.

IFS Cloud for Aviation Maintenance combines maintenance management with integrated support across supply chain, finance, and inventory, aiming to provide seamless workflows across different organisational units. This is intended to help airlines maintain stronger oversight of their fleets, anticipate maintenance needs more accurately, and coordinate resources efficiently.

Japan Airlines has not released financial details regarding the implementation, nor has it specified a projected timeline for full transition to the new system.

The move comes as airlines globally are investing in systems that facilitate predictive maintenance, automated analytics, and the digitisation of operational workflows in order to respond to the challenges of a dynamic industry and heightened passenger expectations.