Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) and FLYdocs have joined forces to develop a pilot program demonstrating the use of blockchain technology on an open source data sharing platform for aircraft, engine and component records.

The two firms are engaging in what they anticipate will be widely regarded as a pioneering move in the digital transformation of the aviation industry. Blockchain has already established a reputation in the financial sector as the core technology underpinning virtual currencies such as Bitcoin, and this initiative between WLFC and FLYdocs seeks to explore similar benefits within aviation. The cutting-edge development attempts to be the first real use of a blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) solution for managing commercial aircraft, engines and component transitions.

The sharing economy created by this new cloud-based platform would present an opportunity to decentralize data exchange, eliminate silos and create a transparent environment for collaboration, with added value distribution for airlines, industry partners, vendors, manufacturers and regulators. Users of the platform can expect reduced friction in the transfer of assets, purchases, leases and sales of aircraft. An added benefit of this collaborative ecosystem will be the provision of anonymity in the data, allowing for complete trust between users, so they drive their own big data analysis initiatives rather than relying on the OEM or third-parties.

“The fundamental goal of this pilot project is to provide increased data integrity, record immutability and security to the aviation industry,” said Charles F. Willis, Chairman and CEO of WLFC. “Blockchain and its associated technologies will cultivate a marketplace for the sharing of technical and performance information in a cost-efficient and transparent way. Although Willis Lease and FLYdocs are acting as the architects for the development of this communal platform, users will be able to access the wealth of data and resources autonomously.”

Andre Fischer, CEO of FLYdocs, said: “The immediate value proposition for airlines will be the reduction in working hours that are typically required to comply with lease and ownership transitions. Even more interesting, however, are the analytical implications of having consistent, shared and protected data anonymously presented on a common platform and available to airlines at no cost. While airlines remain in control, it provides them with a wider choice between competing solutions as the anticipated open platform environment will enhance competition of data analytics. I expect airlines and data analysts to use this disruptive technology to drive significant efficiency gains in the maintenance, safety and aircraft security within the industry over the next decade.”

The new platform will have significant potential to change the way data is shared and driven within the aviation sector. WLFC and FLYdocs will, therefore, be extending an invitation to technology partners to join the pilot project. The pilot is already utilizing the expertise of Microsoft Gold Cloud Partner and One-Tier Cloud Service Provider, United Data Technologies and might open up to more partners as the development moves forward. Participation in the project may include benefits such as complimentary use of services, influencing the product roadmap and being a part of an innovative initiative that could change the face of aviation.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers in 120 countries. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services supported by cutting edge technology through its subsidiary Willis Asset Management, as well as various end-of-life solutions for aircraft, engines and aviation materials provided through its subsidiary, Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc.

FLYdocs is an aircraft data and records management platform.