RFID and other tools to be featured in aircraft maintenance alliance formed by Fujitsu and Boeing

Posted by John McHaleTOKYO and SEATTLE, Wash, 17 Dec. 2010. Fujitsu (TSE: 6702) and Boeing [NYSE: BA] are joining hands to develop a service that enables greater efficiency in aircraft maintenance operations through tools such as radio frequency identification devices (RFID) and contact memory buttons (CMB). It will enable operators to use these technologies without needing to retrofit their own fleets. Airlines can reduce costs by reducing inventory and manual data entry errors without having to create new processes. Under the new alliance, Fujitsu will provide Boeing with a globally-shared platform that includes automated identification technology devices, device readers, software applications, and a system integration and deployment service. Boeing will tailor solutions for each user's needs, integrate those solutions into the user's operational environment and establish a long-range plan that will expand automated identification technology solutions across the user's enterprise. Boeing plans to launch this service for airlines in the first quarter of 2012. The service will be available for Boeing and non-Boeing fleets and will be rapidly adaptable to any user."We have been working with Boeing for more than five years to promote RFID implementation in the aviation industry and we are very excited to start this project jointly," says Mitsutoshi Hirono, corporate vice president, Fujitsu Limited.The Boeing Transformation Service will enable customers to better manage aircraft components, equipment, and materials by retrofitting them with automated identification technology devices, allowing automated data management and highly visible supply chain related maintenance processes. Prior to the launch of the new service in early 2012, the service will undergo three phases of beta testing through deployment with a launch customer."We see an opportunity for the aviation industry that surpasses past expectations," says Per Noren, vice president, Boeing CAS Information Services. "Airline customers will greatly improve their operation efficiency from this service as a result of Boeing and Fujitsu entering the market together."

RFID and other tools to be featured in aircraft maintenance alliance formed by Fujitsu and Boeing

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