Successful operations are always improving.

They’re not comfortable with “it’s how we’ve always done it.” Complacency destroys operations. A simple fix to a critical process that’s done daily can have a significant impact throughout the year.

It’s impossible to focus on everything, but there are a few key trends worth your team’s discussion.

A strong regional focus.

The pandemic has forced most operations into a regional scramble. Aircraft served for shorter routes have fewer travel constraints. The aircraft is also excellent for humanitarian efforts, like getting a vaccine distributed.

The need for smaller capacity aircraft will rise.

Streamlining international supply chains.

With the continued rise of eCommerce and vaccine distribution, cargo will be a factor in how operations succeed.

Many excellent services increase passenger aircraft cargo capability by using seat tracks or the passenger seats themselves.

An increase in mergers and acquisitions.

A lot of companies are struggling.

The Aerospace and Defense industry will see legacy investors, large corporations, and private equity firms acquiring struggling companies to roll them into their portfolios or existing operations.

A focus on data accuracy.

OEM and MROs are investing heavily in the Internet of Things, applied intelligence, and big data.

As Aviation Week puts it, “The present and future success of digital investments is fueled by data. Getting access to data from aircraft, aligning the industry around data standards and providing data security are all essential to maximizing return on digital investment.”

However, there’s still a lot of uncertainty with what story the data is telling.

“Investment is focused on new digital services, but we are not sure we can trust the data upon which those services will rely.”

Further development of aircraft maintenance technologies.

Robotics will perform tasks such as “single part repairs and carbon fiber machining. Miniaturization also promises to help the inspection of difficult-to-access components, especially in the engine.”

Additive Manufacturing will reduce lead times for spares and lower inventory costs.

Intelligent Machines will help train future engineers, help humans lift heavy loads with artificial suits, perform basic functions like component coatings, and assist OEMs in their manufacturing processes.

To succeed in 2021, you first need to recognize what critical improvements your operation needs.

Then see what you can do today to make those improvements a reality without spending millions of dollars or years of time.

Most big challenges are best solved with daily optimization practices.

Use these trends to help inform you, but start making progress today.