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Anyone with even the slightest experience of cars, especially older cars, knows that corrosion can mark the demise of a vehicle’s lifecycle. Rust on the body or panels will undermine its structural integrity, and will undoubtedly affect the car’s performance. Now, apply this to aircraft, which can also suffer from corrosion (they share similar materials, after all). If you do not maintain an aircraft’s exterior, it too will corrode. And this corrosion can affect not only the airframe, but also the plane’s avionics. It can degrade components, increase maintenance costs if left unchecked, and ultimately possibly lead to catastrophic failures. As Veronika Andrianovaite, CCO of Nordic Dino Robotics, explains,“That’s why it’s essential to stay on top of maintenance and prevent corrosion from developing. After all, it’s our priority to ensure that aircraft remain as safe and reliable as possible. In our industry, the only standard that needs to be followed when it comes to airworthiness is excellence.” The causes and types of aircraft corrosion When certain metals come into contact with water and oxygen, a natural oxidation process begins wherein such refined metals are converted into more stable compounds like oxides or hydroxides. This process, which is relentless, can fundamentally threaten durability and airworthiness. As Andrianovaite illustrates, “During Nordic winters, airports regularly use de-icing fluids and salt to keep runways operational. While these substances protect against dangerous ice, they create other risks. The same salt that leaves a white residue on cars also attacks paint, eventually exposing metal to air and moisture. Over time, this leads to significant corrosion on vehicles. Aircraft face similar challenges, particularly when based near coastal areas where salt exposure is constant.” Further complicating matters is the fact that there are different types of corrosion that can impact an aircraft. It is important to understand that there are lots of types of corrosion that can attack the aircraft in different ways. For example, galvanic corrosion, which happens when you have different types of metal coming in electrical contact in the presence of an electrolyte like salt water. This is more common on mixed metal assemblies. As Andrianovaite continues,“Then there’s pitting corrosion, where localised corrosion creates little cavities in the surface of the material. You’ll see this when aluminium alloys are exposed to chloride. Then, in those places where there’s confined spaces, like joints, the collection of stagnant moisture can lead to crevice corrosion. Meanwhile, wear and corrosion can occur at those points where there’s repeated mechanical motion. The term for this is fretting corrosion. I don’t think it needs saying, but an aircraft is a complex mechanical system, which means you need to be extra vigilant.” Combatting corrosion: having a proactive strategy is key As was noted earlier, the process of corrosion is relentless. Once it has started, its onset can be fast and destructive. Ms. Andrianovaite has an anecdote from one of Nordic Dino’s clients that acts as a shocking illustration of this: “One of our customers told us a story involving the transportation of salted fish. The freight was always placed in the luggage compartment which after 6 months due to the salty nature of the product became corroded and caused damage to the aircraft structure. I was surprised to see how much damage can be done in such a short amount of time. It once again showed the importance of corrosion-preventive measures.” What corrosion-preventive measures are there? Veronika explains,“So, my first piece of advice is to be aware of the places on an aircraft that are most susceptible to corrosion. Fuselage and Skin Panels, Wing and Tail Surfaces, Landing Gear, Engine Components, and Fasteners and Connection Points, these all need to be regularly checked. But the reality is that there is no other real way to protect your aircraft from corrosion than washing it regularly.” She continues, “Boeing, for example, recommends that crack and corrosion inspections should be performed every quarter, and this is the time that most airlines will typically schedule aircraft washing so that they can minimise cleaning expenditure. This approach might appear cost-effective initially, but by scheduling washing so infrequently, you are opening yourself up to the possibility of corrosion developing. And once that happens, you’ll be looking at more downtime, and even service disruptions.” According to Ms. Andrianovaite, airlines are becoming increasingly aware of these issues. Thankfully, instead of having to invest in specialized training and equipment, it is now possible to deploy skilled technicians to client locations where they can perform comprehensive cleaning services. With the help of robotic cleaning solutions, the resources that previously could allow only 1 wash, allow 2 or 3 for the same amount of work and washing solutions. (Views expressed are personal)

By Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General 2025 will be an exciting year for Indian aviation. June will be a highlight when Delhi will turn into the global aviation capital as industry leaders from around the world gather for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, sponsored by IndiGo. Those gathering for the event will be impressed. India’s place in global aviation has changed dramatically over the last decade. With record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world-class infrastructure developments, India is firmly established as the fourth largest market (domestic & international) for aviation in the world. And within this decade IATA’s own projections point to India rising to be the third largest. India’s rapidly modernizing and expanding aviation sector is a huge good news story for the country. The aviation industry in India employs 369,700 people directly and generates USD 5.6 billion of economic output. When you include the additional benefits that aviation brings, such as tourism, the number rises to 7.7 million jobs in India and USD 53.6 billion in economic contribution. That is 1.5% of India’s GDP! Throughout my career, I have been a keen observer of India’s aviation industry. The potential that everybody could see for decades is finally being realized. I have never been more excited about India’s aviation prospects. Part of the excitement is due to the remake of India’s airline sector. Air India’s rebirth with new ownership is placing renewed focus on its service with exciting developments in its fleet and product offering. And IndiGo has built-up a very impressive footprint across India and regionally. With a world-leading market capitalization, there is enormous confidence in its prospects. India’s consumers have never been so well-served by its domestic carriers – with a rapidly expanding network, additional frequencies and connections, and growing competition. And with gateway airport capacity expansions in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, along with the imminent commissioning of second airports in Delhi and Mumbai – before IATA’s AGM in June – the potential for further aviation development is well-laid. Critically, India has the talent needed to achieve a growing future, unlike many parts of the world which are facing some challenges. With the highest proportion of female commercial pilots in service, India clearly demonstrates that aviation is a solid career choice regardless of gender. And more great jobs will be created as India recognizes the opportunity for greater investment in maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. We are also seeing policy measures by the Indian government, and the Civil Aviation Ministry in particular, that are supporting future success. There are several examples. Clarity was established with regard to the rights of aircraft lessors in the context of India’s bankruptcy laws – and an impending parliamentary bill ratifying and aligning India’s stance with international conventions will help with predictability and consistency. Airline objections against overreach by India’s GST investigation agencies were addressed. The government exempted the import of services into India between airline HQs and their local branches, respecting international conventions. AERA—the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India —is establishing a track record of countering the natural monopolistic behavior of airports and protecting consumer interest. While we can truly celebrate these achievements, we must not take for granted the continued success of India’s aviation future. There is more work to be done. In particular, I would highlight three areas: costs, airspace and sustainability. Costs Aviation is not a high margin industry. At the global level, the net profit margin is just 3.6%. So every cost, charge, and tax matters. India would do well to look at rationalizing fuel (ATF) costs; easing out some of the complex compliance and regulatory burdens for the industry; and continued oversight on airport user charges and their linkage to service and performance standards. Airspace The amazing developments in India’s airport infrastructure need to be matched with developments in India’s airspace. With thousands of aircraft due to join India’s fleet in the coming years, investments to further modernize airspace management are critical—in particular for oceanic and continental airspace. India must not follow the underinvestment example of Europe which results in widespread inefficiency. Sustainability Airlines’ global commitment to achieve net zero by 2050 is determined and firm. We expect the bulk of aviation’s decarbonization to be achieved with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is a real opportunity for India. India is the third largest ethanol producer and consumer in the world. This is proof of the potential for it to become a key SAF producer utilizing the Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) pathway. This would contribute to India’s energy security, propel the aviation sector’s growth and enhance India’s hub status in the region—delivering enormous social and economic benefits for India’s development. Bringing the IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit to Delhi in June is sure to be a highlight for the global aviation community. It is an opportunity for India to cement its rise in global aviation by continuing to put in a policy and economic environment that will realize, and most likely exceed, the potential that we all see for aviation in India. Content Courtesy: IATA ( This feature is sourced from IATA website and published  unedited on as it is basis with due courtesy. IATA is organising its AGM hosted by IndiGo in June in New Delhi, Aviation World as an accredited media has published this content as part of the information purpose only.)  https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/willie-walsh-india-aviation-industry/#:~:text=By%20Willie%20Walsh%2C%20IATA’s%20Director,Transport%20Summit%2C%20sponsored%20by%20IndiGo.