Boeing Global Services has signed a memorandum of understanding with AI data optimisation specialist Pelico to explore new ways of modernising C-17A Globemaster III heavy maintenance planning and execution.
The collaboration aims to shorten depot maintenance cycles, improve fleet availability and deliver more predictable aircraft turnaround times. Boeing and Pelico will assess whether AI-enabled scheduling, supply chain coordination and workflow automation can help maintenance teams respond more quickly to parts shortages and operational bottlenecks.
Central to the evaluation is Pelico’s Manufacturing Orchestration Platform, which brings together supply, engineering, planning and depot operations in a single digital workspace. The platform is designed to replace spreadsheet-based processes with a real-time view of material shortages, maintenance priorities and production constraints.
The companies will also assess capabilities including predictive shortage management, dynamic maintenance prioritisation and agentic AI workflows to automate routine approvals and supplier communications. Boeing said an earlier deployment of Pelico’s platform in its commercial spare parts operations successfully demonstrated the concept and has since been extended.
“This work is focused on delivering measurable operational improvements and creating a repeatable capability we can scale as we validate outcomes,” said Travis Williams, Boeing vice-president of Mobility and Surveillance Aircraft Services.
The agreement establishes a framework for a phased evaluation, with the potential to expand the technology across other Boeing heavy maintenance programmes if the trial proves successful.
