How IAG has developed an AI solution to streamline engine maintenance schedules

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become more commonplace in all walks of life, with the aviation and aerospace sectors being no exception. From crew resourcing to reducing food wastage on long-haul flights, there are increasingly few activities in these industries that remain untouched by AI and its potential to some degree.  

International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and Level, is one such organisation that is embracing AI to enhance critical functions across its member airlines. It has developed dedicated AI labs based in Barcelona and London, where AI experts and cutting-edge technologies are deployed to address business opportunities in areas such as aircraft maintenance, customer experience, as well as maximizing operational efficiencies.

International Airlines GroupWithin these two facilities, the organisation is developing a range of AI-powered solutions that are set to streamline many key parts of the Group’s airline operations in the coming years. With full support from the IAG board, each project being worked on by the two AI labs has five common objectives as its mission:

To be value-focused;

To have a project mindset throughout its development;

To be ethical and responsible;

To be developed in collaboration with IAG member airlines; and

Have the potential to be transformational at scale.
Equally, any area that has been highlighted to potentially benefit from AI applications must be able to offer increased control, faster and more flexible solutions, and offer synergies across the member airlines, says IAG.  On June 26, 2025, AeroTime was invited to an exclusive event hosted by IAG at its AI lab in Central London, where just one example of the organization’s AI development was highlighted. 

Engine Optimization System

Earlier in 2025, IAG launched an innovative new AI system to optimise the engine maintenance function across its member airlines. Engines are a critical component of an airline’s operations, and engine technical issues can result in flight delays, disruptions, and cancellations. Equally, with supply chain issues involving engines and engine parts adversely affecting airlines worldwide, IAG identified this as one key area where AI could be used to improve on-time dispatch reliability of aircraft, which can lead to enhanced customer satisfaction levels and better overall profitability.

ShutterstockDesigned in-house at IAG’s Barcelona AI lab, the Group’s new Engine Optimisation System (EOS) can provide engineering teams across the IAG airlines with AI-driven suggestions for the most efficient maintenance schedules of jet engines. Whereas previous engineering planning systems could only provide solutions with perhaps dozens of variables, EOS can provide millions of potential solutions based upon financial, operational, technical, and safety-related criteria.

Simply put, the new EOS software helps engineering and maintenance teams decide the best time to undertake engine maintenance, whether this be during routine aircraft maintenance inspections or if the engine needs to be removed for a full shop visit.

The new EOS system was rolled out in early 2025 and is already being used by Aer Lingus engineers to manage the airline’s stock of CFM56 engines that power the airline’s 27-strong fleet of Airbus A320-200 narrowbodies. According to IAG representatives speaking at the event, Iberia will be the next Group airline to use the EOS program, with all other IAG carriers to follow by the end of 2025.

ShutterstockBy employing AI techniques in the development and functionality of the EOS, the new program can be used to “simplify the complexity of coordinating maintenance schedules and availability of parts as well as compliance with regulatory requirements,” said the company.

“The AI technology uses algorithms to assess millions of different scenarios and identify the optimal maintenance schedule for our fleets, reducing potential delays that can happen when parts are not available in the necessary location. Engineering and maintenance teams benefit from an intuitive, color-coded Gantt chart that suggests shop visits, available spare engines and parts, as well as timing for installations on aircraft,” IAG added.

With the development of the EOS system having been engineering-led from the outset, rather than maintenance teams being reluctant to embrace the new technology, IAG says that it has been widely accepted as the new way of working, saving engineers both time and cost as well as optimising working practices in the maintenance planning area.

What does IAG say about EOS?

“Our new Engine Optimisation System shows how IAG is using AI to tackle real-world challenges and improve maintenance across the Group,” explained Ben Dias, IAG’s Chief AI Scientist, during the event. “Transformation is at the heart of our overall business strategy and is powered by innovation, including AI.”

“By applying advanced algorithms, we are making our engine maintenance program more efficient. We are avoiding unnecessary maintenance delays to ensure that our fleet is available and in service. The system gives our people the data and tools they need for smarter planning and better teamwork,” Dias added.

Matheus Obst / ShutterstockWhile the new system has been designed purely as a tool to enhance the engineering function of the IAG member airlines, the representatives at the event did not rule out EOS being commercially offered to other airlines at some point in the future. Equally, IAG foresees the introduction of a further ten AI-led solutions over the next 18 months.

More about IAG 

International Airlines Group (IAG) is one of the world’s largest airline groups, with over 600 aircraft carrying more than 122 million customers to 260 destinations across 91 countries each year. The airline group has over 74,000 employees worldwide and recorded total earnings before tax of €4.4 billion in 2024. The Group also consists of two complementary businesses in IAG Cargo and IAG Loyalty.

International Airlines GroupAs the first airline group globally to commit to net zero by 2050, sustainability is a core part of IAG’s strategy, and the rolling out of EOS is just one element of achieving this goal.

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