IFS acquires EmpowerMX to enhance aviation maintenance AI

IFS, a player in cloud and industrial AI software, has announced the acquisition of EmpowerMX, an aviation maintenance software provider that leverages artificial intelligence for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) solutions.

EmpowerMX is known for its services to major aviation organisations such as Embraer, MRO Holdings, Delta and American Airlines.

According to the announcement, this acquisition underscores IFS's dedication to industrial AI, allowing them to bolster their industry-specific capabilities. The merger aims to provide aerospace and defence sector customers with what IFS describes as the most comprehensive maintenance management system. The system will support multiple users in various roles and provide electronic task cards and logbooks to ensure well-documented, paperless governance.

Scott Helmer, President of IFS’s Aerospace & Defense Business Unit, commented on the acquisition: "Combining EmpowerMX with IFS is a perfect opportunity to proactively advance our leadership position in the aviation MRO software space due to the many synergies we have: an aligned technology vision, deep sector expertise, and a shared commitment to customer value. Together, we not only expand our reach and foothold into the burgeoning MRO space, but we can also better serve a wider base of global A&D customers with the Industrial AI-fueled MRO innovation that enhances security, safety and efficiency."

With this acquisition, EmpowerMX’s clientele, which includes aviation giants such as Embraer, MRO Holdings, Delta and American Airlines, will gain access to IFS's global scale and capabilities. This, according to EmpowerMX, will help their clients deliver faster turnarounds, achieve bottom-line growth, and leverage the AI capabilities embedded in their products.

Dinakara Nagalla, Founder & CEO of EmpowerMX, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “EmpowerMX has been at the forefront of technology innovation in the MRO space, and I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved with the EMX platform, products, and services. We are excited to join the IFS team that will enable us to accelerate innovation and extend the value we create for MRO customers. With IFS’s global presence, EmpowerMX can help our MRO clients deliver faster turnaround, drive bottom line growth, and leverage the AI capabilities we are infusing into our products.”

The acquisition comes at a time when the aviation MRO and airline industry are dealing with significant challenges, including supply chain disruptions, labour and skills shortages, capacity shortfalls, compliance issues, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. EmpowerMX’s integration into IFS aims to tackle these challenges robustly, enhancing efficiencies, improving production control, reducing turnaround times, and cutting maintenance costs.

Aly Pinder, Research Vice President, Aftermarket Services Strategies at IDC, provided an industry perspective: "For the aviation MRO and airline industry, digital transformation initiatives are critical to addressing operational challenges, including long turnaround times, out-of-service aircraft, and compliance adherence. As a notable company in the aviation MRO software market, IFS has helped some of the world's largest air carriers address these challenges by modernising their enterprise intelligence systems. The acquisition of EmpowerMX will complement IFS's existing cloud-based aviation maintenance solution and present IFS with an opportunity to strengthen its market position in the MRO sector."

The convergence of IFS and EmpowerMX is expected to deliver enhanced value to customers, particularly in the aerospace and defence sectors. It aims to maximise asset availability, implement best practices, and ensure compliant delivery through advanced technological integration.