New Software Cuts Engine Inspection Time by 30 Percent
Pratt & Whitney is scaling AI-driven borescope analysis to accelerate maintenance turnaround times globally.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Robotics
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Pratt & Whitney acquired Netherlands-based Aiir Innovations in July 2026 to integrate its automated engine inspection software into global maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) networks. The software uses artificial intelligence to identify defects in borescope video, reducing overall inspection times by more than 30%.
Why it matters
By automating manual borescope reviews, this technology aims to improve engine turnaround times and extend the time aircraft spend on the wing. The acquisition accelerates the integration of AI across MRO operations, a shift expected to scale significantly over the next decade.
The Aiir Innovations software performs engine borescope video analysis 75% faster than manual methods and cuts report generation from hours to minutes. These gains in efficiency supplement existing AI tools like the Percept system, which has demonstrated a 90% reduction in engine inspection time.
The players
Pratt & Whitney
A major aerospace manufacturer specializing in the design and production of aircraft engines and associated MRO services.
Aiir Innovations
A Netherlands-based startup that develops artificial intelligence software for automated visual inspections of complex machinery.
Awiros
An artificial intelligence firm that collaborated with Pratt & Whitney to develop the Percept engine inspection tool.
The details
The software uses machine learning models to scan borescope video—a technique using a flexible tube with a camera to inspect the interior of jet engines—to identify and log material defects. This automated process replaces the labor-intensive manual review of high-resolution engine footage. The team responsible for this software is now based at the Pratt & Whitney European Technology and Innovation Center in the Netherlands.
Timeline
2025: Pratt & Whitney opened its Netherlands-based technology center.
July 2026: Pratt & Whitney acquired Aiir Innovations.
Next decade: AI is projected to become fully embedded in MRO operations.
The Tech Race
This acquisition follows the successful deployment of the Percept tool, signaling a broader industry move toward fully automated predictive maintenance. Pratt & Whitney continues to position its European Technology and Innovation Center as the central hub for this digital transformation.
The integration of this software directly affects MRO facility workflows by reducing the time required for engine certification and maintenance reporting. While the technology is currently being scaled, aviation maintenance providers will see reduced turnaround times as the platform rolls out across the network.
The takeaway
Pratt & Whitney is betting that AI-led visual analysis is the path to maximizing aircraft availability in a labor-constrained market. Watch for further adoption of Aiir Innovations tools as the company expands its digital inspection ecosystem across the aviation sector.
Further reading
For more on how automated systems are reshaping manufacturing and maintenance, see Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Aviation Week.
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