MRO IT developments are not confined to business-wide solutions. Two companies have identified very specific areas of IT application, considered critical in today's cost containment world Right Hemisphere in Fremont, Calif., provides software for computer-based training, marketing, technical documentation and support applications using the OEM's original computer aided design (CAD) data, which employs 3-D design technology.

Airlines are willing to spend money to increase productivity and cut costs if the payback period is quick. Real quick. Software suppliers understand this and are creating solutions that can be as broad or as narrow as operators choose. So while airlines are renegotiating labor agreements and aircraft leases to quell costs, they are planning to invest in information technology to help myriad operational quandaries.

Regional jets, particularly their engines and components, are emerging as a major growh driver in the commercial transport MRO market. According to the fleet database compiled by New Haven, Conn.-based BACK Aviation Solutions, regional jets accounted for just 4% of the world commercial jet fleet in January 1994, with 338 units. This grew to 2,058, or 13%, by January 2004. BACK predicts that by 2014, the number of regional jets will reach 3,847, or 24% of a total worldwide jet fleet of 16,030.