International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management

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Original Research Article

Kanban in Aviation Maintenance: A Case Study of a Chinese Aircraft Maintenance Enterprise

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  • Chenyang Zhang,
  • Lili Zhang,
  • Junlan Yuan,
  • Yu Zhang,
  • Chuang Liu
Chenyang Zhang
Southwest Jiaotong University, School of Transportation and Logistics, Chengdu, China
Lili Zhang
Sichuan Hangtu Consulting Co., Ltd, Chengdu, China
Junlan Yuan
China Civil Airports Association, Beijing, China
Yu Zhang
West Air Co., Ltd, Chongqing, China
Chuang Liu
Civil Aviation Flight University of China, Xinjin Flight College, Chengdu, China
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24867/IJIEM-399

Published 2025-11-25

abstract views: 19 // FULL TEXT ARTICLE (PDF): 1


Keywords

  • Kanban,
  • Aircraft maintenance,
  • Lean management,
  • Sustainability

How to Cite

Zhang, C., Zhang, L., Yuan, J., Zhang, Y., & Liu, C. (2025). Kanban in Aviation Maintenance: A Case Study of a Chinese Aircraft Maintenance Enterprise. International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, article in press. https://doi.org/10.24867/IJIEM-399

Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

With the rapid expansion of the Chinese civil aviation market, aircraft maintenance enterprises are under increasing pressure to improve both operational efficiency and profitability. However, many continue to rely on traditional management practices that result in inefficient workflows, poor resource utilization, and high production costs. To address these challenges, this paper presents a case study on the implementation of the Kanban method as a lean management tool within a Chinese aircraft maintenance enterprise. This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the Kanban method in enhancing the development and competitiveness of the Chinese aviation maintenance sector. Empirical observations over a one-year period reveal that Kanban significantly improves maintenance scheduling, reduces operational costs, and enhances overall productivity. This research contributes to both practice and academia by offering practical insights and underscoring the effectiveness of Kanban as a robust management tool for enhancing operational efficiency in China’s rapidly growing aviation industry.

Article history: Received (May 12, 2025); Revised (August 26, 2025); Accepted (November 8, 2025); Published online (November 25, 2025)

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FULL TEXT ARTICLE (PDF)
REFERENCES (PDF)