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

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.