The question has been asked whether the airline industry is gaining or losing in the design of new aircraft for maintainability. The Lockheed L-1011 aircraft is examined by an operator resulting in two answers: yes-for routine maintenance; and no-for nonroutine maintenance.
Areas for investigation for further improvement, particularly in the wide-body aircraft, include the care of passenger cabin and associated appliances and amenities. The airlines have increased interior maintenance by brightening up the interiors-trading dark colors, which do not show abuse, for the lighter, more attractive colors.
The same principles and criteria need to be applied to cabin interior design as have been used to develop the reliable structures, systems, and powerplants now in operation.