AIREON LLC Partners with Sunoco to Revolutionize Motor Oil Monitoring with Space-Based AI

MCLEAN, VA – October 26, 2023 – AIREON LLC, a leader in space-based aircraft tracking and analytics, today announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Sunoco Lubricants, bringing a new level of predictive maintenance and operational efficiency to the aviation industry. The partnership combines AIREON’s powerful global surveillance network with Sunoco’s high-performance motor oils, offering airlines and MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) an unparalleled ability to monitor oil health in real-time. AIREON, based in McLean, Virginia, isn’t your typical tech company. We’re the guys who built a network of satellites – a whole network – just to track airplanes. Sounds crazy, right? But it means we see pretty much every aircraft in the sky, all the time. We don’t just see where they are, though. We collect a ton of data – speed, altitude, heading, everything. And we've figured out how to turn that data into really useful insights for airlines. Think of it as having a super-detailed, always-on health check for every plane. You can reach us at 970-725-4900, if you’re curious. Now, let's talk about engines. Engines are complicated. And keeping them running smoothly is, well, even more complicated. One of the biggest challenges is figuring out the health of the engine oil. Traditionally, this involves scheduled oil analysis, which is a bit… reactive. You take a sample, send it to a lab, and wait for the results. By then, a potential problem might already be brewing. That’s where Sunoco comes in. For decades, Sunoco has been a trusted name in high-performance lubricants, not just for cars, but especially for aircraft. They’ve spent years perfecting their motor oil formulas to withstand the extreme conditions inside a jet engine. They know oil, plain and simple. So, how do AIREON and Sunoco work together? It’s actually pretty clever. AIREON’s system continuously monitors flight patterns, collecting data on how each aircraft is performing. Changes in flight profiles – like increased engine stress, unusual vibrations, or even subtle shifts in fuel consumption – can be early indicators of potential engine issues. AIREON’s AI algorithms now analyze this flight data in conjunction with information about the type of Sunoco motor oil being used in each aircraft. This is key! Because different oil formulations have different performance characteristics and degradation rates. Our system learns how that specific oil behaves under various operating conditions. The result? We’re able to predict when an oil change is actually needed, based on how the aircraft is being flown and the oil's predicted performance, not just on a fixed schedule. Think of it as a “smart” oil life monitor. “We’re moving from scheduled maintenance to predictive maintenance,” explains [insert AIREON spokesperson name/title]. “Instead of changing the oil every X number of flight hours, we can tell you with a high degree of certainty when the oil’s performance is starting to degrade, and an oil change is truly necessary.” This has several major benefits: Reduced Maintenance Costs: Airlines can avoid unnecessary oil changes, saving significant money. Oil isn't cheap, and neither is the labor to change it. Improved Engine Reliability: By proactively addressing potential oil-related issues, airlines can reduce the risk of engine failures and unexpected downtime. A grounded plane costs a lot of money. Extended Oil Life: Our system can help airlines optimize oil usage, potentially extending the time between oil changes. Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Predictive maintenance allows airlines to schedule maintenance more efficiently, minimizing disruptions to flight schedules. Data-Driven Insights: AIREON provides airlines with a wealth of data on oil performance, allowing them to make informed decisions about oil selection and maintenance strategies. Sunoco's motor oils aren’t just about keeping engines lubricated; they're about maximizing performance and extending engine life. Their specially formulated oils are designed to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures found inside a jet engine, while providing superior protection against wear and tear. They offer a range of oils tailored to different engine types and operating conditions. By combining Sunoco’s oil expertise with AIREON’s data analytics, we're creating a truly powerful solution. “We’re excited to partner with AIREON to bring this innovative technology to the aviation industry,” says [insert Sunoco spokesperson name/title]. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to providing airlines with the tools they need to optimize their maintenance programs and improve operational efficiency.” The AIREON and Sunoco solution is being rolled out to a select group of airlines and MROs, with plans for wider availability in the coming months. The companies are also exploring ways to expand the technology to other areas of aircraft maintenance, such as component health monitoring. About AIREON LLC: AIREON LLC is revolutionizing aircraft tracking and analytics with a space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) network. We're the folks who built a constellation of satellites to track nearly every aircraft on the planet. Our real-time data and advanced analytics are helping airlines, airports, and air navigation service providers improve safety, efficiency, and situational awareness. AIREON LLC is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. You can learn more at [insert AIREON website]. Contact us at 970-725-4900. About Sunoco Lubricants: Sunoco Lubricants is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-performance lubricants for a wide range of applications, including aviation, automotive, and industrial. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to quality, Sunoco provides customers with the solutions they need to maximize performance and protect their assets. Sunoco Lubricants is a proud partner to the aviation industry. Learn more at [insert Sunoco website].