Lao Airlines Strategic Transformation: Seeking Senior Maintenance and Engineering Expert - Lao Airlines Official Website

Lao Airlines Official Website

📜 TERMS OF REFERENCE

Position: Maintenance and Engineering Expert (Implementation & Transformation)

Department: Engineering & Maintenance Department (EMD)

Reports to: Managing Director and Engineering & Maintenance Department Director

Duration: 24 Months (Renewable based on performance)

Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR (On-site) 📍

1. ✈️ Background and Project Context

Lao Airlines, as the national flag carrier, is implementing a comprehensive Strategic Transformation Initiative aimed at further strengthening its financial sustainability and operational excellence. A central pillar of this strategy is the modernization of the Engineering & Maintenance Department (EMD) to align with global industry best practices.

To support this vision, Lao Airlines is conducting a targeted enhancement of its EMD operations, focusing on Financial Systems Integration, Supply Chain Optimization, and Regulatory Alignment with EASA Part 145 standards.

A key enabler of this transformation is Digitalization and Automation. The airline currently utilizes “AD Software” (Aviation Dedicated Software) for maintenance management. The objective is to fully leverage and integrate this digital infrastructure with financial workflows, ensuring precise cost tracking and automated reporting. This initiative aims to transition the EMD into a highly efficient, commercially agile, and fully EASA-compliant organization. Lao Airlines invites a Senior Maintenance and Engineering Expert to lead the implementation of these strategic advancements.

2. 🎯 Primary Objectives

The Expert will partner with the Managing Director and the Engineering Department to drive this modernization, with five primary mandates:

  • Align & Plan: Ensure strategic synergy with EMD and Management on the transformation goals and develop a comprehensive Implementation Roadmap.

  • Advise: Provide on-call, high-level technical and strategic counsel to the Managing Director on engineering and maintenance developments.

  • Verify: Review and validate existing operational data and consultant recommendations to ensure precision in execution planning.

  • Implement: Lead the execution of specific optimization work streams to enhance operational efficiency and cost structures.

  • Transfer: Build sustainable, robust systems (processes, software, authority matrices) that ensure long-term independent capability.

3. 🛠️ Scope of Services (Implementation Tasks)

The Expert is responsible for leading the following key work streams:

Financial Systems Enhancement:

  • Accounting Policy Definition: Develop and formalize distinct accounting treatments for inventory classes and transactions.

  • Inventory Capital Optimization: Conduct a comprehensive inventory audit to identify opportunities for capital efficiency.

  • Chart of Accounts (CoA): Lead the transition to an enhanced CoA, enabling granular cost tracking per aircraft tail number.

  • Inventory Revaluation: Oversee the valuation project to align rotable part valuation with market/original value.

  • Zero-Based Budgeting: Develop the 2026/2027 Engineering budget targeting an optimized maintenance cost structure.

  • ERP/AD Software Optimization: Evaluate and optimize the current AD Software or select/pilot a new aviation-specific ERP system.

Procurement & Supply Chain Modernization:

  • Customs & Logistics Optimization: Implement a “Fast-Track” clearance procedure for AOG (Aircraft on Ground) items.

  • Authority Matrix Optimization: Streamline the approval process for technical procurement.

  • Power by the Hour (PbH): Lead negotiation for Component Pooling / Main Base Kit agreements.

Operational Excellence & Manpower:

  • Business Process Re-engineering (BPR): Redesign workflows to maximize digitalization.

  • Production Planning Control (PPC): Establish a dedicated PPC function to align man-hours with work orders.

  • Capacity Planning: Implement a “12-Month Rolling Man-Hour Plan.”

Regulatory Compliance & Facilities:

  • Facility Enhancement: Oversee hangar upgrades to meet EASA Part 145.A.25 standards.

  • Quality Management System (QMS): Transition the Quality department towards an advanced EASA-compliant Management System (SMS and Compliance Monitoring).

4. 📋 Key Deliverables

  • Implementation Roadmap & Gantt Chart.

  • Digital Transformation & BPR Report.

  • New Financial Manual (CoA & Accounting Policies).

  • Inventory Optimization Plan.

  • Revised Procurement Policy & Authority Matrix.

  • Signed PbH Contract.

  • EASA Certification Roadmap (Target: Late 2026).

5. 🎓 Requirements & Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering or Aviation Management.

  • Seniority: Minimum 15 years in aviation, with 7+ years in senior management.

  • Expertise: Deep knowledge of EASA Part 145 and Part M (CAMO).

  • Skills: Experience in ERP implementation, Maintenance cost analysis, and negotiating pooling contracts.

  • Competencies: Change Management, Strategic Communication (English), and Commitment to staff development.

6. 📧 How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following to sisavanh@laoairlines.com, lianethong.ph@laoairlines.com:

  1. CV/Resume (in English).

  2. Copy of Aircraft Maintenance License (AML).

  3. Previous company authorization and experience logbook summary (last 2 years).

Lao Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.