Aircraft maintenance practices in promoting operational efficiency of light aircraft industry in Kenya: case of Wilson Airport

Abstract

Strategic aircraft maintenance practices are critical in enhancing the operational efficiency of the light aircraft industry in Kenya. This study investigates the influence of four key maintenance variables, namely Maintenance Turnaround Time (MT), Technician Skill Level (TS), Preventive versus Corrective Maintenance Ratio (PC), and Compliance with Audit Findings (AF), on operational efficiency at Wilson Airport. The study is anchored on three theoretical perspectives: Market Structure Theory, which explains how the organization of the maintenance environment affects turnaround time and operational outcomes; Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, which emphasizes the strategic importance of skilled personnel in delivering competitive advantage; and Total Quality Management (TQM), which highlights the role of quality practices in ensuring compliance and balancing preventive and corrective maintenance interventions. An explanatory research design with a quantitative approach is adopted, using structured questionnaires administered to Aeronautical Engineers, Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, Quality Assurance Officers, and Operations Managers. From a target population of 422 personnel, a stratified random sampling technique will be used to draw a representative sample of 201 respondents. A pilot study with a subset of participants will assess the clarity and consistency of the instrument. Content validity will be established through expert review using the Content Validity Index (CVI), while reliability will be confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha. Data analysis will involve descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression to examine the relationships between the independent variables and operational efficiency. The findings are expected to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving aircraft maintenance practices, enhancing workforce competency, strengthening audit compliance, and ultimately supporting sustainable operational efficiency in Kenya’s light aircraft sector.