By replacing spreadsheets with a fully integrated MRO platform, Aviasur increased operational efficiency, delivered real-time visibility to clients, and unlocked a new, profitable business line through digital aircraft management.
Aviasur is one of the most prominent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centers in Chile, with world-class facilities at Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport and official representation of OEMs such as Pilatus, Daher, and HondaJet. Its reputation across Latin America is grounded in technical excellence, operational reliability, and a strong commitment to customer service.
In 2024, Aviasur reached a critical juncture: the need to offer its clients comprehensive fleet management in a more efficient, transparent, and scalable way. The challenge was not only to optimize internal processes but also to enable a new business model—digital aircraft management for third-party customers. In this context, Aviasur decided to implement SOMA Software.
Before implementing SOMA, Aviasur managed several critical aspects of its operations through spreadsheets. As Omar Maldonado, Director of Aviation at SOMA Software, stated:
“It wasn’t a matter of technical capacity, but of scalability and traceability. For an MRO with Aviasur’s size and reputation, continuing without an integrated solution was beginning to hinder its efficiency and growth potential”
Using spreadsheets to manage maintenance tracking, inventory control, and work order administration severely limited operational visibility and made traceability difficult during audits or with demanding clients. A concrete example of this fragility was the duplication of maintenance records caused by manual errors, which led to inconsistencies between flight hours logged and hours reported in maintenance systems. This impacted not only technical planning but also client trust, particularly where documentation precision was expected. Additionally, it had financial implications by disrupting accurate maintenance forecasting.
The lack of automated workflows also caused purchasing errors due to the absence of cross-checks with inventory data, resulting in cost overruns and delays. This dependence on manual tools put pressure on operational personnel and increased the likelihood of human error.
Aviasur was also in the middle of an ERP migration to SAP Business One, which further highlighted the need for a flexible, modular, and aviation-focused system.
The transition began when Aviasur added a strategic client who required high levels of traceability, regulatory compliance, and professional-grade operational reporting. This new relationship demanded a robust platform with client-facing visibility that could be seamlessly integrated into Aviasur’s internal workflows—without relying on spreadsheets or generic tools.
At that point, Aviasur proactively contacted SOMA Software. Thanks to years of sector presence and the SOMA team’s deep understanding of the real needs of Latin American operators, Aviasur saw SOMA as a strategic ally—not just another software vendor.
“They already knew us and had us in mind. When they found themselves in real need of a professional solution, they came to us because they knew we had on-the-ground experience,” said Omar Maldonado.
Using spreadsheets to manage maintenance tracking, inventory control, and work order administration severely limited operational visibility and made traceability difficult during audits or with demanding clients. A concrete example of this fragility was the duplication of maintenance records caused by manual errors, which led to inconsistencies between flight hours logged and hours reported in maintenance systems. This impacted not only technical planning but also client trust, particularly where documentation precision was expected. Additionally, it had financial implications by disrupting accurate maintenance forecasting.
The lack of automated workflows also caused purchasing errors due to the absence of cross-checks with inventory data, resulting in cost overruns and delays. This dependence on manual tools put pressure on operational personnel and increased the likelihood of human error.
Aviasur was also in the middle of an ERP migration to SAP Business One, which further highlighted the need for a flexible, modular, and aviation-focused system.
SOMA deployed its solution in phases, starting with the maintenance module for five aircraft and quickly expanding to four additional ones, with the goal of managing ten aircraft by year-end. In addition to maintenance, Aviasur incorporated the following SOMA modules:
One of the most impactful features was providing dedicated access portals for Aviasur clients—such as government or corporate fleets—who can now view real-time maintenance status of their aircraft. This feature has elevated both the transparency and professionalism of Aviasur's MRO service.
“Now the client can log in and see the status of each aircraft directly through the platform. That builds confidence and shows the service is managed using professional-grade systems,” said Maldonado.
Discover how Aviasur modernized its maintenance operations and unlocked new revenue with SOMA Software. If you're ready to improve efficiency, visibility, and client satisfaction, our aviation experts are here to help you explore the right solution for your MRO.
As a critical part of implementation, SOMA developed a “proprietary view” feature. This functionality allows end clients—such as the strategic account that prompted the transformation—to securely access data related to their own aircraft.
With this view, clients can:
This capability was built as a native extension of the SOMA platform and was directly funded by Aviasur. The value generated by this feature strengthened Aviasur’s relationship with its clients by providing full visibility throughout the MRO process.
“It gives you peace of mind knowing that maintenance is being tracked in a computerized system that I, as the client, can monitor in real time,” Maldonado emphasized.
In addition to enhancing perception of professionalism, the proprietary view reduces operational friction, improves communication, and reinforces Aviasur’s role as a trusted partner rather than a mere service provider.
It has also become a clear competitive advantage over other MROs that have yet to digitize the client relationship experience.
Implementing SOMA did not only solve operational inefficiencies—it enabled a new line of business. Aviasur began offering digital aircraft management as a service to its clients, within a secure and professional ecosystem, and at a cost lower than alternatives like CAMP or RAMCO.
This model allowed Aviasur to generate additional recurring revenue by charging a monthly fee per aircraft under administration, while keeping operational costs low thanks to SOMA’s automation and visibility.
“With clients paying high monthly fees for other platforms, Aviasur can now offer a complete, professional service at a lower price—and still capture a solid profit margin. SOMA pays for itself,” explained SOMA’s technical team.
The organizational value for Aviasur was twofold:
Today, Aviasur is not just a maintenance provider. It delivers a full-service package that includes digital aircraft management, component tracking, automated reporting, expiration alerts, and full integration with the company’s internal procedures.
“Aviasur is now incorporating SOMA workflows into its Procedure Manual. This makes SOMA part of the MRO’s operational DNA and raises the bar for every client it serves,” said Maldonado.
The SOMA team has also supported Aviasur with custom developments—such as maintenance catalogs and modules for specific aircraft types—which can be reused in future projects, adding further value.
The Aviasur case proves that modern MROs cannot rely on manual processes and disconnected tools if they wish to remain competitive in a space where traceability, operational efficiency, and client responsiveness are vital.
From a technical and financial standpoint, adopting MRO software like SOMA is a strategic investment—not a cost. For MROs seeking to professionalize operations and scale sustainably, Aviasur’s journey offers five key takeaways:
The SOMA team has also supported Aviasur with custom developments—such as maintenance catalogs and modules for specific aircraft types—which can be reused in future projects, adding further value.
In short, the path to MRO operational excellence is inseparable from digital transformation. It’s not just about adopting technology—it’s about using it as a lever for cultural, financial, and commercial evolution. The future belongs to MROs that understand every digitally managed aircraft as an opportunity to strengthen client relationships, improve margins, and raise industry standards.
Discover how SOMA Software can simplify maintenance, improve operations, and keep you compliant in one integrated airline maintenance software platform.
