The Protocol Programme: Advanced Ground operations through Landing Gear Enhancements and The Corrosion Resistant Steel Project (AGILE-CREST)

Aircraft landing gear currently requires a costly overhaul every 10 years, driven largely by corrosion. This project aims to replace conventional landing gear materials with new high-strength stainless steels that resist rust and wear far longer. The problem is economic. Corrosion accounts for roughly one third of the total overhaul repair bill for landing gear, and it is the main reason components must be stripped down and refurbished every decade. These overhauls cause flight delays, cancellations, and significant operational costs for airlines. The project brings together a landing gear manufacturer, a steel producer, and an advanced manufacturing research centre to test whether new corrosion-resistant alloys can withstand the extreme forces and environmental exposure of take-off and landing. If successful, the impact is straightforward: extending the time between overhauls from 10 to 14 years would cut the cost of owning and operating landing gear by about $10 per flight hour per aircraft. That saving comes from fewer maintenance interruptions, fewer spare parts, and less aircraft downtime. For a large fleet, the cumulative reduction in operational cost is substantial, and the improved reliability means fewer last-minute cancellations for passengers.