If you have read reviews of AMS software online, you may have come across feedback mentioning performance limitations, an interface that felt dated, or restricted mobile access. That feedback reflects real experiences with AMS v21, our on-premise system that has served the aviation maintenance industry for over two decades.
It is worth knowing that context. AMS v21 was purpose-built for an era when server-based architectures were the industry standard, and for many years it delivered exactly what operators needed. AIR22 is a separate product, not a patch or an upgrade. It was rebuilt from the ground up, in close collaboration with our clients, to carry forward everything that worked in v21, and to add the three capabilities the modern maintenance ecosystem now requires.
The Architecture Shift: From On-Premise Server to Cloud
| AMS v21 | AMS AIR22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Database | MySQL (relational) | Neo4j (Graph Database) |
| Infrastructure | On-premise server required | Microsoft Azure Cloud (Europe, Canada, USA, Singapore) |
| Access | Remote Desktop / local network | Any browser, any device, any location |
| Offline capability | No | Yes, native offline mode |
| IT maintenance | Customer IT team required | Fully managed by AMS |
| Upgrades | Scheduled, disruptive | Continuous, transparent |
| Users | Limited by server capacity | Unlimited concurrent users |
The move to a Graph Database is not a cosmetic change. Where a relational database stores data in isolated tables, a graph database stores relationships directly. Every component is linked to every other component it interacts with, through the entire chain of its operational history. A part removed, reinstalled, transferred to another aircraft, repaired, and returned to service carries its complete traceability at every step, without reconstruction.
This architecture enables two of AIR22’s most distinctive features: the aircraft timeline (the ability to visualise the exact configuration and airworthiness status of any aircraft at any point in the past or future, instantly) and an unlimited component configuration tree. Together, these capabilities eliminate days of audit preparation work.
What We Kept: 25 Years of Operational Knowledge
AIR22 was developed in direct collaboration with active operators, MRO directors, CAMO managers, and certifying staff. Every core workflow from v21 was reviewed, validated, and rebuilt with extended capabilities.
“We were concerned about losing years of component history. The AMS team transferred everything and the data was more accessible than before.”
The Three Pillars Added to AIR22
1. Mobility: Anywhere, Any Device
AIR22 is accessible from any device (desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone) with a personal secured login. A native offline mode ensures continuity in environments with limited or no connectivity: remote airstrips, hangar floors, or field operations away from base infrastructure.
2. Simplicity: Cloud, Automation, and a Modern Interface
The interface of v21 reflected the design standards of its era. Enterprise aviation software of that generation was built to be functionally complete, not visually intuitive, and v21 was no different from its competitors in that respect.
AIR22 introduced: a planning dashboard with visual task cards and drag-and-drop work package management, QR code scanning from any mobile device, Excel import templates, automated workflows, electronic signatures on all documents, and customisable screen profiles by user role. Guaranteed uptime: 99.9%.
3. Connectivity: Integrations That Eliminate Double Entry
V21 operated as a standalone system. AIR22 ships with an open API library connecting to flight ops tools (AirTrail, Air Maestro, REDiFly, Cirro, Conduce), finance and ERP systems (SAP Business One, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, Cegid XRP Flex, QuickBooks), and OEMs (Airbus Helicopters, ATR, Safran Helicopter Engines, Robinson Helicopter Company).
What the Migration Actually Looks Like
AMS has now completed this process with more than 50 organisations, across fleets ranging from single-aircraft operators to large multi-base Part 145 organisations.
Current production figures: 1,200+ aircraft actively managed in AIR22, 200+ clients across 43 countries, average migration timeline 6 to 8 weeks.
- Database assessment
- Data extraction and import
- Parallel running period
- Training
- Go-live and hypercare
Understanding the Reviews
| Feedback about ‘AMS’ | AIR22 response |
|---|---|
| ‘Slow performance / freezing’ | AIR22 is cloud-hosted on regionalised Microsoft Azure servers. No dependency on local IT infrastructure. Fastest solution AMS has ever produced, backed by 99.9% uptime SLA. |
| ‘Outdated interface’ | Modern UX: planning dashboard with visual task cards, mobile-optimised views, QR code integration, customisable screen profiles. |
| ‘Limited mobile access’ | Accessible on any device with a native offline mode. |
| ‘Modules not integrated’ | AIR22 is a single integrated system. CAMO, MRO, and Supply Chain share one Graph Database layer. |
| ‘Support slow to respond’ | 3 support locations (Americas, Europe, Malaysia). 90% client satisfaction rate. |
For Organisations Currently on V21
AMS v21 is not being discontinued. Version 21.3.7 and future iterations will remain in active production for a minimum of five years.