Protections are being developed now to ensure the parts made through additive manufacturing maintain high production standards. Each individual airline has to do their part as well. No amount of proper testing, planning, certification, and protection of designs matters if the airline drops the ball. But, if the airline wants to safely stay in the air, this advancement enables them to do so, even if the country is in crisis – economic or otherwise.
Changing the supply line has the potential to be a game changer for these smaller carriers. No longer will they be at the mercy of the shipping process (and the possible bribery or theft that might happen along the way). They’ll have more power internally.