A February report to the U.S. Congress by the Government Accountability Office found only mixed evidence on the much-discussed mechanic shortage, but urged FAA to increase collaboration and data efforts to develop what GAO called “a robust, diverse,” mechanic workforce.
Rolls-Royce has entered the digital platform arena by launching Yocova, a cloud-based solution for the aviation industry to manage data. The site is designed to allow data exchange and collaboration in a neutral environment.
MRO providers represent a growing source of competition for established engine lessors, a fact underlined by Total Engine Asset Management’s move to grow its portfolio of spare engines for rent.
Technician recruitment is a challenge impacting all parts of the world. This is very much the case in Australia, a country where MRO providers are looking at the tips and traps for recruiting new aviation mechanics.
The coronavirus outbreak and trade tensions with the US may mean that China has sunk down the list of attractive business destinations for the time being, but Western MRO companies remain committed to a country where many have already accumulated substantial experience.
Engine companies’ position at the forefront of technological change in the MRO sector has been highlighted by Pratt & Whitney’s latest revelations about its aftermarket operations in Asia.
Despite Lufthansa Technik’s ownership of 25% of Ameco, China’s largest maintenance provider, Lufthansa Airline has sent some important work south, to another major Chinese MRO.
Aerospace equipment OEM Collins Aerospace plans to add wheels and brakes maintenance capabilities at a new facility it opened in late 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas.
On Capitol Hill, industry stakeholders highlight the need for modernizing aviation maintenance curriculum as a key barrier in filling empty AMT positions.
The aftermarket boom in the Middle East, primarily driven by the expansions of carriers Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways has provided a boon for MROs in the region while outside companies have set up shop its growth epicenter the United Arab Emirates.
First trailed in the latter part of 2019, the MRO Blockchain Alliance has now officially launched with the aim of releasing a proof of concept technology platform in the third quarter of 2020.
To tap on the demand for MRO services in Vietnam and the region, Singapore Technologies Engineering has signed a MOU with Vietnam Airlines to study an airframe MRO services joint venture in Vietnam’s Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
TP Aerospace commenced operation at its new MRO facility in Orlando, Florida in late 2019 and the move to the larger location will better position it to service customers in Central and Latin America as well as the U.S. east coast.
Middle Eastern engine MRO Sanad Aerotech has moved forward with its African expansion plans by signing a cooperation with Ethiopian Airlines to jointly build an MRO center of excellence on the continent.
