Gallery: Editors’ Highlights From MRO Americas 2024

A birds-eye view of part of the MRO Americas’ 840,000 ft.² of exhibition space, including the Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) in the foreground. The AMC drew a record 90 teams—spanning schools, operators and the military—to compete in 27 skill events. The competition also featured six all-female teams and the competition’s first all-female military team.

The MRO Podcast introduced a first—a live recording! James Pozzi moderated the panel on the MRO Americas GoLive! Theater, where Aviation Week Network’s MRO editorial and data team discussed what stuck out at the event. Pictured left to right: James Pozzi, Sean Broderick, Lindsay Bjerregaard, Dan Williams and Lee Ann Shay.

John Holmes, AAR Corp’s chairman and CEO, delivered the opening keynote for MRO Americas—imparting interesting facts about Chicago—including the fact it was home to the first skyscraper—and discussing everything from workforce development and dropping seasonal hiring to operating margins and investments.

The exhibition floor featured some distinctly Chicago touches. The Chicago Bucket Boys opened the show on April 9 with their locally famous percussion performance. Meanwhile, Chicago-area companies AAR and Setna iO added local flair to their booths, including a mock-up of the historic Chicago Theatre and a custom-painted trailer featuring Chicago hot dogs and deep dish pizza.

Delta Air Lines and Delta TechOps execs honored Don Mitacek (middle) after he received Aviation Week Network’s Lifetime Achievement in MRO award.

Aviation Week also posthumously honored Earl Exum with the 2024 MRO Lifetime Achievement award. Exum, previously International Aero Engines chairperson and Pratt & Whitney vice president of Mature Commercial Engines, was recognized for his industry leadership and volunteer efforts around workforce and DE&I.

Following their “Breaking Down Barriers Now!” panel on April 10, the group that talked about real-world solutions to attracting a more diverse group of people to aviation posed for a photo. (Left to right): Marty Nesbitt, Founding Partner, Co-CEO, The Vistria Group; Dr. Tammera L. Holmes, Founder & Board Chair, non-profit AeroStar Avion Institute; Lee Ann Shay, executive editor MRO & business aviation, Aviation Week Network; and Doug Parker, former chairman and CEO of American Airlines and co-founder of Breaking Down Barriers, a nonprofit that strives to provide opportunities for underrepresented young adults.

During an April 10 panel about generative artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive maintenance, speakers from Airbus, Boeing, Delta TechOps, McKinsey and United Airlines discussed how their companies are approaching AI development and challenges. (Left to right): Lindsay Bjerregaard, managing editor MRO, Aviation Week Network; Naina Dhareshwar, CTO, Boeing Digital Aviation Solutions; Dave Marcontell, expert associate partner, McKinsey & Company; Mike McBride, VP maintenance operations, Delta TechOps; Luke Meminger, director of digital fleet management, United Airlines; and Fabrice Villaume, head of digital business, Airbus.

Aviation Week partnered with nonprofit The Diversity Org to host a group of local high school students at MRO Americas. Students learned about aviation industry career paths and toured the show floor to get a firsthand look at aircraft and engine technologies.

Speakers from regional and LCC airlines discussed MRO strategies and challenges during a panel on April 9. (Left to right): Sean Broderick, senior air transport & safety editor, Aviation Week Network; Lori DiMarco, VP maintenance & engineering, Mesa Airlines; Greg Lambert, director business administration, heavy check & planning, Endeavor Air; and Peter Schumann, director planning & MRO, Sun Country Airlines.

Engine MRO providers discussed one of the most pressing industry challenges during a supply chain panel on April 10. Panelists reported that supply chain issues are causing significant impacts, including incredibly long engine shop visit turnaround times. (Left to right): James Pozzi, MRO editor EMEA, Aviation Week Network; Jim Berberet,SVP component services, AAR Corp.; Penny Jacob, VP business operations, Delta TechOps; Lewis Prebble, president, airlines & fleets, StandardAero; and Sebastian Torhorst, head of sales, Engine Services Americas, Lufthansa Technik.