MRO Memo: It’s That Time Of Year Again

When a year moves at such a breakneck pace as 2021 has, annual events commonly re-appear in your in-tray that were completed what seems like just a couple of months before. 

This is true of our editorial content planning for events, such as MRO Asia-Pacific and MRO Europe which are coming up in September and October, respectively. Participating in these virtually last year included hosting an MRO Asia-Pacific big data webinar at 2 am from my flat in London. This was undoubtedly one of the most fun yet surreal moments of my career to date.

This year, along with my MRO editorial colleagues, we will be moderating events at both conferences. One virtually again (MRO Asia-Pacific) and one in-person (MRO Europe).

On the publications side, planning is well underway for our annual Engine Yearbook, which is due to be published in early December. I vividly remember signing off some of the last files from a West London coffee shop that was already decorated in full Christmas regalia last November. This was my attempt to get a change of scenery during lockdown, and at that point, most places would have sufficed. Never had average, overpriced coffee tasted so good. 

Signing off the yearbook always brings a tremendous sense of satisfaction, but last year even more so considering the circumstances in which the world found itself in. 

We published the 2021 edition at the height of the COVID-19 crisis  as airlines deferred or canceled overhaul work on their engines.

In my mind, it was the most challenging yet undoubtedly most rewarding to date. Not only did it serve its market with some broad and timely analysis, expertly compiled by editor Alex Derber, but we also increased the use of our data resources to give a more comprehensive outlook in such uncertain times. 

From a design perspective, the Andy Warhol concept cover was bold but brilliant—a fantastic effort from our design team that was very well received and sets a high benchmark for the next edition.

The directory section, which lists overhaul, auxiliary power unit and specialist repair companies from across the world free of charge, also saw more companies listed than ever before.

For the first time, another entity in the form of leasing companies were included. While still in its infancy, we hope to further grow this section for 2022 and reflect the prominent position lessors and asset managers have in today’s aviation aftermarket. 

The outlook will continue to be unashamedly global, and we welcome any company in the engine MRO industry to come forward to list their company, if you haven’t already.

If your company hasn’t been listed in the Engine Yearbook before, contact us at [email protected] 

James Pozzi

As Aviation Week's MRO Editor EMEA, James Pozzi covers the latest industry news from the European region and beyond. He also writes in-depth features on the commercial aftermarket for Inside MRO.