Go Live! Round-up

Now a staple of the exhibition floor, MRO Europe’s Go Live! Theatre is open to all attendees and complements the show’s conference agenda with two days of quick-fire presentations on evolving trends, technologies and processes in the aftermarket.

Suitably, many of the sessions addressed one of the key challenges identified during the preceding conference: How to attract and retain new talent.

“We’ve got to change how we think about maintenance. We need mechanics but we surround them with paperwork,” said Boeing’s Darren Macer, urging MROs to alleviate burdensome tasks and use virtual reality to help train junior mechanics.

Several companies presented new technologies that complement Macer’s goal. These included a workflow optimization tool from Pelico to speed up engine shop visits; new software from Turkish Technic to cut electrical load assessments from days to seconds; and a smart borescope from Waygate that standardizes images and automates damage reports. There was also a valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of AI in an industrial setting.

While new technologies can lighten workloads, staff also need to stay happy and motivated. For the past four years TUI Group has pursued that goal through its ‘Enjoyneering’ concept, designed to combine five different airline engineering arms across multiple countries into a cohesive whole.

Nonetheless, recruitment remains a challenge – one that Go Live! sought to address through a busy networking event for under-35s. This was preceded by advice from senior MRO executives on how to get ahead in the industry (Top tip: build a personal development plan).

There was also advice from GetJet CEO Inga Douglas, who discussed the obstacles she faced progressing from the MRO sector to her present role in an industry where only 5% of airline leaders are women.

Another element of ESG was covered by Aviation Week’s carbon intensity forecast, which looked at the efficiency gains – or otherwise – of Europe’s four largest carriers. Fleet renewal has helped improve their fuel efficiency although the return to service of four-engine A380s is a headwind.

It has also provided an opportunity for parts company Setna IO, which has acquired six A380s for teardown. It noted that the supply chain was struggling to catch up with a “surprising” recovery of the double-decker post-Covid, with 185 out of 250 produced aircraft now back in service.

That renaissance extends to other aircraft types, although Bain & Co’s John Wenzel warned MROs to prepare for a dip in the cycle from the early 2030s, when the consultancy expects higher new aircraft output and a wave of retirements to soften demand for maintenance.

Finally, there was a reminder about the wider context in which the aftermarket operates, with Airlink’s Brandon Stokes detailing the NGO’s work delivering supplies for humanitarian bodies engaged in crisis and disaster relief.