Aviation maintenance professionals rarely see the spotlight, but your work is the foundation of every safe flight. You are the quiet constant behind the success of global aviation. As we close our final issue of the year, here at Aviation Maintenance magazine we want to pause and recognize you — the professionals who make every safe departure possible. Aviation mechanics and technicians work long hours in environments that are often uncomfortable — under the blazing sun, in freezing winds, in pouring rain and during driving snowstorms. And, more often than not, while the rest of the world is asleep.
Let me touch on a couple of key moments from this year. Our industry experienced amazingly strong post-pandemic recovery which has propelled the aviation industry into what some have called a supercycle — full recovery beyond pre-pandemic revenues, with revenues well above 2019 and continued expansion expected through the decade, according to experts like the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) and consultancy Oliver Wyman.
There are some challenges, nevertheless. Persistent supply chain challenges have cost the airline industry billions this year. These costs stem from a mix of delayed aircraft and parts deliveries, older aircraft staying in service longer (increasing maintenance needs), rising leasing costs for engines and the need to stockpile spares due to unpredictability.
IATA says aircraft deliveries remain slower than airline demand — and production backlogs are extremely high — causing carriers to keep older jets flying longer. This directly increases maintenance workloads, parts demand and overall operational complexity.
Another key development is the acceleration of the adoption of technology. I have always pushed back when some have said our industry is not progressive in terms of technology. I believe the industry not only embraces technology, you are hungry for it and even create it whenever you see the need. According to Oliver Wyman’s report, “The MRO Demand Challenge,” predictive maintenance powered by data analytics, AI and IoT is transforming how maintenance is planned and executed, helping reduce downtime, improve safety and lengthen component life cycles.
Cutting-edge tech like AI-assisted inspection systems and advanced digital tool-tracking solutions are being deployed to help maintainers work more efficiently and safely, especially in traditionally challenging tasks. AI and video systems are helping reduce inspection times and improving remote support for difficult tasks like fuel-tank and other inspections.
Hopefully, this wholehearted embrace of technology will help because this year, our industry continued to grapple with a structural workforce challenge: the supply of qualified maintenance professionals. Reports from the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) and Oliver Wyman show that new certifications and training program enrollment are increasing; however, demand is still outpacing supply. At current trends, the aviation maintenance industry is facing about a 10% shortage of certificated mechanics in 2025, meaning there are thousands fewer qualified technicians than needed just to support commercial aviation alone.
Retirements and attrition will further tighten staffing, the experts say. The industry will need to continue to try to fill seats at training schools, as well as hire for new instructors and examiners. ARSA predicts by 2028, there will be roughly 25,000 fewer certificated mechanics than required, if current trends continue. We must stay vigilant about strengthening the pipeline — through education, mentorship, outreach and broader recognition of the value of aviation maintenance careers. This will continue to be an industry priority. We thank the schools, employers and professionals working to build that future.
I want to remind everyone who flies that the reliability of our aviation world is built one inspection, one repair, one meticulously thought-out decision at a time. It is the resilience, skills and professionalism of the aviation maintenance community that makes that possible. Even with technological advances, it is still the human touch that makes the difference and gives the flying public the certainty that it is safe to fly.
This final issue of the year gives us an opportunity to reflect — not only on the challenges faced by the aviation maintenance industry, but on the professionalism and resolve shown in meeting them. Whether working in extreme conditions, under impossibly tight timelines or in complex technical environments, you continue to demonstrate what excellence looks like in aviation maintenance.
The dedication, precision and commitment to safety of all who work in our community are the invisible forces that keep aircraft flying safely and passengers confident. To each and every one of you who turn wrenches, inspect systems, troubleshoot faults and sign your name in the logbooks: thank you for the work you do and the standards you uphold every day.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we do so with appreciation for you, the people who make this industry strong. Together, we are part of an industry built on safety, reliability and continuous improvement.
We also extend sincere thanks to our advertisers and industry partners. The support of these folks allows us to tell the stories, share the knowledge and highlight the innovations that help move aviation maintenance forward.
Thank you for being part of the aviation maintenance community. We extend our sincere gratitude to all of the professionals like you, who keep aircraft flying safely in every condition imaginable. Wishing you all the best in 2026!