Supply Chain Woes Force the MRO Industry Into a Perfect Storm
Aviation leaders are in the midst of a perfect storm, a convergence of trends conspiring against the MRO sector that are making it increasingly difficult to maintain and repair aircraft across the entire aviation industry—and hitting GA particularly hard.
Myriad factors are making repairs more and more difficult to make, and the aviation industry is feeling the crunch. [Credit: Adobe Stock]
Key Takeaways:
The aviation MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) sector, especially General Aviation, is experiencing a "perfect storm" of challenges, making aircraft maintenance increasingly difficult, costly, and causing significant backlogs.
This crisis is fueled by severe and worsening global supply chain disruptions for critical parts like rubber seals, avionics microchips, and spark plugs, compounded by a surge in demand for aircraft purchases and retrofits.
A deepening shortage of skilled aviation maintenance technicians, exacerbated by retirements and competition from airlines, further limits MRO capacity and contributes to extended service lead times.
Operators are advised to plan maintenance four to five months in advance and anticipate higher costs or upfront deposits to avoid lengthy aircraft groundings, with some buyers even foregoing thorough pre-purchase inspections due to unavailable MRO slots.
Aviation leaders are in the midst of a perfect storm, a convergence of trends conspiring against the MRO sector that are making it increasingly difficult to maintain and repair aircraft across the entire aviation industry—and hitting GA particularly hard.
Ryan Waguespack
And some believe that the storm may get even more severe before it subsides.
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Michael Wildes holds a master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Previously, he worked at the university’s flight department as a Flight Check Airman, Assistant Training Manager, and Quality Assurance Mentor. He holds MEI, CFI & CFII ratings. Follow Michael on Twitter @Captainwildes.
