MRO CHALLENGES IN ASIA AND SOLUTIONS

What does the future hold for MRO in Asia? As the region witnesses rapid growth in air travel in recent years, the increasing demand for maintenance services becomes impossible to ignore. However, amidst this growth, the MRO sector in Asia also confronts significant challenges. In this post, we delve into the various obstacles encountered by MRO providers in Asia and how to solve all of these difficulties.

Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic

The first issue we will discuss is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has posed significant challenges to the entire aviation industry, including the MRO sector. The pandemic has led to reduced passenger traffic, workforce numbers, and supply chain disruptions, affecting the global aviation fleet and passenger demand. According to Oliver Wyman, a leading consulting firm, global passenger traffic has started to recover, with the global fleet reaching 98% recovery and passenger traffic returning to 90% as of the beginning of 2023. However, the sharp decline in passenger traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the industry greatly, and its lingering effects are still being felt as the MRO industry continues to face the challenge of adapting to the new normal.

Global air passenger market, demand and capacity trends versus pre-Covid levels. Source: IATA

The demand for maintenance services in the aviation industry is directly linked to the number of flights and passengers. In the aftermath of the pandemic, there has been a notable shift in consumer behavior, creating new opportunities for those who can effectively navigate these changes. For instance, the decrease in international travel and the rise of remote work have led to altered travel patterns and preferences. To capitalize on these shifts, industry players must adapt their strategies and services accordingly. By acting proactive and tailoring their offerings to meet the evolving needs of travelers, businesses will have a chance to secure top positions in this changing landscape.

Technological Advancements

In recent years, significant progress has been made in digital transformation, data analytics, and automation. The adoption of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data analytics has sparked a wave of transformation across industries worldwide, including ours. To stay aligned with global trends and maintain our competitive edge, it is imperative that we embrace these digital technologies and integrate them into our operations. However, it is important to note that the implementation of such upgrades often requiring substantial investment, presenting difficult challenges for enterprises on limited budgets.

Labor Shortages

The shortage of skilled technicians and engineers presents a significant barrier to the growth of the MRO industry. With experienced professionals retiring and new technologies emerging, the ability to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce becomes crucial. According to the Former Chairman of the NBAA Maintenance Committee, “For every 4 aviation maintenance technicians leaving the industry, only 3 are entering to fill their positions.” This situation is expected to persist until at least 2031. To tackle this challenge, we are exploring methods to efficiently establish innovative training programs and apprenticeships. Hopefully, we can find a viable solution to this difficult issue in the near future.

Comparation Between Asia And Other Regions.

Source: Alton analysis

And now is the time for Asia. The MRO industry in Asia is also facing challenges similar to other regions worldwide.

However, due to the growing aviation market and the shift in global economic power, Asia is emerging as a land full of promises for experienced aviation enterprises. The magnitude and achievements of the Asian MRO industry in the future can be understood by referring to the forecasts published by Alton Aviation Consultancy.

P/s: These are the opinions of our team – IAEV on the challenges and suggested solutions of the MRO industry. We warmly welcome you to join the conversation by sharing your own perspectives. We are excited to hear what you think about these topics! Feel free to leave your comment here in this post!

By: The IAEV Team