Senior Editor

Jerry Siebenmark

The aviation maintenance industry is showing signs of a post-pandemic recovery while concerns about a technician shortage are renewed, according to results of an Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA)&nbsp;<a href="https://arsa.org/survey2021/">survey</a>. The February-March survey of 116 U.S. companies representing 196 FAA repair stations showed a 15.6 percent year-over-year decline in workers, from 22,952 in January 2020 to 19,360 in January 2021.

 


An economic slowdown caused by Covid-19 prompted 56 percent of ARSA members to seek government assistance through forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans. Another 14.6 percent received Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans and 7.6 percent received aid through the Air Carrier Payroll Support Program.

 


But looking ahead, 59.2 percent of respondents plan to add workers this year while 33 percent expect employment to remain flat. Less than 2 percent expect layoffs. Additionally, more than half—55.3 percent—of the companies surveyed anticipate revenue and market growth this year, with 25.2 percent expecting business activity to remain flat. Less than 7 percent expect contraction and 12 percent were uncertain about business activity this year.

 


Despite the optimism, 52.5 percent of surveyed companies reported “difficulty finding/retaining technical talent” as a major threat to their companies going forward, according to the survey. During the period, 907 technical positions went unfilled, the survey noted.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Aviation Mx Industry Looks for Post-pandemic Recovery

Concerns of a technician shortage are renewed, however, according to an Aeronautical Repair Station Association survey.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Aircraft is for National Science Foundation-University of Wyoming environmental research 

Avcon STCs Multiple Mods on Special-mission King Air

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Expands capability to maintain Europe-based business jets

JetSupport Gains EASA Approval for Challenger Maintenance

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Modification improves visibility of the helicopter during firefighting operations

Spaes Adds Pulse Lights to Airbus AS332 Helicopter

Charles Alcock

Authorization means Malaysian company is now approved by 16 national aviation regulators 

Japan Approves ExecuJet MRO for Falcon 2000EX Work

Expands company’s capabilities under Textron Aviation authorization

Gama Aviation Adds Full-service Mx for Citation XL/XLS

Jessica Reed

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Avcon STCs Multiple Mods on Special-mission King Air

Aircraft is for National Science Foundation-University of Wyoming environmental research

JetSupport Gains EASA Approval for Challenger Maintenance

Expands capability to maintain Europe-based business jets

Spaes Adds Pulse Lights to Airbus AS332 Helicopter

Modification improves visibility of the helicopter during firefighting operations

Japan Approves ExecuJet MRO for Falcon 2000EX Work

Authorization means Malaysian company is now approved by 16 national aviation regulators

Gama Aviation Adds Full-service Mx for Citation XL/XLS

Expands company’s capabilities under Textron Aviation authorization

Epic Aircraft Taps Victory Lane as 1st Gold Star Provider

Gold Star Authorized Service Center is a new tier within the Epic's aircraft support network

Gulfstream Aerospace Completes Expansion at St. Louis MRO

Modernized facility increases aircraft completions capability and brings more jobs

Gulfstream Expands FAST Ops in White Plains, New York

New base to meet customer demand and growing aircraft activity in the region

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