The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that in 2012 airlines all over the world will see their profits drop by 49%, i.e. USD 1.4 billion compared to the previously expected returns. In the meantime, aviation specialists unanimously agree that by 2016 the MRO sector should increase from current USD 46.9 billion to USD 56.4 billion. Global passenger demand should also rise by up to 4%. In order to optimize costs while sustaining high quality of services, both airlines and MROs are forced to increase their focus on highly qualified and experienced technical personnel. Aviation specialists with relevant education and skills, who are capable of providing a wide spectrum of technical maintenance services and not just repair a single type of aircraft, will continue to be increasingly valued in the aviation industry.
‘During recessions the volumes of activities decrease and aircraft technical maintenance organizations must concentrate on using their resources in the most effective manner. As efforts to optimize resources are mainly directed towards human resources, in the nearest future the MROs will focus on professionals with a wider spectrum of specializations. This especially applies to technicians and mechanics who are qualified to service different aircraft types as well as provide maintenance, testing, repair and other services. Needless to say, financial hardships will be challenging to everyone in the industry. On the other hand the tougher than usual situation will encourage technical personnel to improve, gain additional knowledge and raise their qualifications,’ commented the Deputy Head of FL Technics Training Dainius Sakalauskas.
The demand for versatile aviation specialists will be further fostered by the rapidly expanding global aircraft fleet. New generation aircraft initially require less maintenance; however, they are much more sophisticated and call for higher technical expertise. An older aircraft fleet, on the other hand, does not show any tendencies to decrease – such aircraft need much more intensive technical maintenance and engineering support.
FL Technics Training experts maintain that by modifying the structure of costs and reducing the number of employees, airlines can avoid compromising on aviation safety. Global aviation specialists though have recorded a worrisome tendency that economic hardships and pressure to lower costs often result in an increased number of aviation accidents.
‘Having in mind the situation in a highly turbulent market, one of the key tasks should be ensure the proper supply versatile engineers and technicians thus maintaining a stable aviation industry growth,’ said D.Sakalauskas.
