The Aviation Workforce Challenge
The aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry faces a major challenge: an aging workforce and growing fleet demands. Nearly 38% of certified technicians are over 60, according to the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), while Oliver Wyman forecasts a 32% increase in global aircraft between 2025 and 2035. This imbalance is fueling a critical aviation technician shortage, straining operations, extending turnaround times (TAT), and driving up costs.
Closing the Gap with Digital Transformation
By 2028, the North American shortfall could reach 25,000 technicians. Labor costs are already up more than 13%, and attrition remains high. To keep pace, MROs are shifting from manual processes to digital MRO platforms that connect people, parts, and processes across the hangar. Modern cloud-based MRO software unifies scheduling, inventory, and compliance tracking into one environment. Technicians gain real-time access to data, documentation, and digital task cards, saving hours otherwise lost to paper workflows or siloed systems.
Technology as a Workforce Multiplier
New technologies are redefining MRO productivity. AI-driven predictive maintenance helps schedule work before failures occur. AR and VR training shorten onboarding and reduce errors, while mobile access puts compliance and parts data at technicians’ fingertips. The result is faster, safer, and more consistent maintenance, while making the job more engaging for the next generation of aviation professionals.
Impresa™ MRO: Orchestrating Modern Maintenance
Impresa™ MRO acts as the conductor that unites people, parts, tools, files, and data into a synchronized digital workflow. Unlike legacy ERP systems, Impresa integrates planning, scheduling, inventory control, and compliance management in a single platform, streamlining operations and improving visibility.
Key benefits include:
• Faster turnaround times (TAT) through automation and AI-driven scheduling
• Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) via modern, cloud-native architecture
• Regulatory readiness with automated recordkeeping
• Real-time visibility across workforce, parts, and assets
Empowering Tomorrow’s Aviation Workforce
Today’s technicians expect digital tools, not paper trails. Platforms like Impresa MRO help organizations retain skilled labor, accelerate onboarding, and improve overall job satisfaction. By embracing digital MRO transformation, providers can reduce downtime, ensure compliance, and stay mission-ready in an industry where every hour counts.
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Download “The Future of MRO Workforce Management”
