Page 10 - AAA MARCH - MAY 2022 Online Magazine

MAINTEANCE REPAIR OVERHAUL

Labour to dominate domestic travel, which is the first
market segment that is showing signs of recov-
ery. “The shortage of the mechanic workforce
could not come at a worse time for the industry,
as it gears up to fly again and accommodate
a larger, newer, and more technologically
Concerns advanced fleet,” according to Oliver Wyman.

Taking Wings
A record number of new airplanes are coming
into service increasing not only the work-
load of aviation mechanics but also the skill
sets required to support the expanding fleet.
SHORTAGE OF AVIATION MAINTENANCE Observers estimate that global airlines could
TECHNICIANS COULDN’T HAVE COME AT A add over 10,000 aircraft by 2027, increasing
WORSE TIME their fleet by about 40 per cent, which reflects
purchases of over 20,000 next-generation air-
craft in the next 5 years and the retirement of
Jay Menon over 10,000 airplanes.

A recent Boeing Technician Outlook noted
As airlines across the world are trying to take to the air, post- that, “The need for maintenance personnel
Covid-19, the maintenance industry is struggling to keep aviation is largest in the Asia Pacific region, which will
platforms in airworthy condition. The excitement of getting back require 257,000 new technicians. Airlines in
into the skies is, however, dampened by the lack of qualified avi- North America will require 189,000, Europe
ation maintenance technicians (AMTs) necessary to keep the air 132,000, the Middle East 66,000, Latin America
transport fleet flying. 55,000, Africa 28,000, and Russia/Central Asia
27,000.” One of the main reasons behind the
Aircraft emerging from storage require additional inspections lack of skilled workers is that unlike other types
and operational checks prior to release for flight. Most aircraft of industrial maintenance and vehicle mainte-
returning to service are narrow bodies. This reflects their current nance in which trade schools can produce
popularity with airlines because of cost efficiency. They also tend skilled technicians in 18 months or so, aircraft

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